Mariusz Wach

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.[1]

Mariusz Wach
Wach in 2014
Statistics
Nickname(s)	The Viking
Weight(s)	Heavyweight
Height	2.02 m (6 ft 8 in)
Reach	208 cm (82 in)
Nationality	Polish
Born	(1979-12-14) 14 December 1979 Kraków, Poland
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	42
Wins	36
Wins by KO	19
Losses	6
Medal record EU Amateur Championships 2004 Madrid Super Heavyweight

Early life

Mariusz Wach was born 14 December 1979 in Krakow, Poland. He emigrated to North Bergen, New Jersey as an adult.[2]

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. On 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.[3]

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.[3]

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.[4] Wach's promoter Global Boxing stated that it was Klitschko's advisor Shelly Finkel that contacted them. Bernd Boente denied these claims.[5] 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.[6][7] Wach was the fourth Polish contender in history to try to win the world title in the heavyweight division.[8] 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.[9][10] In Poland, the fight was available via pay-per-view platform on Canal+ Sport for 39 zł and Polsat Sport for 40 zł.[11][12][13][14]

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.[15][16] During the course of twelve rounds, Klitschko landed 274 of 693 punches landed (40%), whilst Wach landed 60 of his 308 thrown (19%).[17] After the fight, there were allegations against Wach that he had used steroids.[18]

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.[19][20]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary

42 fights	36 wins	6 losses
By knockout	19	3
By decision	17	3

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

References

1. "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
2. "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."
3. Boxing news, Polish boxing news, boxing in Poland, Polish boxers, Tomasz Adamek. English.bokser.org. Retrieved on 23 August 2012.
4. "Klitschko-Wach: If The Money is Right, They Might Fight". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
5. "Klitschko-Wach: Conflicting Statements on Fight Status". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
6. "Klitschko-Wach Negotiations Intensify For The Fall". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
7. "Klitschko, Wach Reach Agreement on Terms: Fight is On!". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
8. In the Klitschko vs. Wach – press conference on August 28th Wach said Boxingnews24.com (13 August 2012). Retrieved on 2012-08-23.
9. Mariusz Wach BoxRec.com. Retrieved 28 April 2015
10. "W. Klitschko to defend title vs. 6-foot-7 Wach". ESPN.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
11. "CYFRA+: Kliczko - Wach w PPV" (in Polish). Retrieved 6 June 2020.
12. "WALKA KLICZKO vs. WACH: Transmisja za 39 złotych w Canal+" (in Polish). Retrieved 6 June 2020.
13. "Walka Kliczko vs. Wach. Transmisja online w internecie i na żywo w tv" (in Polish). Retrieved 6 June 2020.
14. "Event: Wladimir Klitschko vs Mariusz Wach". Retrieved 6 June 2020.
15. "Klitschko Easily Beats Down Durable Wach Over Twelve". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
16. "Dominant Klitschko mauls brave Wach". ESPN.co.uk. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
17. "Klitschko vs. Wach - CompuBox". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
18. "Wach's Promoter Explodes Over Steroid Allegations". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
19. Wach admits to doping in bout against Klitschko. rt.com (6 January 2013)
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

External links

• Boxing record for Mariusz Wach from BoxRec

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant Title last held by Tomasz Bonin	Republic of Poland International heavyweight champion 23 June 2006 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Andrzej Wawrzyk
New title	WBC Baltic heavyweight champion 19 February 2011 - November 2011 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Andrzej Wawrzyk
Vacant Title last held by Bermane Stiverne	WBC International heavyweight champion 29 July 2011 - November 2012 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Johnathon Banks
Vacant Title last held by Werner Kreiskott	IBF East/West Europe heavyweight champion 18 March 2017 - Present	Incumbent