Wilkens Mathieu Takes Split Verdict Over Vladimir Shishkin

Wilkens Mathieu retained his NABF super middleweight title via a disputed split decision against Vladimir Shishkin on Thursday at the Capitole de Québec. Two judges scored the ten-round co-feature bout 98-92 for the 21-year-old Mathieu, while the third judge favored the 35-year-old Shishkin 97-93. The contest was streamed on DAZN as part of an Eye of the Tiger card headlined by Osleys Iglesias against Oliver Zaren.

Shishkin troubled the young champion by utilizing his experience, applying pressure, and blunting Mathieu's power-heavy attack. Although Mathieu finished strongly in the tenth round to secure the win, Boxing News 24 notes that many viewers felt Shishkin had done enough to deserve the victory, leaving lingering questions about Mathieu's tactical development at 168 pounds.