“Master” after defeat to Kalenga: I failed across the board
Although experts saw him as the favorite, Mateusz Masternak failed to deal with Youri Kalenga. The WBA interim world title went to his opponent. After losing on points in Monte Carlo, “Master” spoke with great bitterness.
- Can we talk about what happened on Saturday?
Mateusz Masternak: We can, although I am devastated and heartbroken by my performance. I knew my opponent would come out hard in the first three rounds. I could have let him punch himself out for that long. From the fourth round on, I should have consistently increased the pace. Kalenga would not have made it to the final bell then. I cannot explain why I did not do it. In sporting terms, I was better, faster and well prepared. I failed across the board.
- Do you no longer hold anything against the two judges who awarded Kalenga the victory?
MM: Right after the fight, I reacted under the influence of emotion, but today I do not blame anyone. Except myself. The 115-113 score for Kalenga, given by Polish judge Paweł Kardyni, was the correct assessment of the situation.
- How much truth is there in the claim that last year’s defeat by Grigory Drozd took a lot out of you mentally?
MM: It is difficult for me to talk about, but when I stepped into the ring, I certainly was not thinking about my loss to Drozd. I was thinking about beating Kalenga. I was not afraid of either my opponent’s aggressive style or his strength. However, it must be admitted that he hit really hard. I did not give enough of myself to win. I let everyone down, above all myself.
- What were you missing most?
MM: Decisiveness and a true hunger for victory. Andrzej Gołota once said that a defeat hurts most when you are not tired after leaving the ring. And that is why I am suffering. I was not even this bitter after the fight with Drozd. In Moscow, I was poorly prepared, the fight was not going my way, and on top of that I suffered a serious injury. In Monaco, I felt very good physically, but I failed to take advantage of the opportunity. I hope another one comes along someday.
- You said that if you failed to beat Kalenga, there would be nothing left for you in top-level boxing. Still, it is difficult to imagine you leaving the ring at the age of 27.
MM: Boxing is my entire life. I have no alternative at the moment, so it is natural that I will remain an athlete. I am waiting for a decision from the Sauerland group, whom I have let down for the second time. I still believe I have potential and can develop it. I have another ten years left in the ring. I am capable of good boxing, but today I have to say clearly: I lost my way.
- What do you mean?
MM: I did not have time to recover mentally. I knew what was at stake, yet I was unable to give one hundred percent. I should have approached this fight as if I were fighting for my children’s lives. And instead... I do not even know how to describe my attitude.
- Is it true that before the fight you extended your contract with the Germans until the end of 2015?
MM: Yes. The promoters are doing a great job for me. The problem is that so far I have not been repaying them in kind.
- If the Germans do not have a plan for your career, could terminating the contract be an option?
MM: We have not discussed that. We will meet next week, and then I will find out how the promoters see my sporting future. I would dream of a rematch with Kalenga. Apparently, there is a chance it could take place in October, again in Monaco. On the other hand, I should not get my hopes up. Kalenga is probably hoping for a more attractive offer.
- And what about Łukasz Janik, who wants a rematch for the defeat five years ago? Would you be ready to fight in Poland in October?
MM: I would, but first I have to speak with the promoters. Łukasz watched my fight with Kalenga, so it is no surprise that he expects a better result than in the first bout. He considers his split decision loss to Ola Afolabi his greatest success, and my split decision defeat by Kalenga his greatest defeat. I have nothing against a rematch, but if Polsat and my promoters reached an agreement, I would prefer to face Krzysztof Głowacki. He is a better boxer than Janik, and we would probably put on a more interesting spectacle.
- Your performance attracted a great deal of criticism. Piotr Wilczewski, who replaced Andrzej Gmitruk as your trainer six months ago, was also criticized. Can you say that you will definitely continue working together?
MM: Justified criticism is necessary. I accept every word because I simply deserved it. I do not think it was excessive in this case. Piotr prepared me very well for the fight, and I have no complaints about him. He taught me a lot. I have never had such good defense in any of my recent bouts. On the other hand, you cannot win a fight with defense alone. However, I blame only myself. As for continuing our cooperation, Piotr and I need to sit down and talk like two serious men. Each of us should say what we expected, what was done badly and what we failed to take care of. It is still too early for a decision. I certainly will not make it alone.
Interviewed by: Przemysław Osiak, przegladsportowy.pl
