It is almost one o'clock in the morning, on the night of Saturday to Sunday and after having painfully passed the doping control test, Victoire Piteau finally appears in the large sports hall which serves as a locker room. The marks and colors that redden her face say everything about the harshness of the fight she fought. But his smile and the softness of his voice are there to testify to the feeling of duty accomplished.
Are we wrong in saying that you gave the impression throughout the evening that you never had any doubts?
“No, you’re right. I had pressure because the stakes were enormous, but I also had a certain self-confidence because I had worked a lot for four months. So, it's like for the baccalaureate: if you revise well before, it passes! But you shouldn't be too confident either. I had to stay with my feet on the ground because the other opposite, she had worked very well too and a bad blow can happen quickly in boxing! »
To stay on the theme, were there any subjects that you had focused on upstream?
“For four months, the idea had been to deliver fewer punches in order to put more intensity into those I was going to hit. In short, hit less to hit better. Because before, I did quite the opposite. Obviously, it worked well, I was much more precise. What I also wanted was to make a difference quickly enough in order to be more relaxed afterwards. Which didn't stop me from finishing very strong. »
Did you feel like you were ahead in the middle of the fight?
“Yes, but we had to stay focused at all costs. »
Didn't finishing the last two rounds with panache carry a risk of being surprised?
“It would have been unnatural to remain on the defensive and nevertheless very dangerous because she would have attacked or even harassed me which is also a real risk. Doing a boxing that is not mine would have exposed me. »
> ALSO READ. Victory is in her
How did you feel when the final decision came down?
“I didn't really realize it at the time and an hour later, I still have trouble telling myself that I am European champion. Tomorrow, perhaps, I will tell myself that I really did it. »
Is this your best emotion after a victory?
“Yes, it’s my best title. And also the first time I feel such inner joy. »
What direction will your career take next?
“It’s still a little too early to say. We will meet in a few days with my staff to decide what will be best for me. »
Defense of this European title or conquest of a world belt, what could be your preference?
“Everything is possible and everything makes me want it. We will see depending on the opportunities that arise. »
What is the program for the post-title festivities?
“Eat well, drink champagne. And enjoy my loved ones. »
Are you going to have to return to your job as a socio-educational facilitator?
“Yes, for the moment, I cannot afford to make a living solely from boxing. If I was able to take a professional break, it is thanks to my private partners. I would love to have a life as a top athlete, but that's not possible yet. »
Is it a regret?
“Not so much!” I love my work, the value of work is in my education. »
A word about your opponent whom you warmly congratulated at the end…
“Once it's over and the bell rings, all the hatred I may have had for 20 minutes disappears. She goes from being the worst enemy to the girl I thank for helping to put on a great show. »
Your mother confides that you have always had victory within you and not only in a ring…
“(laughs) I confirm! For example, we will very quickly do Codenames (Editor's note: a board game based on associations of ideas) or Monopoly with my friends. Well, I will do everything to win. I am even capable of cheating. »
And that doesn’t make you feel guilty?
“Well, it’s okay… I’m not putting anyone’s health at risk by hiding Monopoly tickets up my sleeve!” Okay, it's not nice to do that, but my friends don't blame me. They know it's stronger than me: I want to win all the time! »
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