End Of A Boxing Era In Belgium, Beginning Of An International Career For Michiel Partoens
On Saturday, 28 February, Michiel Partoens (28), the schoolteacher from Riemst, Belgium, reaches a defining moment in his boxing career. After a highly successful year filled with titles and victories, he will step into the ring for perhaps one the last times on Belgian soil, facing Britain’s Ellis Zorro (33) at the boxing event in Sint-Truiden. With this bout, Partoens closes an important domestic chapter and turns his full focus toward the international stage.
Partoens’ rise to the top has not gone unnoticed. In the build-up to this event, securing a suitable opponent proved to be a major challenge. Several fighters who initially agreed and even signed contracts, eventually withdrew. One opponent went as far as citing an “injury,” only to be seen back in full training just days later.
“Michiel currently belongs to the world’s top 50 cruiserweights. We knew opponents would no longer be lining up, but we did not expect it to be this difficult. In the end, however, we secured an excellent opponent in Ellis Zorro from the United Kingdom, an experienced boxer, and a very serious test for Michiel,” says Kenneth Porco, manager of Michiel Partoens.
In 2025, Partoens competed in four professional bouts, winning two by decision and two by stoppage. He plans to remain equally active in 2026. His team is currently in discussions with Belgian, Dutch, and international promotions to map out the next phase of his career.
“The objective this year is to break into the top 20 and get on the radar of major promoters in England, Saudi Arabia, or possibly even the United States. Boxing involves a lot of politics and lobbying, but I have complete trust in my team. Bringing top-50 opponents to Belgium is extremely costly, but I believe in our strategy and creativity,” Partoens explains.
Last year, Partoens signed with Artist Amplifier, the management agency founded by worlds best goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid and Belgian national team star has expanded his company into an elite sports management and recognized the potential of the Belgian cruiserweight early on. “We are very excited to work with Michiel. He shows class, discipline, and ambition, these are core values that are deeply embedded in our DNA as well,” adds Ian Redan of Artist Amplifier.
“Having the right team around you is essential for making progress. They need to be just as dedicated as you are. Artist Amplifier understands exactly what is required both inside and outside the ring to grow at the highest level. For me, this was the right step,” says Partoens.
The main event of the evening features Michiel ‘Gino’ Partoens against the formidable Englishman Ellis Zorro. Zorro brings an impressive professional record of 22 fights, 18 victories, and 7 knockouts. His international experience ensures a high-level and demanding challenge as he looks to take the win back to the United Kingdom.
“We are building this career step by step, facing stronger opponents each year with the ultimate goal of reaching the absolute world elite. Fights like this against Zorro are a crucial part of that journey. Michiel is highly motivated and eager to compete on the international stage. In Belgium, he has already proven himself, now it’s time for the world to take notice,” says Davy Gullix, trainer and trusted confidant of Partoens.
Partoens vs Zorro
February 28th 2026
LAGO Sint-Truiden, Belgium
7pm CET
Main event: ca. 10pm CET
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