"The Best Feeling in the World"

To mark Mathieu Germain’s 10-year anniversary in professional boxing, we’re taking a look back at a feature interview conducted by François Bouchard for 12 Rounds. Just hours after scoring his long-awaited debut win in Sorel, we caught up with Mathieu “G-Time” Germain. Here’s what he had to say following his decision victory over Mexico’s Hector Osornio. Good evening, Mathieu. So—finally got that first one out of the way. How does it feel? It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s a totally different game from amateur boxing, and I’m really happy with how it went. I trusted my skills, my boxing IQ, and my speed. What did you make of the challenge Osornio brought to the ring? He was tough—just like I expected. He knows how to survive. You could see it in the last round: he was done, it was heart alone that kept him going. He was looking for breaks, letting himself fall, stalling here and there. A real tough Mexican, exactly what I was prepared for. Compared to your last amateur bout at the Canadian Championships, what stood out to you about your performance tonight? I was way better prepared physically. I’ve been able to dedicate myself 100% to boxing—this is my job now. Before, I was juggling work and training. Now it’s all about the ring. When you dropped him in the first round, your brother Martin was yelling for you to stay calm. How did you handle that moment? Honestly, I wasn’t too surprised. I knew the smaller gloves would make a big difference. My brother brings the emotional side to my game, while Mike [Moffa] told me to establish my jab, bait him in, and counter calmly. In amateur boxing, it’s like you're wearing pillows on your hands, and they’ll stop you for standing 8-counts. I know I’m accurate and fast, and I honestly thought I could stop him before the final bell. When I dropped him, I was thinking, “Get back up!” I didn’t want the fight to end too early—I wanted to show my full skill set. Ideally, I’d have finished him in the third or fourth round. In the amateur ranks, you were known for your straight right hand. But tonight, the left hook was a big weapon. Was that part of the plan? Definitely. My right hand is still my best shot, but we’ve been working a lot on the hook. I also wanted to work the body, but he was leaning forward a lot. I focused on the jab, too. Even though I’m not the biggest guy, I like to fight at range. So yeah, landing the right was key, but following up with something different was part of the strategy. You walked out to “Ready Or Not” by the Fugees—a pretty fitting choice. A lot of guys look tense in their debuts, but you looked calm and composed, like a 30-fight veteran. Was it really just another day at the office? You nailed it. I was more nervous than usual in the locker room, but once I stepped into the ring, I was the happiest man alive. This is my life. I’ve been boxing since I was ten. I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. Like you said—it was just another day at the office, and I had a job to do. Did fighting without a headgear in your last amateur bouts help make the transition smoother? Yeah, I think it helped for sure. That first time without headgear, you catch a headbutt and think, “What just hit me?” Tonight I took a couple but I wasn’t surprised. I know what it’s like now. Aside from the gloves and ditching the tank top (laughs), it felt great. I’ve got a deep amateur background and I trained with Jarek Kulesza, among others. That was going to be my next question—how did you prepare for your pro debut? Lots of running, weight training. I trained three times a week with Jarek—he’s a fantastic strength and conditioning coach. Huge thanks to him. I feel like a brand-new boxer. I had a little dip in the third round, but once I came out for the fourth, I was ready to go six or even eight rounds. The classic question—what’s next? Looking to go six rounds next time? That’s up to Mike. But my short-term dream is to fight at the Bell Centre, and that should happen this year. A six-rounder? I’d love that. After that, I want steady progression. I’m not here to fight 0-9 guys from Poland. I want real opponents that help me grow—like Maduma or Dierry Jean. I don’t have time to mess around. Ulysse beat this guy in his third fight, Ayaz in his fourth—that’s the kind of pace I want. Last question—anyone you’d like to thank? Absolutely. Mike Moffa—after the time I took off, he believed in me and put in the work. My brother Martin. Jarek. Everyone who supported me. This is just the beginning.

Read more