Mateusz Masternak (32-1, 23 KOs) and Youri Kalenga (19-1, 13 KOs) came face-to-face for the first time at today’s final press conference ahead of their interim WBA World Cruiserweight Championship showdown at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco on Saturday night. Both men appeared in a confident mood as they shared their thoughts on this hotly anticipated cruiserweight clash.

 

‘’I am really looking forward to this fight,’’ said Masternak. ‘’I am expecting a tough challenge. Kalenga is a strong puncher. He has a very powerful left hook and that is something I will need to be wary of. However I am well prepared. I have had a good eight-week training camp. I am sure that Saturday will be my day!’’

 

Said Kalenga: ‘’I can’t wait! I have worked hard in the gym and now I am ready for Saturday night. Masternak is the best boxer I have faced so far in my career. In the past I have been criticised for fighting opponents with losing records and now I get to prove myself against one of the top guys in the division. I will give him eight rounds before I knock him out!’’

 

Masternak and Kalenga’s interim WBA World Cruiserweight clash is part of a triple bill of championship fights at Golden Gloves’ ‘’KO in the Casino’’ show.  British middleweight Martin Murray (27-1-1, 12 KOs) faces Max Bursak (29-2-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC Silver title, while WBA & IBO Strawweight Champion Hekkie Budler (25-1, 8 KOs) defends his belts against Pigmy Kokietgym (52-6-2, 22 KOs).