12.03.07 – By Ryszard Koczura: On March 25 unbeaten middleweight prospect Lukasz Wawrzyczek (4-0, 1 KO) is going to test his skills in Dublin, Ireland, against an opponent soon to be announced. The fight is scheduled for eight rounds. Lukasz, who is now preparing in Budapest, Hungary, speaks about himself and the upcoming fight.
Ryszard Koczura: How have you started with sports?
Lukasz Wawrzyczek: I was 13. In Oswiecim, where I was born and where I still live, I saw posters advertising a new boxing gym. Mr. Janusz Jelen was a trainer there. I remember there were about fifty kids in the gym. Now, only I still box.
R.K.: Did you have amateur successes?
L.W.: I was youth national champion in 2003, and I won silver medal at senior championships in the following year. There were also some minor achievements, like bronze medal at national championships and silver medal at national cup. Together with my team PKB Poznan I won in national league. Altogether, I had 180 amateur fights, with 29 losses..
R.K.: Why have you turned professional?
L.W.: A good question. I’ve decided to go professional, because of the utopia of amateur boxing in Poland and complete lack of any perspectives. Many prospects have been wasted here, but I’m not going to dwell about it now.
R.K.: Which of your fights was the toughest?
L.W.: Well, I’ve had only four pro bouts so far and each was difficult. I remember the one against Thomas Moran, a Scottish fighter. He was like me: young, unbeaten and ambitious. He was there to beat me, but I won.
R.K.: You are in the same team with youth champion Grzegorz Proksa and WBF champ Jozsef Matolcsi. Do you spar with each other?
L.W.: Yes, of course. We all train in Budapest and we spar with each other very often. I help them in their fights, which is a great experience, because both are excellent boxers.
R.K.: What are your virtues in the ring?
L.W.: You should rather ask Laszlo Veres, my trainer. He watches me every day and knows better. All I can say is that the way I used to box in amateurs does not work in paid fights. That’s why Laszlo works on changing my style.
R.K.: Who’s your favourite middleweight now?
L.W.: I don’t have any idols; though there are some fighters I love to watch in ring. I mean Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. I can’t wait to see them fight!
R.K.: Who’s your favourite?
L.W.: I’m leaning forward to Oscar.
R.K.: They are fighting in May, while you have and eight-rounder scheduled for March 25. Do you feel any pressure about it; you’ve fought only four-rounders so far.
L.W.: I know it will be my first fight scheduled for eight. I feel confident and I trust my trainer as far as my stamina is concerned. I hope things will go well.
R.K.: Well, thank you for your time and good luck!
L.W.: Thank you!