Jan Zaveck: First Jackiewicz, and Then the World?
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Jan Zaveck: First Jackiewicz, and Then the World? During a recent HBO broadcast, an onscreen graphic depicted the top welterweights in the world according to the network. One name likely unfamiliar to the American boxing public was that of Jan Zaveck, the reigning IBF Welterweight Champion. The Slovenian-born, Germany- based title holder is currently wrapping up preparations for his second defense of the title he won last December. Opposing him Saturday will be his mandatory challenger and lone career conqueror, Rafal Jackiewicz. A win would go a long way in improving Zaveck’s standing among the 147-pound elite, and perhaps give him the valuable bargaining chip needed to entice one of the big names in the division into the ring. Zaveck (29-1, 17 KOs) of Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany by way of Ptuj, Slovenia burst onto the international scene with his title-winning three-round destruction of Isaac Hlatshwayo in South Africa late last year. Shortly after touching gloves with the champion, Zaveck seemed to hurt Hlatshwayo with the first left hook he landed, and would go on to control entire bout. The two boxed to close the first and open the second, but a right hook that landed high on Hlatshwayo’s temple prompted a delayed knockdown late in the round. Zaveck patiently stalked the South African to begin the third, before landing two more right hooks that again downed the champion. Hlatshwayo made it up on wobbly legs and took a few more shots before falling into the ropes, which prompted referee Kenny Chevalier to end the fight and declare Zaveck the new champion. When asked when he knew he had his opponent hurt, “I knew right away, after the first punch, a left hook off his chin, and I saw his eyes a little bit confused,” Zaveck told South African broadcaster SABC Sport. “I cannot really believe that this happened, because Isaac Hlatshwayo is a great fighter.” After claiming the title, Zaveck returned to Slovenia, receiving a hero’s welcome and has since become a celebrity in his native land. “Everybody in Slovenia knows me since I got the title in South Africa,” Zaveck told 15rounds.com. “People in the street all the time stop me to have a talk and ask for a picture. I get lots of invitations for TV, radio and other shows and I can not deny that I go everywhere with pleasure. I am happy that people want to know more about me and my sport.” While his convincing defeat of Hlatshwayo was considered a major upset by many in boxing, it did not surprise his longtime promoter Ulf Steinforth of Sport Event Steinforth Boxing. “When Jan came to us in Magdeburg we immediately realized he had a lot of potential,” said Steinforth through his executive assistant Nadine Rasche. “I didn’t need to think it over. He continuously improved his performance in lots of fights. Jan is a natural winner who went only straight ahead on his way to the championship.” The rematch with Jackiewicz (36-8-1, 18 KOs) provides Zaveck with another opportunity to show his improvement as a fighter. Their first fight, which took place in November of 2008, was a split decision scored narrowly for Jackiewicz. It is a result that Zaveck disputes vehemently. “I am sure I was the winner in the first fight,” claims Zaveck. “The decision of the judges was [scandalous].” There is one major change that may have an effect on the upcoming bout. When they first met, Zaveck made the trip to Jackiewicz’ home country of Poland for the fight. This time around, Zaveck will have his loyal supporters cheering for him ringside at the Sportpark Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia. “I will come off as a winner in this title bout far more clearly,” said Zaveck. “This time I box where my fans are and it makes me unbeatable. It is something very special when I box in my homeland Slovenia. Here reside most of my fans who give me unbelievable enthusiasm. I feel incredibly inspired by this atmosphere.” With a successful title defense this weekend, many options will loom for Zaveck and his promoter. One fight that would seem logical would be a unification bout with WBA Welterweight kingpin Vyacheslav Senchenko (31-0, 20 KOs) of Donetsk, Ukraine. Considering Senchenko has failed to leave Donetsk for a fight in nearly four years that may be a difficult fight to put together. Over the years, we have seen several champions emerge from European countries and come over to the United States for either one major fight, or to make an extended campaign. While Steinforth has no outlined plan for such a venture, he is ready to listen to the right offer. “Jan Zaveck is well known throughout Europe and surely will dispute most of his fights here,” explains Steinforth. “This is where his roots are and everybody knows him. Of course if spectacular fights could be staged in USA, we will consider certain offers. Nothing is in store for us in the moment, but we are open for all kind of challenges in the sport.” Zaveck himself is proud to be considered a world champion, and sounds willing to travel the globe for the right fight. “I am ready to defend my title all over the world,” said Zaveck. “What counts is how attractive are the offers that I receive and which [major] fights are possible.” Should Zaveck turn back the challenge of Jackiewicz, the possibilities at 147- pounds could prove endless. Photo by Crtomir Goznik/DejanZavec.com Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected]..