MONTREAL — Rising Canadian boxing sensation Wilkens Mathieu will headline the first main event of his young career when he returns to his home province on June 11 to defend the NABF super middleweight title against Brazilian Olympic silver medalist Esquiva Falcão.
The bout will take place at Théâtre Capitole, marking a major milestone for the 21-year-old prospect who continues to rise rapidly through the ranks of the 168-pound division.
The fight represents the biggest test of Mathieu’s career as he faces a seasoned veteran who previously challenged for a world title.
Rising Star Ready for Biggest Test
Mathieu believes he is ready to prove himself against elite competition in front of his hometown fans.
“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. 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,” said Wilkens Mathieu, the youngest top-15 WBC super-middleweight contender.
His trainer, Giuseppe Moffa, echoed the confidence surrounding the young contender.
“Against Shakeel Phinn, Quebec discovered Wilkens’ talent. Against a guy like Esquiva Falcão, the whole world is about to discover it,” added his Eye of the Tiger trainer, Giuseppe Moffa.
Mathieu’s Rapid Rise in the Super Middleweight Division
Fast-tracked early in his professional career, Mathieu has quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting boxing prospects.
The undefeated fighter enters the bout with a record of 15-0 with 10 knockouts, highlighted by an impressive performance last October when he dominated and knocked down Quebec contender Shakeel Phinn en route to a unanimous decision victory in Montreal.
Just months before turning 21, Mathieu captured the NABF super middleweight title and climbed into the global rankings, currently sitting No. 14 with the WBC and No. 15 with the WBA at 168 pounds.
Falcão Brings Olympic Pedigree and World-Level Experience
Standing across the ring will be one of the most accomplished opponents Mathieu has faced.
Brazil’s Esquiva Falcão holds a professional record of 32-2 with 21 knockouts and won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, long before Mathieu began his professional career.
Falcão later built his reputation fighting on major boxing cards promoted by Top Rank, appearing alongside boxing legend Manny Pacquiao on HBO and ESPN broadcasts.
The Brazilian star opened his career with 30 consecutive victories, including a notable sixth-round stoppage of Quebec contender Patrice Volny in 2021.
In 2023, Falcão challenged undefeated champion Vincenzo Gualtieri for the world title in Germany but lost a competitive decision. His other professional defeat came in 2024 against Hebert Conceição, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist.
Now competing at super middleweight, the 36-year-old veteran enters the bout with momentum after winning his last two fights and capturing the Brazilian national 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 Esquiva Falcão.
Strong Undercard Set for Quebec City
The June 11 card will also feature several notable contenders from the Eye of the Tiger Management stable.
Top-10 world contender Mehmet Unal (15-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBC and WBA light heavyweight continental titles, while Montreal’s Moreno Fendero (14-0, 10 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC super-middleweight continental championship.
Also scheduled to compete are Thomas Chabot (12-1, 8 KOs) of Thetford Mines and popular Trois-Rivières boxer Daylen Pepin (2-0).
Promoters have also hinted that another major addition to the card will be announced in the coming weeks, along with an official press conference in Quebec City to formally launch the event.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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