Prospect Watch: Yves Ulysse Jr.

Canada, more specifically Quebec, has been producing or importing quality boxers for years now. Names like Adonis Stevenson, David Lemiuex, Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal ring a bell for many of us, and there is a new crop on the way. Yves Ulysse Jr. is one of the best of this batch, rising through the ranks of a 140-pound division that isn’t top heavy. This will be especially true when Terence Crawford packs his bags and heads northward.

According to Boxrec he has already claimed a top-20 position within a 15-fight span, indicating that there isn’t too much fluff to his resume. A look at his CV confirms it. 2017 alone has been a defining year for him. Back in March he was featured on the David Lemiuex-Curtis Stevens undercard, being paired with one of Oscar De La Hoya’s undefeated prospects, Zachary Ochoa (16-0, 7 KO’s). The former Canadian amateur standout gave a jab-happy Ochoa a clear, honest whipping. Ulysse was able to get it done via a tight defense, quick hands, a varied offense and good pop. He forced a corner stoppage after the 7^th.

Full Fight Video: Zachary OCHOA vs. Yves ULYSSE

Next was a clear decision over a scrappy Filipino veteran who was good enough to draw with another quality Canadian, Dierry Jean. Ricky Sismundo (31-9-3, 13 KO’s) was better in terms of toughness than was Ochoa, but he didn’t have the skills to make it close. The 29-year-old Quebecois boxed smartly, moving, slipping, counter-punching.

This has setup a contest between Ulysse and Steve Claggett, the second highest rated 140-pounder in Canada. Claggett has 30 fights under his belt and has tangled with a number of recognizable names, including Konstantin Ponomarev and Chris van Heerden. The 28-year-old Alberta-native is an aggressor as well, though his power isn’t particularly damaging. The feeling then, is that Ulysse should have a big edge and move nearer to contention afterwards, possibly setting up an even bigger 2018.

It’s claimed that Yves Ulysse Jr. pursued boxing after hearing about the money Floyd Mayweather Jr. made. Ulysse will likely never come near the millions “Money” did, but he will continue to line his pockets with far more than the few dollars he was making scrapping on the streets.

Portrait d’un boxeur: Yves Ulysse JR