Next weekend Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk 44-2-1(32) will hope to make a second successful defence of his WBC Cruiserweight title when he meets his unbeaten mandatory challenger Puerto Rican Francisco Palacios. Wlodarczyk 29, will be doing it in front of his home fans in Poland, he hopes that a win will clear the way for the much talked about Cruiserweight Tournament to take place in the second half of 2011. Here’s what he had to say on how he first got in to Boxing, his Interests and the much talked about Cruiserweight Super 6.
Hello, Krzysztof, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You made the first defense of the WBC Cruiserweight title on 25 September against Jason Robinson. What can you tell us about the fight and what do you think of Robinson? How happy were you with your performance?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – Robinson was a decent opponent, better than some people thought he would be. Besides it’s always a good experience to fight against a southpaw, because if the Super Six tournament takes place, I think there would be at least 2 southpaws. It was a good fight for me. I didn’t knock him out, but the fight was interesting, and my victory convincing. I wish Jason all the best in the future. I heard that after the fight he got offers to spar against other world champions – Huck and Herelius.
Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Francisco Palacios on 2 April in Poland. What do you think of Palacios and what are your thoughts on that fight?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – Palacios is good boxer, I’ve seen couple of his fights. He has awkward style, can switch his stance during a round, he can also punch. I read he wanted to knock me out – its okay let him try, I’ll be waiting with my counter punches. Palacios is good, but I’m simply better. I’ve worked so hard for this belt and won’t let a guy from Puerto Rico take it away from me. In December I had a surgery on my knee, but now my preparations go great, I have good sparing partners – Matt Godfrey and Michael Simms. Looking forward to Palacios fight!
Anson Wainwright – You won the WBC title when you impressively stopped Giacobbe Fragomeni in the eighth round. What can you tell us about how your felt the fight went and how happy you were with the performance? Would you say that was your best performance so far?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I don’t know if it was my best performance, but the victory was very sweet. I wanted it very badly after the first Fragomeni fight, which finished in a draw. I wasn’t happy with my performance in Italy as well as with the referee decision, which in my opinion should have stopped that fight in the 9th round. So before the rematch I was extremely focused and motivated.
Anson Wainwright – You drew with Fragomeni previously what do you think was the difference this time?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – The main problem was that Italians rescheduled the first fight 3 times and I think I was over trained. After very good, intense start I completely ran out of gas. Before the rematch everything went great, I was in top shape. Now I can reveal, that in both fights I had problems with my nose, I almost wasn’t able to breathe through it. Before the Robinson fight I had a surgery, so now everything is OK.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – My trainer is Fiodor Lapin – excellent trainer born and educated in Russia, former boxer. He also trains other Polish top fighters like Rafal Jackiewicz, Albert Sosnowski, Dawid Kostecki. My manager and promoters are Andrew Wasilewski and Piotr Werner (12 round Knockout Promotions) and Leon Margules (Warriors Boxing).
Anson Wainwright – You were born in Warsaw, Poland can you tell us about how life was for you growing up?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I live in Piaseczno, near Warsaw. As a young boy I may say I was a little rascal, but when I started to box, I changed. From that moment it was only boxing I was thinking about.
Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested in Boxing and how old were you when you first went to the gym and fought? When did you realise you were actually very good and could make a career out of Boxing?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – My first martial art was Karate, I also tried some wrestling and kickboxing. It was cool, cause I always had a warrior inside me, but it was boxing, where I finally found those kind of emotions I was looking for. I remember my first time in the gym pretty well. I was 14. My father told me: “Krzysiek, I show you a cool place”, and he took me to the gym. I remember that smell, noise, sound of the punches… from the very first second I knew this was it. I also remember my first sparring… After weeks of training I couldn’t wait to finally get in the ring to try the real fight. My opponent was 2 years older. He hit me hard twice with his left, then a horrible right. I think I could make 3 rounds then. I left the ring literally shaking. I got my butt kicked, but it was great motivation for me. “OK, let the fun begin!” – I told to my trainer.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I try to spend time with my family, my wife Gosia and 8-yers old son Czarek. I like to travel, my main interests/hobbies are cars and motorcycles. I love to drive fast. My record in car is 170 mph, on motorcycle – faster, but I can’t tell you [laughs].
Anson Wainwright – It has been mentioned that there could well be a Cruiserweight Super 6, what are your thoughts on that? How likely is it that you will appear in it if he happens?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – As far as I know, there are still talks going on. I heard that the tournament cant take place if Hernandez hasn’t got the full version of WBA title, because WBC won’t agree to unify with the Interim WBA champ. So it’s all up to Sauerland Events and Don King who promotes Guillermo Jones. If the tournament takes place, of course I will participate in it only if the money and conditions are right. There are plans to organize one of my S6 (Super 6) fights during the WBC Convention in Katowice in October.
Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Cruiserweight division? What are your thoughts on IBF Steve Cunningham, WBA Guillermo Jones, WBO Marco Huck, European Alexander Frenkel & IBO Danny Green?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – I fought Cunningham twice – we have a draw after two fights, so I’ll gladly make it 2-1 in my favor. He’s great champion. His style is maybe not the one tailor-made for me, but I think that Steve is already a bit after his prime and I’m much better than I was when fighting him. Guillermo Jones in my opinion is underestimated by most of the fans and journalists. Huck is very strong and aggressive, but in terms of boxing skills he cant be compared to the best in the division. Alexander Frenkel is the big puncher. My friend from 12 round Knockout Promotions Pawel Kolodziej says he’s the best puncher he had ever sparred or fought with.
Anson Wainwright – Your countryman Tomasz Adamek is fighting in America and has a large following. You have fought there twice, have you ever thought of following him to America and fighting there?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – The problem is that there’re no big CW fights in the America. All the best 200-pounders fight in Europe. Even Steve Cunningham signed Sauerland and fights in Europe.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans out there?
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk – Keep your fingers crossed for “Diablo”. I’m going to show my best against Palacios, and later in the “S6”!
Good luck in your upcoming fight Diablo.
Thank You. Greetings for al the 15rounds.com readers.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
