Will Maciej Sulęcki Take Mateusz Masternak’s Place?

The boxing world is buzzing. Trainer Andrzej Gmitruk has ended his cooperation with the long-standing leader of his group, Mateusz Masternak. The reason was not solely the latter’s most recent fight, in which the boxer suffered his first professional defeat and lost his European junior heavyweight title. Non-sporting issues were also reportedly involved. Everything suggests that talented Maciej Sulęcki (15-0, 3 KOs) will now take over as the leading fighter in the team.

Both boxers took their first steps at Gwardia clubs. Sulęcki trained in Warsaw, while Masternak did so in Wrocław. However, Sulęcki’s path to Gmitruk’s team was not straightforward. For a long time, he could not get his chance. “I don’t have time to watch you right now; I’m preparing Masternak,” the trainer would tell him. Eventually, he got his way. “The coach gave in. I went to the training camp, showed what I could do in training, and stayed,” he later recalled.

The 24-year-old has received confirmation that he will headline the November 9 card in Ełk. His opponent will be Łukasz Wawrzyczek (18-1-2, 2 KOs). “On Monday, I’m starting serious preparations under the guidance of Andrzej Gmitruk,” Sulęcki announced.

Among those also expected to appear in Ełk are Norbert Dąbrowski, Michał Syrowatka and Krzysztof Cieślak. Alongside Gmitruk, trainer Paweł Kłak will help Sulęcki prepare for the fight. He will also be supported in his corner and during preparations by his friend and sponsor, B.ilo Poland president Marco Beniamino Brioschi. Almost three decades ago, Brioschi himself won amateur titles, including an intercontinental junior championship. The card will be broadcast by Polsat Sport.

“Wawrzyczek is a demanding opponent, so this promises to be an interesting clash. We are close to each other in the rankings. If I win—and the victory has to be mine—I should move up a few places,” Sulęcki assessed ahead of the fight.