By Anson Wainwright

On Saturday evening, Poland will take on Russia in a pair of cruiserweight title fights.

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk puts his WBC belt on the line against Grigory Drozd. While Pawel Kolodziej will attempt to win the WBA strap from Denis Lebedev.

Kolodziej is grateful for his chance and doesn’t intend to let it slip through his fingers.

“It is a great opportunity!” Kolodziej told krikya360.com last week. “It’s the most important fight for me in my whole boxing career.”

Earlier this year Kolodziej had due to fight for the IBF version of the world title, only for Hernandez to twice pull out through injury. Leaving the Polish fighter annoyed, firing off this broadside.

“It frustrated me very much, Hernandez pulled out two times, officially and finally quit,” said the recently turned 34-year old. “He chose a more safe opponent. It is very typical for German boxing. So called German boxing. You know, German scoring, German refereeing, so called opponents, it is more circus than boxing.”

Kolodziej (33-0, 18 knockouts) is currently ranked by the WBA (No. 4) and WBO (No. 13).

Anson Wainwright - You challenge Denis Lebedev for the WBA cruiserweight title on September 27, what are your thoughts on that fight?

 

Pawel Kolodziej - It is a great opportunity! It’s the most important fight for me in my whole boxing career.

krikya360.com - Lebedev is known as a strong fighter, he will look to push forward and pressure you. How do you intend to stop him being successful?

 

PK - I will try to keep my tactic (secret), sorry I do not want to tell what I plan to do.

krikya360.com - I hear you'll be taking part in the anti-doping tests by RUSADA?

 

PK - Great! I'm very happy with it.

krikya360.com - Tell us about your training for Lebedev?

 

PK - I started my camp 8 weeks ago, trained in Warsaw and in Polish mountains. I had several good sparring partners.

krikya360.com - The fight takes place in Moscow, you'll be the away fighter however your friend Krzysztof Wlodarczyk will also be with you. Of course boxing isn't a team sport but the experience of having him around you must be a plus leading into the bout?

 

PK - Yes, that is very true in professional boxing, we have a real team! Diablo (Krzysztof Wlodarczyk), (Artur) Szpilka, (Andrzej) Wawrzyk, me and few younger fighters.

krikya360.com - Earlier this year you were scheduled to fight for the IBF title against Yoan Pablo Hernandez. He was ill and had to pull out of the bout, which must have been a frustrating time for you?

 

PK - Yes, it frustrated me very much. Hernandez pull out two times, officially and finally quit. He choose more safe opponent. It is very typical for German boxing. So called German boxing. You know, German, scoring, German refereeing, so called opponents, it is more circus than boxing. Lebedev was robbed in Germany too.

krikya360.com - For those who aren't as familiar with you, tell us about your career to date?

PK - I was a kickboxer many years ago, I turned to boxing 10 years ago and now I have a chance to win world title!

 

krikya360.com - The cruiserweight division appears to be full of talent, how do you see it?

 

PK - I really think that Diablo is the most dangerous. That’s why Huck always was afraid of him. Guillermo Jones looked very good but was tested positive for doping. Lebedev is very strong too.

krikya360.com - What is your life like away from boxing?

 

PK - Sports and family. I have two children and love to spend with them, as much time as I can.

krikya360.com - Do you have a message for Lebedev?

PK - I respect him very much but will do my best to win this fight.

 

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him at