SOSNOWSKI: NEXT EUROPEAN HW STAR?

Following a near shutout victory against Olympic Bronze Medallist Paolo Vidoz to capture the vacant Heavyweight title, does Albert “The Dragon” Sosnowski have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of previous European Heavyweight title holders Lennox Lewis and the Klitschko brothers and propel himself into world title contention?

Sosnowski of course has been around a long time with 45 victories on his record, only 2 losses and 1 draw, but he is still only 30 which is very young for a heavyweight. He is also well travelled, having fought all around the world since his pro debut in 1998, the man from Warsaw has made visits to Denmark, Holland, the US, Hungary, South Africa, and Germany; as well as fighting in Poland and his adopted home England.

“The Dragon” draws quite a following when fighting in London from the large Polish community who were very vocal when he captured the EBU title against Vidoz at York Hall in late December 09. Promoted by Matchroom under Barry Hearn and trained by Matchroom cutsman Ian “Jumbo” Johnson, Sosnowski has come on leaps and bounds since his first defeat - a 9th round stoppage when challenging for the WBC youth title against Gary Cook in Hungary in 2001 – and although set back by a recent points loss against Zuri Lawrence in New York in 2008, he has continued to improve. A big stoppage victory when stepping in at short notice against former World challenger and British stalwart Danny Williams propelled him onto the British boxing scene and made people take note. What makes his rise even more impressive is the fact that he has no amateur background!

Not afraid of a challenge, after he stopped Williams Sosnowski stepped up and faced unbeaten and much fancied Francesco Pianeta and earned a much heralded draw, a fight which many observers felt he had won. A lot of insiders in the UK boxing scene thought that he might make an appearance in the Heavyweight prize-fighter competition in order to raise his profile in the UK, however a shot at the vacant European title was negotiated. This proved to be a very sensible move as he went on to outclass an ageing Vidoz.

So what next for “The Dragon”??........ a meeting with the recent Prize-fighter champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison is set for the ninth of April at the Alexandra Palace, whether this happens remains to be seen as no one can predict what Harrison will do next. This is wholeheartedly a fight that Sosnowski can win- his work rate and punch output is something rarely seen on the heavyweight scene. He doesn’t have the slick boxing skills of Harrison or the size of someone like Lewis but he does have one of the highest work rates in the division. Should he be able to steer clear of the devastating straight left that Harrison likes to throw, he has every chance to add another scalp to his CV. As we have seen over the years, Harrison loathes being hit and looks nothing short of scared when put under real pressure. Albert is a pressure fighter that doesn’t give a moment’s rest to an opponent. He threw a lot of punches in defeating Vidoz which is incredibly rare for a heavyweight these days. That being said, if he lets Harrison dictate the fight it could be a long night for the man from Warsaw. That is of course if it happens, Harrison is known to be difficult to deal with and could quite easily come up with some story or another about promotional wrangling….. Only time will tell.

Albert of course now has options, holding the belt will open doors for him and offer him some very good pay days, a win over Harrison will certainly bolster his credentials. Fights with other British.

Fighters may hold some gravitas for him but surely this will be seen as a backwards step, however if Derek “Del Boy” Chisora beats Williams in the re-arranged British title fight there could be potential for a bout in London where it would surely sell out. The old adage says ‘money talks’ and if there is a good purse for Sosnowski to fight Chisora in London this might be something to interest the Sosnowski camp. Chisora indeed talks a good game and will no doubt be calling everyone out if he wins the British title but Albert should be looking at bigger and better things.

Potentially another route could be some European title defences in London and Warsaw which will see a rise in the ranking bodies’ ratings to move Sosnowski towards a mandatory shot at one of the major titles. Of course there is the lure of the US , every fighter worth his core wants to be showcased on the biggest stages and none come bigger than the US and some coverage over there certainly won’t do him any harm. Having fought in the US a couple of times already he is not a complete unknown to boxing fans across the pond. There are some very average US heavyweights with big profiles, so this could be something to exploit in order to get his name known. Ultimately Sosnowski’s career could come to a head with a mandatory loss to either Klitschko brother or indeed the UK’s own David Haye……watch this space!

The road ahead for Albert Sosnowski seems littered with opportunities and by the end of 2010 we will certainly be in a position to suggest whether he is Europe’s next heavyweight star.

I caught up with Albert Sosnowski’s trainer and cuts man Ian “Jumbo” Johnson at his Redhill training base to get his thoughts on the Vidoz fight, the upcoming fight with Harrison and what lays ahead for “The Dragon”.

First of all “Jumbo” how did you come to work with Albert?
I have been involved with Albert some way or another since his first fight in England as he is a Matchroom fighter but in the last 4 years I have been his cutman. Then about 18 months ago I was asked to get more involved and help with his training

Is it true he stays with your parents when he is training in Redhill?
Yes before my parents moved from Redhill to Horley just last month he would stay there as it is quiet, but now when he comes over with his other trainer Jacek Dabroski who is a very nice guy and we work well together, but now we will find him somewhere new to stay.

What do you think are his best attributes?
Well his work rate is outstanding he has a better jab and hits harder than people think, and he loves to train always comes in great shape.

What do the other guys in the gym think of having the European Heavyweight Champion coming in to train?
Every one loves it they can not believe how hard he trains and how nice a person he is. They all watch and study him; it shows them how dedicated you have to be to get to the top.

So what did you think of the Vidoz fight?
Perfect… he done just what we asked of him we could not of wished for anything more, everyone who has spoke to me after the fight said how good he looked.

Is the Harrison fight a risk for Albert in his first defence?
Any fight is a risk in boxing as you never know what is going to happen, but I believe it is the right fight for Albert.

How far do you think he can go?
Albert can go on to fight for a world title he has what it takes but as we all know sometimes you can be left out in the cold and be avoided I hope the champions come forward and want to fight Albert.

And finally do you have anyone else in your stable that we should keep an eye out for?
I have one of the most talented light middle/middleweights I have ever worked with his name is Grzegorz Proksa 19 fights 19 wins 12 by stoppage he comes from a small city in Poland called Wegierska Gorka, he is 25yrs old he was the W.B.C. and I.B.F. youth champion he stays with me when in England as I am his only trainer. This guy is one to watch out for, a pleasure to train. Thank you for getting in contact and doing the article.