Wilkens Mathieu steps up against former world title challenger in Montreal
Brazilian puncher Esquiva Falcao keen to spoil the party
Fledgling super-middleweight contender Wilkens Mathieu returns to action this evening when he takes on Esquiva Falcao at Capitole de Quebec, Quebec City, Canada. Aged just 21, the Montreal maestro is swiftly maturing into a key headliner for Eye of the Tiger Promotions.
Absent from the ring since last October, Mathieu will be eager to build upon an evening’s work that resulted in him outpointing Shakeel Phinn, thus improving his record to 15-0 (10 KOs). If the Phinn step-up was deemed a risky move for the youngster, his next foe is certainly another level up the tower block to world-class.
Falcao is a seasoned pro at 32-2 with a puncher’s reputation (21 KOs). The Brazilian can box a bit, too, having previously won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. He’s also pretty durable, having gone the distance in both of his two losses.
In 2023, Vincenzo Gualtieri pipped him for the vacant IBF middleweight title in Germany. In 2024, Falcao fell to fellow Brazilian Hebert Conceicao Sousa in a home country straightener.
The South American reckons he will be far too experienced for the young Canadian upstart, who has other ideas: “I already believe I’m the best in the world, so I have to face the best in the world,” retorted Mathieu, who pointed out that people cited the same experience flaws before he defeated Phinn.
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Wilkens Mathieu vs Esquiva Falcao analysis
Mathieu is already well-placed within the top 15 with two sanctioning bodies. Beating a former world title challenger, once under the esteemed promotional wing of Top Rank, will only help raise his ranking even further. Falcao is 15 years older than his fight-fresh counterpart. Will youth be served tonight? Probably.
Tall and rangy, Mathieu’s languid style allows him to swagger around the ring, leaping in with hooks from various angles. A natural counterpuncher, Mathieu lures opponents inside while maintaining a sense of ring generalship and controlled dominance, even with his back against the ropes.
Falcao’s style, meanwhile, is an obviously well-schooled, compact southpaw, who often starts off upstairs before whipping hooks into the body. Falcao loads up on the torque and lets his power punches fly. Mathieu will be ready to capitalise on any mistakes, likely with an uppercut waiting as the veteran Brazilian burrows in for a war.
Fight prediction for Mathieu vs Falcao
Mathieu is a heavy favourite at 1/7. Falcao is 9/2 while the draw comes in at 19/1, all according to OddsChecker.
Steve’s Pick: I’ve watched a lot of Mathieu since his debut in 2023. He has developed into a classy punch-picker. While this might be the moment Falcao tips over the edge, he is savvy and sturdy enough to last the course. Look for Mathieu to win on points and secure a place firmly in the title shot mix.
Image Credits: Promotional Images.
About Steve…
Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.
Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com
Good job Steve! I like Mathieu ALOT but gotta admit I'm a little concerned for this fight for the reasons you wrote. However I'm glad Eye Of The Tiger are willing to pull the trigger and see what he has.
Great write-up - Mathieu is a prospect that I am very high on, it’ll be a treat to see him go through the levels! :)