Fast-rising super middleweight Wilkens Mathieu faces 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Esquiva Falcão in a homecoming at the Theatre Capitole, Quebec City, Canada, on June 11.
The 21-year-old impressively stepped from prospect to contender last time out, dominating Shakeel Phinn over 10 rounds . "Many said I was too young to face Phinn, and they'll probably say the same about Falcão, but people need to understand that I don't have time to waste," Mathieu (15-0, 10 KOs) said in a press release. "I already believe I'm the best in the world, so I have to face the best in the world — and it starts by beating an Olympic medalist in front of my city on June 11." However, his Brazilian upset-minded opponent has other ideas on how their fight will play out. "I respect my opponent — I know he's a good, undefeated fighter," said Falcão (32-2, 21 KOs). "But he hasn't faced a boxer like me yet: an experienced fighter who hits hard and has a real hunger to win. I've already fought for a world title and plan to do it again. God will be with me on June 11 — and the victory will go to Brazil." Mathieu has been a professional for three years and progressed against a steady diet of regional fighters catching the eye and becoming a Ring ambassador. When he stepped up the level of competition, he passed the test in impressive fashion with a win over compatriot Phinn on October 30 in his coming out party. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPrkHbsHbIY Meanwhile, Falcão signed with Top Rank on the back of his Olympic success and appeared on the undercard of several big events, running his record to 30-0. He got a shot at the vacant IBF middleweight title but lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Vincenzo Gualtieri in July 2023 before unbeaten countryman Hebert Conceicao outpointed him over 10 rounds eleven months later. Now though, he's on a two-fight win streak and eager to punch his ticket back into relevancy on the world stage. The undercard will see a host of fighters return to action against as yet unknown opponents. Big-punching light heavyweight Mehmet Unal (15-0, 13 KOs) will put his regional titles on the line, while 2023 World amateur championship bronze medalist Moreno Fendero (14-0, 10 KOs) does the same at 168 pounds. Thomas Chabot (12-1, 8 KOs) and Daylen Pepin (2-0) will also see action, as Eye of The Tiger also teased a major addition to the undercard in the coming weeks.
