Photo: Noé Cloutier – Wilkens Mathieu, in his “lab” which is the annex of the Underdog Gym in Montréal.
Wilkens Mathieu didn’t aim to prolong the thrill for his professional boxing debut. In 169 seconds, he sent Hungarian Zsolt Birkas to the canvas twice, with the final knockdown securing his first victory at the Casino de Montréal on February 2.
“It’s a feeling I can’t describe. It’s the first time I’ve experienced such high satisfaction after a fight. Even as an amateur winning fights, I didn’t have the same satisfaction,” said the 18-year-old boxer in the moments following his performance.
There was indeed a buzz around the professional debut of the youngest of the Mathieu brothers. For the modest sample that a first fight represents, Wilkens ensured to check off all the boxes within his reach.
“Winning in front of my home crowd at the Casino, for my pro debut, by K.O., in the first round; everything went well. I’m super content… really happy,” added the talented 168-pound boxer.
“A true tiger”
After the event, Eye of the Tiger promoter Camille Estephan had nothing but praise for his protege. This enthusiasm was shared by Wilkens Mathieu’s cornerman, Mike Moffa, the legendary head coach of the Underdog Boxing Club in Montreal.
“Mike told me he was looking forward to training a Quebec boxer capable of reaching the top; a real Tiger. I believe he’s found that now,” narrated Camille Estephan, equally delighted to have Wilkens Mathieu in his stable.
Exceptional maturity
In the ring, he fought like a veteran, blending speed, precision, and power, mesmerizing his opponent, previously undefeated (with only one draw), with attacks aimed at both the head and body. Yes, his talent is undeniable, as has been reiterated, and this is only the beginning. Yet, outside the ring, his maturity is equally impressive.
“To give you an idea of his level of maturity, he’s been living alone in an apartment in Montreal since he was 15, all for boxing,” added the EOTTM founder.
“Pressure, you’ve got to accept it”
This maturity is also evident when you hear the “true tiger” speak. Having notably won the Golden Gloves five times, the right-handed boxer found himself under immense pressure at a young age. Nonetheless, he quickly adapted.
“Honestly, there’s no one way to deal with pressure; you just have to accept it because in life, if you want to achieve great things, if you want to reach the top, you can’t escape it,” he affirmed calmly.
From the perspective of his other boss, Antonin Décarie, the ability to manage this pressure is a reflection of the versatility of the young man behind the boxer.
“Even during his time on the national team, he was tagged as THE boxer to sign. So, for sure, in the pros, the spotlight will be on him. He’s a guy with talent, but he’s also a smart guy,” emphasized the general manager of EOTTM.
“Being on every show”
Back then, before putting boxing aside with the onset of the pandemic, Wilkens’ older brother, Lexson, had chosen the “fast track.” Turning pro at 19, in under ten fights, he was already in the rankings. Although he decided to step into the paid ranks at an even earlier age than his older brother, at 18, Wilkens isn’t in a hurry at all.
“I’m more in a developmental process; being very active, boxing on every show, and making myself known across Quebec. It’s really about taking the time needed to develop because I’m not as physically mature as my brother was at my age,” Wilkens Mathieu concluded, barely of legal age but possessing the wisdom of a wise man.
In short, everything in its own time, but as for being very active, that wish didn’t take long to come true. At the very end of the evening, Camille Estephan confirmed that his youngest yet wise warrior would be back in the ring at the Casino de Montréal on March 23.
