Dominic Babineau and Jessie MacMillan Ready to Clash for Atlantic Bragging Rights
On November 28, Dominic Babineau (1-0-0, 1KOs) of Richibucto Village, New Brunswick, and Jessie MacMillan (1-2-2) of Port Hood, Nova Scotia, will battle six rounds or less at the Sportsplex in Darmouth, Nova Scotia, for Atlantic bragging rights and the CPBC regional super featherweight belt. Babineau was a decorated amateur, but now struggles to find willing opponents in the pro ranks. Dave McQuaker stepped up for Babineau's punch-for-pay debut, only to be dispatched in under a round. It's been over a year since the New Brunswick prospect saw action, but he's as ready as ever. "I've been working hard at everything," explained Babineau, "cardio, boxing, weights, all of the above. I always push myself. I've never trained like this for any of my previous 50 fights in the ring, amateur or pro."
Over the last three years, Jessie MacMillan has been developing at a staggering rate. The Nova Scotian's best showing was likely his draw against former national amateur team member Justin Hocko late last year in Edmonton. He's come a long way. I had the pleasure of watching MacMillan's pro debut against Ryan Burgess back in 2013. He ultimately lost that fight, coming up short in a barn-burner, while showing plenty of potential against a more experienced opponent. MacMillan and Burgess have now met three times, splitting the bouts 1-1-1. Fans are clamouring for a fourth installment, but at the moment MacMillan is focused soley on Babineau. "I've been training two to three times a day with my trainer James Dowe," MacMillan told Canadian Boxiana. "I've had some great sparring with Joey Laviolette who's also on the card."
Both MacMillan and Babineau expect a tough, crowd-pleasing fight. "Fans can expect a competitive fight between two young, hungry boxers rather than the usual prospect versus opponent kind of matchup," said MacMillan.
"Even though their camp looks at me as an 'opponent.'" Babineau likewise expects a fan-friendly tilt. "People will notice the speed difference between us," suggested a confident Babineau. "I think it's going to be an exciting fight. There's going to be a lot of punches thrown. I predict this fight will not go the distance."
- GM Ross
Boxiana
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Dominic Babineau
Photo Credit: Tanya Everett
Jessie MacMillan
Photo Credit: Guhdar Ali Saad