Wolak ready for Browning

Interview by Kurt Wolfheimer
Photos by Ed Mullholland, Fightwireimages.com

On Saturday night, May 17, at the Aviator Sports Arena in Brooklyn, New York, undefeated Polish American junior middleweight prospect Pawel Wolak (20-0, 14 KOs) will swap punches with Troy Browning (20-1-1, 8 KOs) for the interim WBC USNBC light middleweight title. Fightnews had the opportunity to go one on one with Wolak as he prepared for the toughest test of his career.

Fightnews: Hi Pawel. How is your preparation going for the fight against Troy Browning on Saturday night?

Wolak: Training has been going well. I have sparred a lot of rounds with southpaws in Gleason’s Gym. Fighters like Victor Paz and Chris Smith always help me out. Another guy, that has really helped me out is Martin Wright 6-0-1 who is also fighting on this card. He is a crafty veteran who won the golden gloves a couple of years back and since Martin is a lefty, he has really prepared me for Browning.   

Fightnews: you recently put another feather in your cap with a second round knockout of Dupre Strickland 18-3-1. How do you think the fight went and how will it help you in your preparation for Browning?

Wolak: Strickland was good for my credentials because he took “Irish” John Duddy (24-0, 17KO’s) the full ten rounds and I needed only two rounds to stop him. Also, Strickland was an experienced southpaw just like Browning. I don’t know if you know it, but Strickland was only stopped once before me and that was way back in 2001. Browning like Strickland, has a very good chin too. He has never been stopped in his career. My management felt it would be best to continue with crafty southpaws.     

Fightnews: How does it feel fighting for the first time in Brooklyn, New York?

Wolak: It should be nice fighting in Brooklyn for the first time. It will provide some problems for my fans though. New York City was perfect for them, because all they needed to do was to take the train and then they could go out after the fight and party all night in the city. There is really no train access in Brooklyn to the fights, but it is easy to get there by car. I really just want my fans to be happy when they arrive to see me fight.

Fightnews: You are fighting for the WBC USNBC belt any thoughts about the opportunity?

Wolak: I need to get my name out there and be seen. Fighting for the WBC USNBC belt, which is a pretty prestigious belt. We are looking toward some lucrative opportunities in the near future. 

Fightnews: Any predictions for the fight?

Wolak: It will be a tough fight. Browning is a tough guy, who has done the rounds. He is very experienced fighter, so this should be a real good test for me.

Fightnews: your career is really moving along well. Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Wolak: I see myself in contention for a world title if everything goes as planned.