By James Stillerman: Junior lightweight pugilist, Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (15-0, 3KOs) looks to keep his undefeated record intact as he takes on Gil “La Metrealleta” Garcia (5-3-1, 1KO) in a eight round bout at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT on Friday March 1st. This fight is on the undercard of the main event of Billy Dib vs. Evgeny Gradovich and will be televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights.
Kielczweski, the up and coming prospect from Quincy, MA started the year off right by scoring a second round technical knockout over Washington Hago on January 26th.
He had an outstanding amateur career where he amassed an impressive record of 118-26. Kielczweski was the 2007 and 2008 New England Golden Gloves Champion where he garnered the Outstanding Boxer Award in the latter and was the runner up in the National Golden Gloves Tournament in 2008.
I discussed with Kielczweski about his upcoming bout with Garcia, his thoughts on how his career has progressed thus far and what are his long term goals.
James Stilllerman: How is training going for your fight against Garcia?
Ryan Kielczweski: Training camp went really well. It`s over now, so I just need to relax and maintain weight. I can`t wait to get in the ring on Friday and take on Garcia.
James Stillerman: What do you know about Garcia?
Ryan Kielczweski: Garcia is an extreme tough fighter who has fought against great competition. He always comes forward and throws a lot of punches each round, so I`ve to dedicate the fight with my jab. If I do that that, I`ll be able to make it an easy fight for me, which I should be able to do.
James Stillerman: What are you looking to accomplish this year and in the future?
Ryan Kielczweski: I`m taking it one fight at a time. I`m not looking to fight anyone in particular and I don`t have any specific goals other than to fight for a world title bout in the near future.
Right now, I`m fully focused for this fight against Garcia and after I take care of business this Friday, I might have a fight against undefeated junior lightweight, Jose Pedraza (12-0, 8KOs) on Showtime in April, which should be a great fight for both of us.
James Stillerman: What are your thoughts on how your boxing career has progressed thus far?
Ryan Kielczweski: I`m happy with how my career has progressed. I`ve not lost a fight and I`m only 23 years old. The only set back I`ve had with my career is a couple of injuries which I had to take some time off in order for them to heal. I just need to continue to win and each victory gets me that much closer to my goal of fighting for a world title fight.
James Stillerman: How has your extensive amateur experience helped you in your professional career?
Ryan Kielczweski: My amateur career has certainly helped me as a pro. I fought in over 140 fights as amateur, so it has helped me become physically and mentally prepared for these fights. It has also assisted me in becoming extremely relaxed and focused before each fight which many professional boxers don`t have that luxury, since they have not fought as often as I`ve.
James Stillerman: What do you like most about boxing?
Ryan Kielczweski: I love the thrill of the sport ever since I put on the gloves when I was a six year old child. I`ve only known boxing because I did not play any other sport and there is nothing that can beat the feeling you get when you win a fight especially since this a sport where you are a one man show and everything falls on you.
James Stillerman: Any closing thoughts or anything you want to talk about that I did not discuss?
Ryan Kielczweski: Keep your eye on me because bigger and better things will happen to me this year and in the future.