Mateusz ”The Master” Masternak (32-1, 23 KOs) will face the hard-hitting Ilunga ”Junior” Makabu (16-1, 15 KOs) for the interim WBA World Cruiserweight title on June 21st at The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
The cruiserweight clash is part of a triple-header promoted by Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves, which will also feature British middleweight star Martin Murray and WBA & IBO Minimumweight Champion Hekkie Budler.
‘’I will do everything I can to win, as opportunities like this don’t come around everyday,’’ said Masternak. ‘’Makabu is a tough boxer with a strong punch and solid technique but there are no easy fights at this level. I am 100% focused and will make sure I am in the best shape of my career.
‘’Makabu may hit hard, but he is no Mike Tyson. My coach Piotr Wilczewski and I have already worked out a good strategy. I will know exactly what I need to do, round by round, in order to win and bring the title back to Poland with me.’’
Makabu’s coach, former two-time world title challenger Harold Volbrecht believes Masternak’s threat will bring out the best in the Congolese boxer.
‘’Junior thrives under pressure and Masternak will bring plenty,’’ said Volbrecht. ‘’We’ve done our homework and what we see is a tough, rugged fighter, but one we believe Junior can exploit. He has a god chin and will be there to be hit. I’m not sure he has the ability to withstand Junior’s power, but he looks well-equipped to make it a hard fight.’’
Said Masternak’s promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘’Mateusz has already proven himself at European level, now the time has come for him to prove himself at world level. Makabu is a tough opponent, fifteen of his sixteen wins have come via knockout, but he has never fought anyone like ‘’The Master’’. We believe Mateusz has what it takes to become Poland’s next world champion.’’
