Mariusz Wach
Wach in 2014
Born (1979-12-14) 14 December 1979
Kraków, Poland
NationalityPolish
Other namesThe Viking
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height2.02 m (6 ft 7+1⁄2 in)[1]
Reach208 cm (82 in)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights48
Wins38
Wins by KO20
Losses10
Medal record
EU Amateur Championships
Silver medal – second place 2004 Madrid Super Heavyweight

Mariusz Wach (Polish pronunciation: [ˈmariuʂ ˈvax]; born 14 December 1979) is a Polish professional boxer. He challenged once for the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles against Wladimir Klitschko in 2012.[2]

Early life

Wach was born 14 December 1979 in Krakow, Poland. He emigrated to North Bergen, New Jersey, as an adult.[3]

Amateur career

Wach first became acquainted with boxing in 1990, amassing a 90-fight amateur career that saw him represent his native Poland in numerous amateur tournaments. Among his greatest achievements during that period were winning two gold medals and a bronze in the Individual Polish Championships and a silver in the 2004 European Union Championships. Wach later represented Poland in the 2004 Summer Olympics as an alternate.

Professional career

Early career

Wach turned pro in April 2005 and defeated Deniss Melniks by first-round knockout in Świebodzice, Poland. He made his American debut in January 2006 by defeating Adele Olakanye by decision on the undercard of Arturo Gatti's destruction of Thomas Damgaard at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Wach won seven fights that year, including five in America which was highlighted by winning the Polish International heavyweight title by a ninth-round knockout of Arthur Cook in Illinois. A few months later he won a belt in TWBA federation. In April 2009 in Jaroslaw, Poland Wach blasted out his American opponent Julius Long and defended his title of the World Champion in TWBA. Mariusz has also served as a sparring partner for several well-known boxers, including former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter. In 2010, after being sidelined for a year due to injury, Wach returned to the ring in great shape and turned in one of his best performances as a professional, knocking out Christian Hammer in six rounds in Germany.

In September 2010, Wach was invited by Mariusz Kolodziej, CEO of Global Boxing Promotions, to move to the United States and train at Global Boxing Gym in North Bergen, NJ. Under the guidance of former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer, Wach began his 2-month training camp in preparation for his matchup with Jonathan Haggler. In his first fight of 2011 – against Haggler in Newark, NJ – Wach scored a third-round knockout to win the WBC Baltic heavyweight title. After this fight, Wach signed a promotional agreement with Mariusz Kolodziej of Global Boxing Promotions and Jimmy Burchfield of CES.[4]

Wach's first big test came in July 2011, when he faced off with Kevin McBride, who ended Mike Tyson's career as a boxer. Wach was quicker and sharper, and with one right cross, knocked McBride out cold in the fourth round winning the WBC International heavyweight title.

Wach returned to the Mohegan Sun Arena just four months later with another statement-making performance, this time knocking out Jason Gavern in six rounds at the "November Reign" event.

On 24 March Wach showed that he is a force to be reckoned with after scoring a six-round TKO over another giant, Tye Fields (49–5, 44 KOS). The event took place at the Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and got coverage form ESPN's Friday Night Fights.[4]

World title challenge

Wach vs. Klitschko

There was first mention of a potential showdown with unified world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in August 2011 when Klitschko's team approached Wach's promoters for a fight, however nothing materialized.[5] Wach's promoter Global Boxing stated that it was Klitschko's advisor Shelly Finkel that contacted them. Bernd Boente denied these claims.[6] In August 2012, serious negotiations took place for the fight. A date in November was considered with the venue likely to be in Hamburg, Germany. Terms were fully agreed within days of the negotiations for the fight to take place 10 November.[7][8] Wach was the fourth Polish contender in history to try to win the world title in the heavyweight division.[9] At 2.02 metres tall, with a reach of 2.08 metres and weighing 251 pounds, Wach was four centimetres taller than Klitschko with a reach two centimeters longer.[10][11] In Poland, the fight was available via pay-per-view platform on Canal+ Sport for 39 zł and Polsat Sport for 40 zł.[12][13][14][15]

On fight night, at the 02 World Arena, Mariusz Wach lost via one sided UD. The three judges' scored the fight 120–107, 120–107, and 119–109, all in favor of Klitschko. The bout opened with a battle between jabs which was won by Klitschko, who was following his jabs with his signature straight right. Wach managed to wobble Klitschko in round five but failed to take advantage. Wach also showed a great chin later in the fight when Klitschko began to let his hands go more landing thunderous shots.[16][17] During the course of twelve rounds, Klitschko landed 274 of 693 punches landed (40%), whilst Wach landed 60 of his 308 thrown (19%).[18] After the fight, there were allegations against Wach that he had used steroids.[19]

Failed drug test

Wach failed a doping test after losing a world heavyweight title fight against Wladimir Klitschko. He admitted to doping in the bout against Klitschko and got sanctioned by the Federation of German Professional Boxing, but said that he plans to continue his career no matter how harsh the penalties are.[20]

Wach vs. Whyte

On 7 December, 2019, Wach fought title contender Dillian Whyte, who was ranked #1 by the WBC at heavyweight.[21] Whyte was not at his best, but still managed to have control over most of the rounds, winning the bout via unanimous decision, 98-93, 97-93 and 97-93.[22]

Wach vs. Johnson

In his next fight, Wach fought Kevin Johnson. In a fight held without fans in attendance because of COVID restrictions, Wach managed to outpoint Johnson to a unanimous decision victory. The scorecards read 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 in favor of the home fighter.[23]

Wach vs. Fury

In his next fight, Wach fought former world title challenger Hughie Fury. Wach managed to induce a cut on Fury in the fourth round and tried to target the cut area for the rest of the fight. Fury, however, rebounded well from the cut and outboxed Wach for the rest of the fight, earning a unanimous decision victory.[24]

Professional boxing record

47 fights 37 wins 10 losses
By knockout 20 4
By decision 17 6
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
47 Loss 37–10 United Kingdom Frazer Clarke PTS 10 16 Jun 2023 United Kingdom York Hall, London, England
46 Win 37–9 Poland Jakub Sosinski TKO 5 (8), 1:24 3 Jun 2023 Poland Katy Wroclawskie, Poland
45 Loss 36–9 South Africa Kevin Lerena UD 10 17 Sep 2022 South Africa Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
44 Loss 36–8 Russia Arslanbek Makhmudov TKO 6 (10), 0:39 19 Feb 2022 CanadaMontreal Casino, Montreal, Canada
43 Loss 36–7 United Kingdom Hughie Fury UD 10 12 Dec 2020 United Kingdom The SSE Arena, London, England
42 Win 36–6 United States Kevin Johnson UD 10 12 Jun 2020 Poland Palac w Konarach, Konary, Poland Won vacant Republic of Poland International heavyweight title
41 Loss 35–6 United Kingdom Dillian Whyte UD 10 7 Dec 2019 Saudi Arabia Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
40 Win 35–5 Georgia (country) Giorgi Tamazashvili KO 1 (6), 2:59 5 Oct 2019 Poland Pieszyce, Poland
39 Win 34–5 Georgia (country) Gogita Gorgiladze TKO 2 (8), 0:13 14 Sep 2019 Poland Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego, Katowice, Poland
38 Loss 33–5 Democratic Republic of the Congo Martin Bakole TKO 8 (10), 2:26 6 Apr 2019 Poland Spodek, Katowice, Poland For vacant Republic of Poland International heavyweight title
37 Loss 33–4 Poland Artur Szpilka SD 10 10 Nov 2018 Poland Gliwice Arena, Gliwice, Poland
36 Loss 33–3 United States Jarrell Miller TKO 9 (12), 1:02 11 Nov 2017 United States Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, US
35 Win 33–2 Germany Erkan Teper UD 12 18 Mar 2017 Germany Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Won vacant IBF East/West Europe heavyweight title
34 Win 32–2 Brazil Marcelo Luiz Nascimento UD 10 14 May 2016 Poland Hala Azoty, Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland
33 Loss 31–2 Russia Alexander Povetkin TKO 12 (12), 0:50 4 Nov 2015 Russia Tatneft Arena, Kazan, Russia For WBC Silver heavyweight title
32 Win 31–1 Germany Konstantin Airich TKO 6 (10), 2:39 19 Jun 2015 Poland Sport Hall, Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, Poland
31 Win 30–1 Nigeria Gbenga Oloukun UD 10 14 Mar 2015 Poland Sport Hall, Lubin, Poland
30 Win 29–1 United States Travis Walker KO 6 (10), 2:30 12 Dec 2014 Poland MOSiR, Radom, Poland
29 Win 28–1 Serbia Samir Kurtagic UD 8 7 Oct 2014 Poland Sport Hall, Dzierżoniów, Poland
28 Loss 27–1 Ukraine Wladimir Klitschko UD 12 10 Nov 2012 Germany 02 World, Hamburg, Germany For WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles
27 Win 27–0 United States Tye Fields TKO 6 (12), 1:44 24 Mar 2012 United States Resorts Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBC International heavyweight title
26 Win 26–0 United States Jason Gavern TKO 6 (12), 1:03 6 Nov 2011 United States Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, US Retained WBC International heavyweight title
25 Win 25–0 Republic of Ireland Kevin McBride KO 4 (12), 2:25 29 Jul 2011 United States Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, US Won vacant WBC International heavyweight title
24 Win 24–0 United States Jonathan Haggler KO 3 (10), 1:22 29 Feb 2011 United States Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, US Won vacant WBC Baltic heavyweight title
23 Win 23–0 United States Galen Brown TKO 4 (6), 2:48 12 Nov 2010 United States Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, Rhode Island, US
22 Win 22–0 Germany Christian Hammer KO 6 (8), 1:56 17 Jul 2010 Germany Sport Center, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
21 Win 21–0 New Zealand Julius Long TKO 7 (10), 2:17 24 Apr 2009 Poland Sport Hall, Jarosław, Poland
20 Win 20–0 Lithuania Remigijus Ziausys UD 6 7 Feb 2009 Germany Stadthalle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
19 Win 19–0 Russia Evgeny Orlov PTS 10 21 Nov 2008 Poland City Sport Hall, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
18 Win 18–0 Russia Daniil Peretyatko UD 8 7 Aug 2008 Poland Sport Hall, Świebodzice, Poland
17 Win 17–0 United States Eric Boose TKO 7 (8), 1:53 11 Jul 2008 United States Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, US
16 Win 16–0 United States Eduardo Franca KO 1 (8), 2:57 13 Mar 2008 Poland Sport Hall, Dzierżoniów, Poland
15 Win 15–0 Bulgaria Yavor Marinchev UD 4 15 Dec 2007 Poland MOSiR Hall, Ożarów Mazowiecki, Poland
14 Win 14–0 Ukraine Andriy Kyndrych UD 6 16 Nov 2007 Poland Sport Hall, Tarnów, Poland
13 Win 13–0 Hungary Zoltán Béres TKO 4 (12), 1:58 16 Dec 2006 Poland Sport Hall, Poznań, Poland
12 Win 12–0 Hungary Alexandrs Borhovs RTD 5 (6), 3:00 20 Oct 2006 Poland Hall City, Włocławek, Poland
11 Win 11–0 Canada Arthur Cook RTD 9 (10), 0:01 23 Jun 2006 United States Odeum Expo Center, Villa Park, Illinois, US Won Republic of Poland International heavyweight title
10 Win 10–0 Belgium Raman Sukhaterin UD 6 3 Jun 2006 Poland City Hall, Ostrołęka, Poland
9 Win 9–0 Ukraine Oleg Belykov TKO 2 (6), 1:34 6 Apr 2006 Poland OSiR, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
8 Win 8–0 United States Earl Ladson UD 6 10 Mar 2006 United States Schuetzen Park, North Bergen, New Jersey, US
7 Win 7–0 Nigeria Adele Olakanye UD 4 28 Jan 2006 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
6 Win 6–0 Ukraine Oleksandr Subin UD 6 17 Dec 2005 Poland Sport Hall, Żyrardów, Poland
5 Win 5–0 Czech Republic Tomas Mrazek UD 4 1 Dec 2005 Poland Sport Hall, Ostrołęka, Poland
4 Win 4–0 Russia Sedrak Agagulyan UD 4 27 Oct 2005 Poland OSiR, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
3 Win 3–0 Latvia Aleksandrs Borhovs UD 4 1 Oct 2005 Germany EWE-Arena, Niedersachsen, Germany
2 Win 2–0 Slovakia Milan Becak TKO 2 (4), 1:14 5 Aug 2005 Poland OSiR, Warsaw, Poland
1 Win 1–0 Latvia Deniss Melniks TKO 1 (4), 0:30 29 Apr 2005 Poland OSiR, Świebodzice, Poland

References

  1. 1 2 "BoxRec: Mariusz Wach". boxrec.com. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  2. ↑ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  3. ↑ "Wach to battle Irish contender at Mohegan Sun". The Jersey Journal/NJ.com 29 June 2011. Accessed 12 November 2012. "Undefeated heavyweight contender Mariusz Wach, of North Bergen, originally from Krakow, Poland, will face his biggest test – literally – when he meets Kevin 'The Clones Colossus' McBride on July 29 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn."
  4. 1 2 Boxing news, Polish boxing news, boxing in Poland, Polish boxers, Tomasz Adamek. English.bokser.org. Retrieved on 23 August 2012.
  5. ↑ "Klitschko-Wach: If The Money is Right, They Might Fight". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  6. ↑ "Klitschko-Wach: Conflicting Statements on Fight Status". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  7. ↑ "Klitschko-Wach Negotiations Intensify For The Fall". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  8. ↑ "Klitschko, Wach Reach Agreement on Terms: Fight is On!". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  9. ↑ In the Klitschko vs. Wach – press conference on August 28th Wach said Boxingnews24.com (13 August 2012). Retrieved on 2012-08-23.
  10. ↑ Mariusz Wach BoxRec.com. Retrieved 28 April 2015
  11. ↑ "W. Klitschko to defend title vs. 6-foot-7 Wach". ESPN.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  12. ↑ "CYFRA+: Kliczko - Wach w PPV" (in Polish). Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  13. ↑ "WALKA KLICZKO vs. WACH: Transmisja za 39 złotych w Canal+" (in Polish). Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  14. ↑ "Walka Kliczko vs. Wach. Transmisja online w internecie i na żywo w tv" (in Polish). Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  15. ↑ "Event: Wladimir Klitschko vs Mariusz Wach". Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  16. ↑ "Klitschko Easily Beats Down Durable Wach Over Twelve". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  17. ↑ "Dominant Klitschko mauls brave Wach". ESPN.co.uk. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  18. ↑ "Klitschko vs. Wach - CompuBox". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  19. ↑ "Wach's Promoter Explodes Over Steroid Allegations". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  20. ↑ Magno, Paul (7 January 2013) Wach Admits to Doping for Klitschko Bout, Closes Chapter on the Year of the PEDs Scandal. sports.yahoo.com
  21. ↑ "Whyte vs Wach - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  22. ↑ Donovan, Jake. "Dillian Whyte Decisions Mariusz Wach in Tough Outing". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  23. ↑ Donovan, Jake. "Mariusz Wach Puts in Work, Decisions Kevin Johnson Over Ten". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  24. ↑ "Hughie Fury overcomes nasty cut to outpoint Mariusz Wach, Martin Bakole defeats Sergey Kuzmin". The Ring. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
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