ARTUR SZPILKA TO FIGHT IN USA

Editor, Global Boxing

2011-06-22

Another Polish heavyweight force is ready to emerge onto the world scene as Artur Szpilka prepares to make a statement by risking his 5-0 (3 KO) record against fellow undefeated fighter Ramiz Hadziaganovic (8-0, 7 KO) this Saturday June 25 at the Hala na Podpromiu in Rzeszow, Poland.

The 22-year-old Szpilka of Wieliczka, Poland will be making his first ring appearance since his American debut in April of 2009 when he knocked out Jeremy May in one round at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood, FL.

Hadziaganovic of Vienna, Austria last fought in April, knocking out Lazlo Toth in four rounds.

Szpilka’s career went astray afterwards as he was arrested at the weigh-in for his undercard appearance on Tomasz Adamek vs. Andrew Golata for his role in a brawl at a soccer match. Szpilka would serve 18 months in a Polish jail before getting his life together and resuming his career.

Szpilka was a top-rated amateur in Europe, winning the Polish national amateur championship five times and becoming European Union champion once during a 102-5 amateur career.

Szpilka will be promoted by Poland’s 12 Round Knockout Promotions, which also handles WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, and Global Boxing Promotions of North Bergen, NJ.

“This is the beginning of a new era in Polish boxing,” said Global Boxing CEO Mariusz Kolodziej, who also promotes unbeaten Polish standouts Mariusz Wach, Patrick Majewski and Kamil Laszczyk.

“I believe that Polish boxing has been going strong for a long time, but now with Knockout Promotions and Andrew Wasilewski, the Polish fighters will have it’s platform to shine on.”

American audiences will have an opportunity to see Szpilka again soon, as he is scheduled to appear on the undercard of compatriot Mariusz Wach’s next fight July 29 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.