Mielnicki: Training With Joe Goossen Is What's Best For My Career
Sep 6, 2020 • 10:22 AM ET
While the year 2020 has proven to be challenging for many people in the world, it continues to be one to remember for Vito Mielnicki Jr.
As revealed on Saturday’s edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox, the second-year blue chip welterweight prospect will now train under renowned cornerman Joe Goossen moving forward. The two will begin working together immediately as Mielnicki awaits assignment for his next fight.
“Going out to LA and training with Joe Goossen is what’s best for my career,” Mielnicki (6-0, 4KOs) told BoxingScene.com. “It will take me to that next level. Can’t wait to get to work!”
The development comes as part of a memorable year for the rising welterweight prospect in and out of the ring.
Mielnicki turned pro last July in his home state of New Jersey, one of the few states where he could legally fight pro due to his age (17 at the time). He still managed five fights, four of which came after signing with PBC last summer including two appearances on the undercard of major Las Vegas shows headlined by then-unbeaten heavyweight titlist Deontay Wilder.
Mielnicki outpointed Corey Champion on the undercard of Wilder’s knockout loss to England’s Tyson Fury this past February at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, his last fight prior to the start of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The global health crisis shut down the stateside boxing scene, along with forcing Mielnicki to finish out his senior year at West Essex High School via virtual online classroom sessions before graduating. The New Jersey product also celebrated his 18th birthday along the way this past May, making him free to fight anywhere in the world.
PBC resumed action in early August, with Mielnicki landing on the FS1 portion of the first card back on Fox Sports. It was a quick night at the office, stopping Chris Rollins in two rounds on August 8, and already eager to get back in the ring—and with his new teacher equally as excited to further enhance his skillset.
“I really believe I can (do a lot with Mielnicki),” Goossen noted. “He’s a real hard worker. We’ve had long conversations with him. I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
