BTC Fight Promotions keeps the momentum going through 2022 with BTC 16 on Saturday evening. This lineup highlights rising talent from the next generation, headlined by a compelling main event pairing Cody Chovancek against Jake Geauvreau. Read on for my picks across the entire card.
Cody Chovancek (2-0) vs. Jake Geauvreau (2-0): PRO Featherweight CHOVANCEK PREVIEW, GEAUVREAU PREVIEW
This contest features two up-and-coming fighters and presents a real challenge to handicap. Geauvreau brings a reliable grappling foundation, while Chovancek is a complete package coming from Niagara Top Team. Given the recent success of that camp, it's difficult to bet against them.
Prediction: Chovancek wins via decision.
Bobby Poulter (3-1) vs. Nelly Thompson (5-3): PRO Welterweight FIGHT PREVIEW
I haven't had a chance to watch much of Thompson, but Poulter is a dangerous competitor. His most recent outing saw him fall short, but I expect that result to fuel extra determination as he looks to return to victory lane.
Prediction: Poulter wins via knockout.
Dorian Dokaj (2-1) vs. Nick Klein (3-0): PRO Middleweight
Dokaj stands out as one of the more exciting young talents in Canada's middleweight ranks. Even though he dropped his first professional bout recently, his overall potential remains intact. This matchup brings a fresh challenge from Klein, who enters undefeated in his pro career after compiling a 7-1 mark on the amateur circuit. I genuinely see this one swinging either direction.
Prediction: Dokaj wins via TKO.
Liam Gallagher (1-0) vs. Matt Dawson (2-2): PRO Bantamweight
Gallagher has yet to suffer a loss at the professional level or during his amateur days, overcoming early hurdles to secure his pro debut victory back in March. Now he takes on Dawson, a gritty opponent with legitimate power behind his strikes. While Dawson always carries finishing threat standing, I project Gallagher to execute a disciplined game plan and take control.
Prediction: Gallagher wins via decision.
Kevin Popowick-Bastien (1-2) vs. Charles Azoulay (1-1): PRO Lightweight
Azoulay's career path is unusual—he stepped into pro competition in Europe between 2016 and 2018 before switching back to amateur status once he relocated to Canada. Despite that, his actual skill level far exceeds what his win-loss column suggests. The physical dimensions of the Popowick-Bastien matchup might create complications, but I expect Azoulay to pull this one out.
Prediction: Azoulay wins via decision.
Amin Almelik (0-1) vs. Ryan Yapsam (0-0): PRO Bantamweight
Not much material to evaluate for Yapsam beyond the fact that he hasn't stepped in the cage since 2016. That's a substantial break to return from against someone like Almelik, who brings real striking firepower.
Prediction: Almelik wins via TKO.
Matt Smith (0-0) vs. Curtis Richard (0-1): PRO Welterweight
I don't know either fighter very well here. Each carried impressive amateur resumes with long runs, yet both have been idle for three years now. Richard is emerging from training under Jesse Bongfeldt's guidance, which gives me reason to favor him to close this out.
Prediction: Richard wins via submission.
Luke Roberts (0-0-1) vs. Nicky Heinrichs (0-1): PRO Lightweight
It's grappling, grappling, grappling. Roberts is going to lean heavily on his wrestling game and I believe he'll generate plenty of results from it.
Prediction: Roberts wins via submission.
Cody Kent (1-2) vs. Keyano Young (0-1): PRO Featherweight
Even though Kent hasn't fought in nearly three years, I still consider him the more battle-tested competitor of the pair. My knowledge of Young is limited, so I'll side with Kent's proven experience to take care of business.
Prediction: Kent wins via decision.
