Mattar Garcia Defends French Heavyweight Title with Victory Over Fortes

Mattar Garcia successfully retained his title as the French heavyweight champion, defeating Eder Galina Fortes in a match held in Deauville on August 04, 2025. Garcia won by referee stoppage in the seventh round, showcasing his skill and strategy throughout the bout. The match was notable not only for its outcome but also for Garcia's tactical approach which included injuring Fortes with a cut above his left eye in the first round.

Garcia, who competes for the Boxing Club Montpelliérain and is currently 36 years old, expressed confidence in his performance, stating, "I started my fight as planned, I felt good. Respect to my opponent who held his ground, although I believe I had a technical advantage." This victory follows his previous notable win by knockout against Mekki Salhi.

Looking to the future, Garcia is eager to defend his title again, aiming for a fight scheduled for late October or early November. He has ambitious plans to become the first French heavyweight champion to reclaim the European title since Jean-Maurice Chanet achieved this distinction in 1990. With a solid performance behind him, Garcia's hopes of returning France to prominence in heavyweight boxing are ignited.