Diablo After Losing His Title: A Rematch, Masternak or Heavyweight?

The fight with Grigory Drozd brought Krzysztof Włodarczyk the biggest, though by no means spectacular, purse of his career. At the same time, it cost him his WBC title and severely complicated his future, both athletically and financially. What prospects lie ahead for Diablo? It is worth analyzing the possible scenarios.

A rematch with Drozd

Perhaps the contract for the first fight included a rematch clause. That does not change the fact that this scenario appears impossible to pursue. The difference in class between the boxers was clear. It is therefore difficult to expect a rematch to produce a different result from last Saturday’s bout. Nobody would want to watch a fight whose outcome was known in advance—not in Poland, Russia or anywhere else. For Diablo, it would mean another beating, this time without much financial compensation.

A challenge for another cruiserweight title

This is an unlikely option. If Marco Huck and Yoan Pablo Hernandez were not interested in unification, they will be even less inclined to seek a fight with a boxer who no longer holds a title. Denis Lebedev may also be unwilling. Włodarczyk has lost the reputation he previously enjoyed in Russia.

A fight with Adamek

Unfortunately, the prospect of a “Polish fight of the century” has clearly receded. Tomasz Adamek was not exactly eager to make the bout, but with the right money he could presumably change his mind. However, Włodarczyk’s loss of the title removes the confrontation’s biggest selling point. It would no longer be a clash between two world champions operating at the highest level.

Under the new circumstances, we would instead have a retirement-and-sentiment bout, similar to Andrzej Gołota’s fight with Przemysław Saleta. Interest would be lower, and so would the money. Krzysztof must accept that Artur Szpilka, with the backing of their joint promoter, has taken this show away from him for good.

A move to heavyweight

As a world cruiserweight champion, Diablo could count on interest and good purses at heavyweight. He could follow in Adamek’s footsteps and take inspiration from his example. As a former champion, however, with no prospect of major fights and major money, he can no longer expect similar offers. The example of Steve Cunningham illustrates this.

A fight with Masternak in Poland

This is a risky solution, but today it is probably the only truly sensible one for Diablo. Both boxers have gone through difficult periods that were similar in some respects. Both need to rebuild their positions among the cruiserweight elite, and neither has time to waste.

Financially, both could benefit. Tensions have flared between Włodarczyk and Mateusz Masternak on more than one occasion, and their fight in Poland would attract considerable interest from fans. That would also mean respectable purses. There could be only one winner, however. The loser might then begin preparing to hang up his gloves.

Source: bokserzy.cba