By GM Ross: Michael “Flash” Walchuk (9-4-0) of Kitchener, Ontario, is one of the best domestic fighters to never win a Canadian title. It’s certainly not due to lack of effort – he’s fought for Canadian Boxing Federation titles twice, in two different weight classes. In 2010 Walchuk took on two time Olympian Adam Trupish for the CBF middleweight title, but dropped a unanimous decision. Nothing to be ashamed of there. Exactly a year later, Walchuk jumped up to light heavyweight to challenge CBF champion Junior Moar (8-3-0), narrowly losing on the judges scorecards. He’s defeated two time Canadian Professional Boxing Council contender Martin Desjardins, former CBF middleweight champion Larry Sharpe, former CBF light heavyweight champion Jason Naugler and upcoming NABA Canada middleweight championship contender Stephan Boyd. Unfortunately for Walchuk, none of these victories came with a title on the line.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Walchuk is moving to the cruiserweight division to meet undefeated Colombian Eleider Alvarez (5-0-0) tonight in Montreal. Alvarez comes with an impressive amateur pedigree, including light heavyweight gold at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a professional Alvarez has faced nothing but experienced, journeymen opponents. Like fellow prospect Julius Bunda last month in Moncton, Alvarez will be jumping from four rounds to ten on Thursday. This may work to his disadvantage. If the fight heads past the half way mark, Walchuk will be in familiar territory, having gone eight rounds or more rounds on four occasions.
With a victory, Walchuk will be in the Canadian championship mix in yet another weight class and could reasonably expect a title shot against Ryan Henney (CBF) or Jason Douglas (CPBC) in the not too distant future. For Alvarez, a win over the naturally smaller Walchuk will still look good domestically. It may even put him in the fast lane for a Canadian title, if he chooses to compete for the championship of his adopted country.
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