Boxing In Canada: Frenchman Josue Blocus Shocks David Cadieux In Montreal

Towering Canadian Heavyweight Champion David Cadieux attempted to take his first steps on the world scene last night at the Casino in Montreal but the 32 year old was denied the vacant WBO NABO title by a determined 37 year old French national from California, Josue Blocus.

At 6 foot 6 and possessing an 84 inch reach, Cadieux had used his advantages well up to this point in his career, turning back fellow Canadians such as Patrice L’Heureux as well as American journeymen like Ross Purrity and Ray Lunsford for 16 consecutive victories.

But the opponent last night was a different kettle of fish. Originally from Paris, Blocus had turned professional at the ripe old age of 27 and aside from one fight in France, campaigned in America, winning all his bouts until stepping up and losing to Friday Ahunanya and Ron Guerrero in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Blocus was stopped by Guerrero and took off almost two years before returning to the ring in 2005 at 36 years of age. Blocus went into the fight with Cadieux with two stoppage wins over lower level opponents and was certainly expected to lose to the big Canadian.

Once the bout started, Blocus worked smartly behind the jab, showing Cadieux good movement that had the big man from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec searching for answers. In the second, Blocus hurt Cadieux but couldn’t finish off his rival.

By the third, the contest settled into a familiar pattern with the Canadian looking to press the action early in the round but the power of Blocus’ countering shots, along with an accurate jab, discouraged the Quebec native from becoming too ambitious.

Late in the fight, Blocus threatened to take over but the proud Canadian showed a solid chin in weathering the storm of overhand rights and managed to finish the fight with an entertaining twelfth and final round.

When the scores were read, Blocus became the WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion and improved to 15-2 (13) with a majority decision 118-111, 117-110 and a surprising 114-114.

Cadieux drops to 16-2 (11) and must return to the drawing board if he is to prove successful outside of his native Canada.