With the first press conference for the event featuring Wilkens Mathieu and Esquiva Falcao now behind us, it’s time to look toward the future. And at just 21 years old, Mathieu has quite a future ahead of him!
Not only will Wilkens Mathieu be facing a former Olympian with 32 wins to his name, but two other fights have also been announced, and it’s no exaggeration to say that we can expect quite an impressive fight card.
Wilkens Mathieu (15-0, 10 KOs) vs Esquiva Falcao (32-2, 21 KOs)
Of course, the fight between Mathieu and Falcao is the main attraction. If there’s an event at the Capitole, it’s because of this matchup.
And for good reason. Wilkens may only be 21 years old, but the way his career has been managed so far suggests there is tremendous confidence in what he can do, and in the immediate future.
Many people criticized his last fight against Shakeel Phinn, saying it was too early in his career for that kind of challenge.
Yet it was Wilkens who looked like the veteran in that fight. He also became the first man to send Phinn to the canvas.
Photo: IG – Wilkens Mathieu
Now, by putting him in a fight against Falcao, they’re taking another step forward with an even tougher challenge. But that’s exactly what needs to be done. Mathieu has proven he’s ready for it. There’s no reason to take a step back.
Many fans are eager to see how he will perform against the Brazilian who, let’s be honest, brings a lot of experience. And it’s worth remembering that Falcao did defeat Patrice Volny, a boxer well known and respected by Quebec fans.
But if the recent performances of the young Eye of the Tiger star are any indication, at his best Wilkens should not be in serious danger of losing this fight.
And if his June 11 bout proves us right, we can expect yet another step forward in his next fight.
That said, you should never underestimate an opponent in boxing. One step at a time, and we can allow ourselves to dream.
Leila Beaudoin (14-2, 2 KOs) vs Paulina Angel (7-2-2, 3 KOs)
Next, as Camille Estephan said during the press conference, we essentially have a second main event on this card.
After facing one of the best pound-for-pound fighters last December, Leila Beaudoin is already back fighting for a world championship.
Fans in the Old Capital will once again be treated.
The Quebec boxer will compete for the WBA interim world championship belt.
Photo: IG – Leila Beaudoin
In recent years, Leila has clearly received more recognition for the fighter she is, and going twelve three-minute rounds on Netflix was only the beginning.
She now faces a Colombian boxer, and it certainly won’t be an easy fight. At the world championship level, it never is.
But Beaudoin did face Alycia Baumgardner. And even though she didn’t win the fight, she had moments of success. More importantly, she gained valuable experience. She now knows what it takes to reach the top.
A victory here would truly launch her career.
Moreno Fendero (14-0, 10 KOs) vs Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (21-1-1, 17 KOs)
Finally, Moreno Fendero will face an opponent who has only suffered one defeat.
Gonzalez-Ortiz has lost just once, and that was against Edgard Berlanga.
Moreno is known for his punching power and has previously accustomed Montreal fans to spectacular knockouts. However, his last two opponents have forced him to work harder. That happens in boxing, and it’s an opportunity to improve and learn.
If he and Marc Ramsay have made the right adjustments to their game plan, the Frenchman could be a major threat in the super-middleweight division.
And the fact that Berlanga stopped the Puerto Rican in the first round will certainly give Moreno extra motivation to finish the fight quickly.
Photo: IG – Moreno Fendero
He will still have to be careful, because with 17 knockouts in 21 victories, Gonzalez-Ortiz clearly carries serious punching power.
Moreno will need to stay disciplined and prove he has what it takes to compete for major honors.
In a situation like this, more often than not the fans are treated to an outstanding show.
More fights will be announced soon, but it’s easy to understand why only 20% of the tickets remain.
