Mathieu entered the bout riding the momentum of a unanimous decision victory over Shakeel Phinn, a win that earned him the NABF belt and a place in the world rankings. Fighting in front of a hometown crowd for the first time as a headliner, the Quebec native was viewed as a heavy favorite, though Falcao represented the most experienced opponent of his professional career.
The Brazilian southpaw came into the contest with a record of 32-2 (21 KOs) and credentials that included a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Despite limited opportunities at the highest level as a professional, Falcao had won his previous two bouts and was expected to provide a stern examination for the unbeaten prospect.
Falcao had his moments during the fight, using his experience and southpaw style to make Mathieu work for the victory. The Brazilian enjoyed success in patches and showed why he had previously challenged at world level.
The fight came to an end in the eighth round. Mathieu hurt Falcao with a clean shot that visibly compromised the veteran before following up with additional punches. Falcao was dropped in the closing seconds of the round and, although he got back to his feet, the bout was waved off at the bell.
The win improved Mathieu to 16-0 (11 KOs) and marked the most notable victory of his professional career to date. Falcao, a former Olympic silver medallist and world title challenger, entered the contest with considerably more experience than the unbeaten Canadian.
At 21 years old, Mathieu continues his progression in the super middleweight division following a successful first defense of his NABF title.
Thursday’s performance suggested that while further development remains necessary, the Montreal-based prospect possesses the tools required to compete at increasingly higher levels of the sport.
Elsewhere on the card, Leila Beaudoin captured the interim WBA super featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paulina Angel. Mehmet Unal and Yoann Kongolo fought to a majority draw in their light heavyweight clash, while several other bouts ended inside the distance as Eye of the Tiger showcased a blend of established names and emerging prospects.
For Mathieu, though, the evening belonged to him. Against the most accomplished opponent he has faced as a professional, he answered questions, overcame resistance, and delivered the type of finish that continues to build excitement around his future.
