Masternak’s Quick Knockout and an Important Test in South Africa

Mateusz Masternak (35-2, 25 KOs) needed very little time to deal with 40-year-old Ruben Angel Mino (26-3, 26 KOs). The bout took place on April 25 in Berlin as part of a Sauerland Event show. The Polish fighter gave the Argentine no chance. His opponent certainly did not perform at a level suggested by his heavily padded record.

The Wrocław native set the pace from the opening bell and took control of the initiative. In the first round, “Master” made effective use of his jab while also looking for shots to the body. After one combination to the torso, Mino dropped to one knee and was counted. Masternak could have ended the fight within the opening three minutes, but the bell saved the Argentine.

In the second round, the former European champion continued to dominate. He sent his opponent to the canvas with a jab–right hook combination. Moments later, he finished the bout with a powerful right uppercut.

The fight was short, and Masternak’s opponent left much to be desired. Even so, several positive aspects of the Pole’s boxing could be seen. The 28-year-old was fast and dynamic. Compared with his previous performances—apart from his bout with Mormeck in France—“Master” looked genuinely solid.

Five days after the bout with the Argentine, Mateusz signed a contract to fight Johnny Muller (18-4-2, 13 KOs). The clash will take place on June 6 in the opponent’s country, South Africa. The matchup had already been discussed for several weeks.

The Wrocław native will undoubtedly be the favorite, but the stakes are twice as high for him. His Sauerland Event promotion is already holding preliminary talks with the camp of WBA world champion Denis Lebedev (27-2, 20 KOs). Before the Pole can challenge the champion, however, he must first get past Muller in South Africa.