Super middleweight Wilkens Mathieu will return home for the first main event of his career on June 11th at Quebec City's Théâtre Capitole. By far the biggest test of his career awaits him, as Brazil's Esquiva Falcão (32-2, 21 KOs) — an Olympic silver medalist and former middleweight title challenger — will face the 21-year-old Quebecer. “Many said I was too young to face [Shakeel] Phinn, and they’ll probably say the same about Falcão, but people need to understand that I don’t have time to waste. 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 11th,” said Mathieu.

 

“Against Shakeel Phinn, Quebec discovered Wilkens’ talent. Against a guy like Esquiva Falcão, the whole world is about to discover it,” added trainer Giuseppe Moffa.

 

Mathieu (15-0, 10 KOs) made a statement last October by dominating and knocking down Phinn, his Quebec rival, on his way to a unanimous decision victory in Montreal. His next opponent, Falcão, will not be intimidated by the rising star’s record. Mathieu was only seven years old when the Brazilian won silver at the London Olympic Games.

 

After winning his first 30 pro fights, Falcão became the first to defeat Quebec contender Patrice Volny, stopping him in six rounds in 2021. In 2023, he challenged undefeated Vincenzo Gualtieri for a vacant IBF middleweight title but lost by decision in Germany. His only other loss came in another competitive decision in 2024 against Tokyo Olympic champion Hebert Conceição. Now back on track at super middleweight, the 36-year old has won his last two fights, capturing the Brazilian championship last November.

 

“I respect my opponent — I know he’s a good fighter, an undefeated one. 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 I plan to do it again. God will be with me on June 11 — and the victory will go to Brazil,” said Falcão.

 

Also in action at the Théâtre Capitole will be  light heavyweight Mehmet Unal (15-0, 13 KOs), super middleweight Moreno Fendero (14-0, 10 KOs), Thetford Mines warrior Thomas Chabot (12-1, 8 KOs) and popular Trois-Rivières boxer Daylen Pepin (2-0).

 

The full event will be broadcast on Punching Grace, while TVA Sports will air the preliminary bouts. Tickets for the June 11 gala, presented by Eye of the Tiger at Théâtre Capitole, are now available on Ticketmaster.