Mathieu Edges Shishkin by Split Decision in Co-Feature
Wilkens Mathieu edged Vladimir Shishkin by split decision to retain his NABF title in a contested co-feature in Quebec.
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Wilkens Mathieu retained his NABF super middleweight title with a split-decision win over Vladimir Shishkin on Thursday night at the Capitole de Quebec, though a sizable chunk of ringside observers felt Shishkin did enough to take it.
Two judges scored the ten-round bout 98-92 for Mathieu, while the third had it 97-93 for Shishkin. The fight served as co-feature on the Eye of the Tiger card topped by Osleys Iglesias against Oliver Zaren, streamed on DAZN.
How Did Mathieu Win a Fight So Many Thought He Lost?
The scorecards tell a strange story on their own. Both judges who favored Mathieu gave him eight of the ten rounds, a lopsided tally for a fight in which Shishkin repeatedly backed him up and landed the harder shots. Mathieu spent long stretches looking to load up for power rather than working behind a steady jab or combinations, and that habit let Shishkin time him and answer back. Shishkin, a 35-year-old former world-title challenger, used that experience to apply pressure and win stretches that quieted the hometown crowd in Quebec. Mathieu rallied in the tenth to close strong, which may have been enough to sway two cards in a close fight, but the gap between the scorecards shows just how differently the three judges read the action.
What This Means for Mathieu Going Forward
Mathieu's title reign continues, but the performance raises real questions about his readiness for a step up. He had looked sharp in his previous outing, stopping Olympic silver medalist Esquiva Falcao in the eighth round in June at the same venue, and that win built real momentum. Against Shishkin, though, his tendency to hunt for one big shot instead of staying busy let an experienced operator hang around and make it competitive. Shishkin brought the kind of resume that exposes exactly that flaw, having gone the distance in an IBF title shot against William Scull before a stoppage loss to Iglesias. If Mathieu wants to keep climbing at 168 pounds, cleaning up his work rate against better opposition will matter more than finishing fast in the championship rounds.
For bettors, a split decision this contested is a red flag worth remembering. Mathieu was presumably favored going in given the title and the layer of hometown advantage, but a showing like this against a veteran levels suggests the market should treat him more cautiously in a bigger fight. Anyone who backed Mathieu and watched Shishkin take rounds off him late will want tighter lines and sharper film before trusting him as a heavy favorite again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Wilkens Mathieu vs Vladimir Shishkin fight?
Wilkens Mathieu won by split decision over Vladimir Shishkin, with scores of 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93, to retain his NABF super middleweight title.
Was the Mathieu vs Shishkin fight controversial?
Yes, many ringside observers felt Vladimir Shishkin's pressure and experience deserved the decision despite Wilkens Mathieu being awarded the win on two of three scorecards.
What card was Mathieu vs Shishkin on?
The fight was the co-feature on an Eye of the Tiger card headlined by Osleys Iglesias against Oliver Zaren, held at the Capitole de Quebec and streamed on DAZN.
