Undefeated Boxer Reshat Mati Triumphs in Comeback Fight

UPDATE: Staten Island’s own undefeated boxer, Reshat Mati, known as the “Albanian Bear,” successfully returned to the ring after a lengthy 19-month hiatus, extending his professional record to 16-0 with a hard-fought victory over Ecuador’s Jose Angulo on October 18, 2023, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The match, contested at a catchweight of 158 pounds, ended in a majority decision, with judges scoring it 77-75, 76-76, and 77-75 in favor of Mati. This bout not only showcased his boxing skill but also highlighted his resilience as he faced significant personal challenges during his absence from the sport.

Mati, 27, underwent elbow surgery and supported his father, Adrian Mati, through a heart transplant earlier this year. Reflecting on his comeback, Mati stated, “It was a weird kind of comeback. Things weren’t kind of going toward the plan of the fight. I just had to adapt … I had to do whatever it took to get the win.”

The boxer emphasized that the fight felt more like a battle with himself than with Angulo, saying, “I definitely had a tougher time in this fight, but it wasn’t toward the opponent. It was more toward myself and trying to get my head right and kind of breaking off that ring rust.”

Mati faced an additional challenge as he fought without his father, who has been his long-time coach. “I usually have my dad in my corner, and I had to do the whole camp without him,” Mati explained. “It definitely felt like something was missing, but in life, you have to adapt to things you’re not used to.”

Despite the challenges, Mati dedicated himself to intensive training leading up to the match, focusing on sparring, conditioning, and refining his boxing fundamentals. The fight marked a significant personal and professional milestone for him, symbolizing his determination and commitment to the sport.

Even with his undefeated record, Mati remains focused on a larger goal: world titles. “For me, 16-0 is just a number,” he remarked. “I’m more chasing world titles instead of chasing a record.” Currently, no fights are scheduled, but he is committed to recovery and improvement, ensuring he addresses the mistakes from his last camp.

“Yeah, it was a rough camp, and things weren’t going how I wanted them to go,” Mati recalled. “But at the end, we still got the job done and remained undefeated.”

Mati’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it represents a significant moment for Albania, a country known for its strong fighters but lacking a recognized world champion in boxing. He aims to change that. “I plan to remain active in boxing for the next four to five years, fully committed to becoming Albania’s first world champion,” he stated.

With his recent success, Reshat Mati continues to rise as a prominent figure in boxing, embodying not only the spirit of an athlete but also the pride of his community. As he moves forward, fans and supporters are eager to see what the future holds for the “Albanian Bear.”