Wilkens Mathieu vs Vladimir Shishkin

This is not a routine tick-over fight for Wilkens Mathieu. It is a hard examination against a seasoned super-middleweight who has already mixed at world level. Mathieu is 21, unbeaten in 16 and coming off an eighth-round stoppage of Olympic silver medallist Esquiva Falcao. Vladimir Shishkin is 35, has completed a world-title distance and has lost only to William Scull and the heavy-handed Osleys Iglesias. The NABF title will be on the line.

Physically, they are both around 6 ft 1 in, but they use that height differently. Mathieu is the quicker, more explosive fighter. He can box at range, but his real danger comes when he steps through with combinations and suddenly changes the pace. Shishkin is more methodical. He works behind a busy jab, applies steady pressure and tries to make opponents fight at his rhythm.

Mathieu’s technical advantage is his ability to punch between an opponent’s shots. Shishkin sometimes uses the jab in volume rather than accuracy; against Scull he landed only 110 of 746 punches, with most of his output coming from the jab. If Mathieu slips outside that jab and brings the right hand over it, he will score with the cleaner, more noticeable work.

The danger for Mathieu is impatience. He cannot start believing his own publicity and chase a spectacular finish. Shishkin is experienced, physically strong and knows how to make a young fighter work every minute. If Mathieu throws single power shots and admires them, the Russian will nick rounds through activity.

I expect Shishkin to make this uncomfortable and expose a few rough edges, but Mathieu has the fresher legs, faster hands and greater variation. He will land the more damaging punches but is unlikely to find the finish against a durable opponent.

My prediction is Wilkens Mathieu by unanimous decision after a demanding, competitive fight.