“Master” to Fight for European Title Against Actor Known from Creed

Mateusz Masternak will face England’s Tony Bellew at a major show in London. The event’s biggest attraction will be a clash between future heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua and his former conqueror, Dillian Whyte. The 20,000-capacity O2 Arena is certain to be packed to the rafters.

At 28, “Master” will attempt to reclaim the European cruiserweight title. The belt is currently vacant. The Wrocław native was the continent’s champion in 2012–2013. He lost the title in an away bout against the current WBC world champion, Grigory Drozd.

This will be Masternak’s fifth fight outside Poland in the last two years. In professional boxing, fighting on foreign soil very often favors the home fighter. The Pole was unable to overcome Drozd in Moscow or Youri Kalenga in Monaco. In South Africa, despite poor acclimatization, he defeated Johnny Muller, but the judges distorted the result and awarded victory to his opponent. A year ago in Paris, however, he came through safely. There he recorded the most valuable win of his career, bringing the rich career of former outstanding boxer Jean-Marc Mormeck to an end.

At 33, Bellew is a genuine star in Britain. He gained fame through hard-fought bouts with Nathan Cleverly—losing one and winning one—and with Isaac Chilemba, whom he first fought to a draw before later defeating him. Two years ago, he was knocked out by WBC light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson. Following that defeat, the Liverpudlian moved up to a higher weight class.

In 2015, Bellew defeated two average opponents. He did not have time for major boxing, however, because he became the opponent of Apollo Creed’s son in the latest film about the adventures of Rocky Balboa. The Polish premiere of “Creed” will take place on January 15.

Prepared by: Przemysław Osiak, przegladsportowy.pl