QUEBEC | The storm hit the state capital on Wednesday and Saturday. It was a storm of punches that swept through the Videotron Center, and young Wilkens Mathieu fully intends to be the one throwing the punches.
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Artur Beterbiev and Christian Mbili are of course the headliners of this exciting gala, but the young boxer from Quebec will realize a dream by having his first professional fight in the city where he grew up.
“When I turned pro, that was the moment I had in mind,” he said on the sidelines of a news conference Wednesday at the Videotron Center. I didn't expect it to be such a big event. This is the perfect time for me to showcase my talent.”
Mathieu is only 19 years old and this is his sixth professional game. The super middleweight has a record of five wins, three of which were by knockout. His opponent will be Mexican Jose Arias Alvarez (3-1-0, 1 KO).
Accepted
After living in Montreal for three years, Mathieu returned to his country on Sunday and was surprised to be recognized.
“I was surprised, I went to the supermarket and then to a shop to buy a phone and people recognized me. Quebec is still a small town and my name spread quickly.
But there can be no talk of a big head, that doesn't seem to be his style anyway.
“I know I'm not a megastar either, so that doesn't change anything. I'm just in a good mood and want to do well in front of my fans. I have a feeling it’s going to go well.”
See nothing
Wilkens Mathieu has a good boxing head. Promoter Camille Estephan mentioned to the Journal that his protégé had eaten it and knew all the statistics.
But Mathieu knows his own statistics above all. And he assures that the outcome of his first five duels did not allow him to develop his full potential.
“You haven't seen anything yet, I'm capable of much more. In my first five fights I showed about 30% of my skills. I didn’t have the opportunity to show everything I could in my fights.”
That's why he wants to impress his audience during his first performance at home.
“I want to put on a spectacular show so that after this fight people say I'm serious. This is a new level for me. “I’m still in the development phase so I’m not thinking about belts yet, but it’s going to be a big year for me.”
Mbili's plan
Another gala headliner, super middleweight Christian Mbili (25-0-0, 21 KOs), will defend his WBC Continental Americas belt against Australian Rohan Murdock (27-2-0, 19 KOs). .-O.).
Mbili is the number one contender in the WBC and WBA and is looking to set the table for the rest of his year with this duel.
“We hope for a World Cup by the end of the year or the beginning of 2025. That’s why I guarantee a very good show,” said the French native.
Murdock wants to ruin his opponent's plan.
“I have done my job, I intend to send a very strong message to the whole world on Saturday evening.
“Whether it's a lesson or a fight, I will do what it takes. This is my moment, I've been training for this my whole life. I have a plan A, B, C and D to compete against him.
clogged
Mbili hopes this fight will allow him to clear things up in a category where Canelo Alvarez holds all the belts and stops everyone from advancing.
“It's an opportunity to show all my greatness and talent and send a message to the whole world. I mean, I’m the future superstar of this category.”
He also had a message for Alvarez because he suspects the Mexican will be in front of his television on Saturday night.
“I’ll get him, I want the belts.”
Other championship
Saturday's card is of a very high quality as the clash between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith is not the only World Championship on the program.
Earlier this evening, Australian Jason Moloney (26-2-0, 19 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO bantamweight world title, acquired in May 2023 in Stockton, California. He will face American Saul Sanchez (20-2). -0, 12 KOs).
The Australian wants to keep his belt and has done everything to ensure this in a training camp that has touched everyone around him.
“Today is my birthday, my team missed Christmas and New Year with their families, I want all their sacrifices to pay off.”