Kim Clavel Pauses a World Championship Career for the Biggest Title of All
Big news has come out of the boxing world, and this time it has nothing to do with belts, rankings, or fight nights. Kim Clavel, one of Quebec’s most accomplished combat sports athletes, has announced that she is pregnant and will be stepping away from boxing for a while. The 35-year-old champion shared the news on social media, posting a touching photo alongside her partner, Dominic Roy, holding a baby outfit. With that post came a message that quickly resonated far beyond the boxing community: there are titles greater than any championship belt, and for her, that title is now “mom.”
Because of this announcement, Clavel’s career will be put on hold for the coming months, including the first half of 2026. No fights had been officially scheduled for her anyway, but the timing still marks a significant pause in what has been an impressive run. Just a few months ago, in September, she was crowned IBF world champion in the strawweight division after defeating Argentina’s Sol Cudos in a unanimous decision. That bout, held at the Thé'stre Saint-Denis, ended up being her most recent appearance in the ring.
Also Read:- Powerful Winds Trigger Rare Seiche, Exposing Lake Erie’s Hidden Floor
- Wyoming Heads to Air Force for a Key Mountain West Test
At the time, it had already been mentioned that her body needed rest. After that fight, it was revealed that a torn biceps had to be treated, and a recovery period of several months was being planned. Now, it’s clear that the break will serve an even more meaningful purpose. The birth of her first child is expected around June, making 2026 a year defined more by family milestones than championship defenses.
From a sporting standpoint, the IBF has rules in place for situations like this. A champion who becomes pregnant can be granted a special exemption, allowing an interim champion to be crowned while the titleholder is inactive. When the original champion is ready to return, she can either fight directly for the belt again or be named the mandatory challenger. However, if a return does not happen within nine months after the baby’s birth, the organization reserves the right to declare the title vacant.
Still, for now, none of that seems to be the focus. Clavel has won five consecutive fights since her lone setback in October 2023, rebuilt her momentum, and reached the very top of her division. That achievement remains intact. What’s being celebrated now is a different kind of victory, one that doesn’t come with judges’ scorecards or post-fight interviews.
For fans, the gloves are simply being set aside, not thrown away. Kim Clavel’s story in boxing is far from over. It’s just entering a new chapter, one where the ring gives way to something even more life-changing.
Read More:
0 Comments