Q & A with Jan Zaveck

When you think of the Worlds top ’s Jan Zaveck doesn’t spring to mind. However the 34 year old Slovenian who boasts an impressive 30-1(17) career record is the current holder of the IBF championship. He won it late in 2009 in South Africa when he shocked reigning champion , stopping him in three rounds. Since then he has made two successful defence’s in front of adoring home fans stopping Rodolfo Martinez in the twelfth & gaining revenge for his only loss when he outpointed Rafal Jackiewicz. He holds the distinction of becoming the first Slovenian to win a world title. He regularly draws crowds upwards of 10,000, such is his popularity he’s the reigning Slovenian Sportsman of the year. He’ll once again be heavily supported when he faces Paul Delgado who is rated 15 with the IBF on 18 February in his countries capital of .

Hello Jan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you have an IBF Welterweight title scheduled for 18 February in your hometown. Any ideas who you may be facing as yet?

Jan Zaveck – Yes, this is the American Paul Delgado.

Anson Wainwright – It has been rumoured that if you and win interim fights you will meet over the summer. What are your thoughts on that?

Jan Zaveck – It will be a suspenseful fight for sure. If he is the official challenger in this mandatory title defence, I am going to fight him. Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you regularly train at?

Jan Zaveck – When I came to 2003, SES manager Ulf Steinforth believed in me and gave me support, led me to international title fights and finally to the champion title. I show him how thankful I am with sport achievements and wins. My coach Dirk Dzemski works in Magdeburg too. I trust him very much and feel there very comfortable, that’s why I train so much in Germany. I complete every single fight preparation session there but spend the rest of my time with my family in , where I also train.

Anson Wainwright – How do you find making 147, do you walk around to much over that weight?

Jan Zaveck – I have never had big problems making my weight and feel myself really very comfortable in this weight class.

Anson Wainwright – You came from nowhere to shock Isaac Hlayshwayo for the IBF title in December 2009. What did it feel like to win a world title?

Jan Zaveck – That’s it, when dreams come true. It is impossible to describe it. Only the one, who accomplished his lifelong dream, knows what this feeling is. I have no words to describe it.

Anson Wainwright – Your very much under the radar in a very exciting division all of the big names are in America. What are your thoughts on the Welterweight division including Pacquiao, Mayweather, Mosley, Berto etc

Jan Zaveck – Welterweight is a very heavy division. Of course American names are in the spotlight. But my name will keep winning popularity. You know, I am the IBF champion. If somebody wants my belt, he should only knock at my door – no matter what is his name. I would give anybody a fair chance. Anson Wainwright – Did you have much of an amateur career? If so what titles did you win and who did you fight that is now in the pro’s?

Jan Zaveck – My amateur boxing career is not very long. I spent some time in Austria because in Slovenia at that time there were no big boxing schools. Yet I wanted to become a pro and for this reason I changed the camp so quickly.

Anson Wainwright – Your country Slovenia isn’t known for Boxing, how did you first get into fighting?

Jan Zaveck – I have always been fascinated by boxing. There were no educated professionalists at home. I started training completely alone and later tried with a few fellows who were also very keen on boxing. I have never had a trainer (I mean steadily) before Dirk Dzemski. It was my will to become a master of this sport and this will led me to the top.

Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in Slovenia? Do you get big crowds to your fights in Ljubljana?

Jan Zaveck – I’ve just been nominated the most famous Slovenian of the year 2010. I am athlete of the year. My last fight took place in the completely sold out 14 000 Arena Stozice in Ljubljana. Do you believe there is still somebody who does not know me?

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do in your spare time away from Boxing? What are your hobbies & Interests?

Jan Zaveck – I am very keen on sports. I like a lot of other sports too. I watch football and go skiing in the winter but I am very devoted to my job – boxing. Apart from that I have a family, what I am responsible for.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a job away from Boxing or have you ever worked a day job? What would you like to do when you retire from Boxing? Jan Zaveck – I worked as a bodyguard of our president and I am working now on my future connected with boxing. That’s all I can tell you for now.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Boxing fans around the world?

Jan Zaveck – I am very pleased about every single person in the world that is interested in boxing. I want to keep presenting suspenseful and fair fights. That’s what my heart beats for and I keep my word .

Thanks for your time Jan.

Thank you for your interest.

Anson Wainwright 15rounds.com

Thursday Thoughts – Pascal-Hopkins 2 on 21 May in Canada has been mentioned with Chad Dawson on the undercard…For several months John Murray who owns the longest current unbeaten run in British Boxing has been touted around as a free agent. On Wednesday he decided to sign with Frank Warren…Tomorrow Eddie Chambers resurfaces after a near year long absence against Derrick Rossy. I’m interested to see how he looks after the KO against Wladimir Klitschko. On the undercard Rico Ramos & Cornelius White have step up fights against Alex Valdez & Don George respectively. I’m expecting Ramos to outpoint Valdez and looking forward to seeing if White continues his impressive record of stopping all but one guy…In Germany on Saturday Steve Cunningham will be defending his IBF crown against mandatory Enad Licina. While also in Cruiserweight action Yoan Pablo Hernandez meets WBA Interim champion Steve Herelius. I’m expecting the big Cuban to get through that one. Outside of the Super 6 tournament Arthur Abraham meets Stjepan Bozic, he desperately needs a confidence builder, he should get it and force a stoppage by the midway point…Marco Antonio Barrera resurfaces against little known Jose Arias in Guadalajara, Mexico. Such a shame to see such a great fighter continue past his prime, while hoping to become the first Mexican to become a 4 weight world champion…In Britain John Watson meets Anthony Crolla for the British Lightweight title after Gavin Rees gave up the title due to a problem with his nose that may need an operation. I’ll go with the more experienced Watson to prevail on points.

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