William Crooks
Loïc Lahaie signs his three-year professional boxing contract with Groupe Yvon Michel at the Club de boxe de Sherbrooke, marking a new chapter in his promising career

Sherbrooke boxer officially turns pro with three-year deal

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s Club de boxe took centre stage once again as local boxer Loïc Lahaie officially signed a three-year professional contract with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), one of Canada’s most prominent boxing promotion companies. The announcement was made during a press conference held May 27 at the gym’s location at 4300 Bourque Blvd., marking a major milestone in both Lahaie’s career and the gym’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Lahaie, a product of Sherbrooke’s sports-study boxing program, has already made waves in the professional ring with two decisive victories. “Bring them on,” he told the assembled media. “I don’t want easy fights… I haven’t even shown 75 per cent of my talent yet.” Known for his discipline and mental strength, Lahaie has demonstrated his readiness to compete at the highest levels, winning all four rounds in each of his first two bouts.

His promoter, Yvon Michel, recalled their first meetings more than a year ago, when Lahaie was still an amateur. “We looked at his potential, his charisma, his discipline — all the things that matter outside the ring as much as inside it,” Michel said. After watching Lahaie handle two tough opponents in his first pro fights — one an experienced Ukrainian, the other a Mexican fighter with a 3-0 record and over a hundred amateur bouts — GYM was convinced.

Bernard Barré, GYM’s recruitment and development specialist, confirmed the decision was not taken lightly. “Sherbrooke has produced many great boxers,” Barré said, naming past talents like Robert Guimond and Marc Blanchette. “Loïc is different — he has the potential to go all the way.” According to Barré, Lahaie’s amateur record includes over 70 fights, with about 50 wins, five appearances at the Canadian championships, and a spot on the national team in 2024.

Lahaie’s path to professionalism has not been without challenges. He fell just short of Olympic qualification, losing a close 3-2 decision to Canada’s current national champion. But that didn’t deter him. Instead, he went on to fight in France, where he beat an undefeated local boxer and the French national champion. He also performed strongly in Puerto Rico, sparring with a heavier, undefeated professional. “Those were key experiences,” Lahaie said. “They showed me I’m built for this sport.”

Yvon Michel praised not only Lahaie’s skills but also the strength of his support system. “After my meeting with Franklin, Jean, and Marcel, and especially after Loïc himself called me, full of passion and drive, I had no doubt we needed to sign him.”

Franklin Dorey, one of Lahaie’s long-time coaches and the event’s organizer, described the young boxer as a role model for the next generation. “Loïc is a great person with a strong personality. I’ve watched him grow since he was in Grade 7. He’s ready, mature, and has what it takes to make a name for himself.”

Jean Gauthier and Stéphane Monast, both veteran coaches at the Club de boxe de Sherbrooke, were also present to show their support. “He’s our star,” Monast said. “And I’m proud to have worked with him all these years.”

The announcement comes at a significant moment for the club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded by Marcel Toulouse and Pierre Gagné, the club has been a fixture in the city’s sports landscape since 1974. A special dinner is planned for early July to commemorate the milestone.

As the pen hit the contract page, Michel smiled and told those gathered, “Today, we’re not just signing a fighter. We’re signing the future.”

Lahaie’s next bout — a six-rounder — is already in the works. As he steps into this next chapter, Sherbrooke’s boxing community is watching with high hopes. “Put someone in front of me,” Lahaie said. “I’ll win. That’s just how I think — and that’s not going to change.”