Eric Basran survived arguably the most competitive bout of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix tournament’s preliminary round. 

More importantly, it came in his toughest test to date – one where he was realistically expected to head home. The feat now has him believing he can win the whole thing.

“I didn’t just enter this tournament to win the first round,” Basran told BoxingScene. “I will be the winner of this tournament.” 

The unbeaten Canadian eked out a split decision over previously undefeated Isaiah Johnson (11-0 at the time) during Friday’s junior welterweight Round of 32 competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Philadelphia’s Johnson won 58-56 on one card, overruled by 59-55 and 59-56 Basran, who’d fought largely non-descript competition prior to the inaugural tournament. 

“I couldn’t have done this without the support of my head coach Jon Quinit, my promotional team Three Lions Promotions and my community’s support,” insisted Basran. 

Basran – a four-time national champion out of Surrey, British Columbia – will next face Ukraine’s Danylo Lozan (13-0, 8 KOs) in the round of 16 later this summer. Lozan outpointed 

All winners of the 16 preliminary round bouts advance to the quarterfinals (16 fighters, 8 bouts) of the Grand Prix tournament in June. Basran will take on Ukrainian southpaw Danylo Lozan (13-0, 8 KOs), who won a six-round unanimous decision over Uzbekistan’s Kamronbek Eshmatov (10-2, 7 KOs).

On paper, Lozan will be expected to win. That dynamic is nothing new to Basran and his team.

“I said before this World Cup of boxing started that Eric would win the entire tournament and today he showed his skill set,” Basran’s promoter Dan Otter  of Three Lions Promotion told BoxingScene. “Eric was by far the most skilled boxer in his division, that’s for sure. 

Thursday marked the launch of a tournament years in the making. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman remained committed to carrying out the prospect-based series. It was a continuation of the dream first created by Jose Sulaiman, his late father and former president.

Junior welterweight is one of four weight classes featured in the competition. The winners will receive a lucrative cash prize and the Jose Sulaimán Trophy.

Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on X and Instagram.