Some would see it, at best, as a risky bet. For others, it would be a leap into the void without a parachute. But for Mathieu Germain, it is just a logical continuation of his way of living what has always driven him.
For several months, the Quebec boxer has been pursuing his career independently, without a contract in his pocket or a promotional machine to support him. Last Saturday night, during a gala organized by Canada Fighting at the Tohu, he fought his first fight since he opted for professional autonomy. A fight he won when his rival, Chilean Cristian Palma, threw in the towel after the fifth round.
No, it wasn’t exactly the most glamorous event in boxing that night—especially not with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez in action at the same time in Las Vegas. Could Germain have found a more glorious opportunity if he’d worked with a promoter? Maybe. But he doesn’t care. At least, for now.
While this independence, even voluntary, would terrify many of his colleagues because of its inherent uncertainty, Germain is on the contrary delighted with his freedom. Well supported by his circle of advisors, which includes among others the coach Stéphan Larouche, the boxer from Mascouche can thus continue his career as he sees fit.
“I’m just as motivated as I was at the beginning. Boxing and training are my passion,” he summed up in an interview with The Press.
The fact that he is not a newcomer to boxing and that he has received the essential support of his family has also, it must be said, made his decision easier. “At the beginning of his career, yes, it would have been different. But I have been a professional for 10 years. It does not stress me out. I know that I can find fights,” he says.
Stay active
After starting his professional career in 2015 with the Eye of the Tiger stable, Germain joined Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in 2022. He never signed a formal contract, instead concluding a “verbal agreement” with the veteran promoter. That’s how the one nicknamed G-Time found himself on the card for five galas, held at the Casino de Montréal and Place Bell.
However, as GYM events seemed to be becoming less frequent, Germain began to worry about a possible prolonged period of inactivity. He then shared his concerns with Michel, announcing that he wanted to go it alone from now on to ensure that he could stay in shape and continue to fight.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Mathieu Germain in March 2023
“Yvon is doing fewer galas than he used to, and I need to stay active,” explains Germain. “I didn’t want to always have to wait for a call. I didn’t want to feel stuck in a situation where if Yvon didn’t organize a gala, I would have to wait.”
The boxer nevertheless assures that he remains on good terms with Michel, and that he would gladly accept to participate in one of his events if asked.
Towards a “major” fight
Germain (25-2-1, 10 KOs) is already about ten years old and has nearly thirty professional fights under his belt. He is currently ranked 12e IBF rank in the super middleweight category (140 lbs). His goal is clear: he wants to fight for a world championship as soon as possible, no matter where in the world.
I want to experience being outside, going into enemy territory.
Mathieu Germain
The boxer says he has already received offers for a “major” fight that would take place by the end of the year, and that talks in this regard are going well. “We really want to get the maximum” in terms of importance, he says.
What is certain is that Germain will not wait until it is too late before delivering this much sought-after duel. He will soon celebrate his 35th birthday, is the father of three young girls and has no intention of fighting the famous “fight too many”, as the consecrated expression goes.
“I haven’t set myself a deadline, but I won’t fight until I’m 40 either. Thirty-seven? I don’t think so. I don’t want to drag it out and put my health at risk,” says the man who had his first boxing match at the age of 10.
And what do his future plans look like once he hangs up his gloves? The picture is not yet clear in his mind. Ideally, he would like to remain in the field of physical training and boxing. Perhaps by running his own gym.
In short, to maintain a kind of freedom, even when he has stopped fighting.
“I’m not going to work with my lunch box to go punch !” he says, laughing.