Mateusz Masternak vs. Artur Mann set for October 4 in Poland
Polish veteran Mateusz Masternak, 49-6 (32 KOs), and German Artur Mann, 22-5 (13 KOs), will clash for the vacant EBU cruiserweight title on October 4 in Zakopane, Poland on a show put on by promoter Andrew Wasilewski and his Knockout Promotions.
Mann steps in for Leonardo Mosquea, who was forced to relinquish the title due to what the EBU has described as a serious illness. The German is ranked no. 15 by the EBU and comes in off a seventh round stoppage loss to Sergey Kovalev April 18 in Russia. Apparently he was the highest ranked available challenger and thus gets a surprise title shot.
The 38-year old Masternak is now 2-0 since being stopped by then WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith on December 10, 2023 in a fight where the Polish fighter seemed to be winning before suffering a rib injury.
Mateusz Masternak vs. Joel Djeko - October 4, 2025
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Mateusz Masternak vs. Joel Djeko - October 4, 2025
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 09 Sep 2025, 01:49, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Mateusz Masternak vs. Artur Mann - October 4, 2025
Injured Artur Mann out against Mateusz Masternak
German cruiserweight Artur Mann, 22-5 (13 KOs ), is injured and his fight on October 4 in Zakopane (Poland) against Mateusz Masternak (pictured), 49-6 (32 KOs), for the vacant EBU title is off.
Mann was, in turn, a substitute for then champ Leonardo Mosquea, who had to relinquish the title due to serious illness.
Mosquea, 17-0 (10 KOs) is now installed as mandatory challenger while Masternak is waiting for a new co-challenger for the vacant title. When and where that fight will take place is to be announced.
German cruiserweight Artur Mann, 22-5 (13 KOs ), is injured and his fight on October 4 in Zakopane (Poland) against Mateusz Masternak (pictured), 49-6 (32 KOs), for the vacant EBU title is off.
Mann was, in turn, a substitute for then champ Leonardo Mosquea, who had to relinquish the title due to serious illness.
Mosquea, 17-0 (10 KOs) is now installed as mandatory challenger while Masternak is waiting for a new co-challenger for the vacant title. When and where that fight will take place is to be announced.
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Re: Mateusz Masternak vs. Joel Djeko - October 4, 2025
MATEUSZ MASTERNAK TO FACE JOEL DJEKO FOR VACANT EUROPEAN CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE ON OCT. 4
The European cruiserweight situation has changed again.
Firstly, Leonardo Mosquea was injured and unable to defend his title after Knockout Promotions had secured a fight for their man Mateusz Masternak to challenge got the title in Zakopane, Poland, on October 4.
In stepped Artur Mann. However, the German was also injured and unable to face Masternak (49-6, 32 KOs), who will now instead face experienced campaigner Joel Djeko (19-3-1, 9 KOs). The two will contest the vacant title at the same venue and date.
"We've faced a series of challenges in the lead-up to our upcoming event, but we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the show goes on and to secure a title opportunity for Mateusz Masternak," Jacek Szelagowski the Vice-president of Knockout Promotions told The Ring.
"After learning that Leonardo Mosquea had suffered an injury, our team immediately began searching for a suitable replacement. Artur Mann, a German fighter known in Poland for his victory over a local competitor in a previous main event, was quickly secured and ready to step in.
"However, after a week of finalizing the fight details and beginning promotional efforts, we were notified that Mann, too, had sustained an injury, forcing us to go back to the drawing board. Our team left no stone unturned—reaching out to multiple boxers, sending emails, and making countless calls—but one by one, each option fell through for various reasons.
"At this point, we'd like to extend our special thanks to the European Boxing Union (EBU), who stood by us and offered invaluable support in these challenging circumstances. With their help, we received special approval to bring in a second replacement: Belgian boxer Joel Djeko.
"Djeko, a tall and unconventional fighter, stands nearly two meters tall and brings a unique challenge to the ring. But Mateusz Masternak did not hesitate for a second to accept the fight. We are proud to have secured this high-stakes showdown and look forward to an exciting, action-packed battle. With so much on the line, we’re confident that fans will be treated to a thrilling spectacle."
Masternak has been a professional since 2006. The Polish fighter won his first 30 fights and claimed the aforementioned European title, but lost it in an 11th-round stoppage defeat to future WBC titleholder Grigory Drozd. Afterwards, he came unstuck in 12-round losses to Youri Kalenga and another future cruiserweight champion in Tony Bellew.
However, he bested former unified cruiserweight kingpin Jean-Marc Mormeck in a 10-round split decision before stopping Kalenga after six rounds of their rematch. A narrow competitive defeat by former two-time champion Yuniel Dorticos saw him exit the World Boxing Super Series in the opening round, back during the division's 2018-19 season.
The 38-year-old contender rebounded with six consecutive victories to earn a shot at then-WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith. Although he was leading on two of the scorecards after seven rounds, he was stopped with a broken rib in the eighth. The 38-year-old has since returned with two victories in 2024 - most recently a points nod over Floyd Masson.
Djeko made his professional debut in 2011. He lost an early fight to Alexandru Jur (MD 4), drew with Bilal Laggoune (D 8) and later on lost to Craig Kennedy (SD 10) in May 2016.
The 36-year-old found some form with wins over grizzled veteran Valery Brudov (UD 6), Simone Federici (UD 10) and previously unbeaten Ricardo Snijders (UD 12) saw him given the opportunity to face 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka, who stopped him in the 12th and final round up at heavyweight in March 2021. He has fought just twice since.
The European cruiserweight situation has changed again.
Firstly, Leonardo Mosquea was injured and unable to defend his title after Knockout Promotions had secured a fight for their man Mateusz Masternak to challenge got the title in Zakopane, Poland, on October 4.
In stepped Artur Mann. However, the German was also injured and unable to face Masternak (49-6, 32 KOs), who will now instead face experienced campaigner Joel Djeko (19-3-1, 9 KOs). The two will contest the vacant title at the same venue and date.
"We've faced a series of challenges in the lead-up to our upcoming event, but we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the show goes on and to secure a title opportunity for Mateusz Masternak," Jacek Szelagowski the Vice-president of Knockout Promotions told The Ring.
"After learning that Leonardo Mosquea had suffered an injury, our team immediately began searching for a suitable replacement. Artur Mann, a German fighter known in Poland for his victory over a local competitor in a previous main event, was quickly secured and ready to step in.
"However, after a week of finalizing the fight details and beginning promotional efforts, we were notified that Mann, too, had sustained an injury, forcing us to go back to the drawing board. Our team left no stone unturned—reaching out to multiple boxers, sending emails, and making countless calls—but one by one, each option fell through for various reasons.
"At this point, we'd like to extend our special thanks to the European Boxing Union (EBU), who stood by us and offered invaluable support in these challenging circumstances. With their help, we received special approval to bring in a second replacement: Belgian boxer Joel Djeko.
"Djeko, a tall and unconventional fighter, stands nearly two meters tall and brings a unique challenge to the ring. But Mateusz Masternak did not hesitate for a second to accept the fight. We are proud to have secured this high-stakes showdown and look forward to an exciting, action-packed battle. With so much on the line, we’re confident that fans will be treated to a thrilling spectacle."
Masternak has been a professional since 2006. The Polish fighter won his first 30 fights and claimed the aforementioned European title, but lost it in an 11th-round stoppage defeat to future WBC titleholder Grigory Drozd. Afterwards, he came unstuck in 12-round losses to Youri Kalenga and another future cruiserweight champion in Tony Bellew.
However, he bested former unified cruiserweight kingpin Jean-Marc Mormeck in a 10-round split decision before stopping Kalenga after six rounds of their rematch. A narrow competitive defeat by former two-time champion Yuniel Dorticos saw him exit the World Boxing Super Series in the opening round, back during the division's 2018-19 season.
The 38-year-old contender rebounded with six consecutive victories to earn a shot at then-WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith. Although he was leading on two of the scorecards after seven rounds, he was stopped with a broken rib in the eighth. The 38-year-old has since returned with two victories in 2024 - most recently a points nod over Floyd Masson.
Djeko made his professional debut in 2011. He lost an early fight to Alexandru Jur (MD 4), drew with Bilal Laggoune (D 8) and later on lost to Craig Kennedy (SD 10) in May 2016.
The 36-year-old found some form with wins over grizzled veteran Valery Brudov (UD 6), Simone Federici (UD 10) and previously unbeaten Ricardo Snijders (UD 12) saw him given the opportunity to face 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka, who stopped him in the 12th and final round up at heavyweight in March 2021. He has fought just twice since.
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Re: Mateusz Masternak vs. Joel Djeko - October 4, 2025
Mateusz Masternak set to face Joel Djeko for EBU 200-pound belt
Mateusz Masternak has had three changes of opponent, but that hasn't changed his objective, which is to regain the European cruiserweight title.
Masternak, who held the EBU belt back in 2012, had been scheduled to challenge Leonardo Mosquea, but the defending champion suffered an injury and had to vacate the title. That allowed Artur Mann to step in, but he also was injured, which opened the door for Joel Djeko.
Masternak and Djeko will now headline a Knockout Promotions event on Saturday in Zakopane, Poland.
"I'm delighted to have a chance to be the European champion for the second time," Masternak (49-6, 32 knockouts) told The Ring. "He's a tough opponent due to his size (6-foot-5), strong, he's been in the business for some time, he has the experience.
"The super heavyweight Olympic champion Tony Yoka needed almost 12 rounds to stop him, so I expect a tough fight."
The 38-year-old, who has been fighting professionally for almost 20 years, held training camp with coach Piotr Wilczewski – the former EBU super middleweight titleholder – in the southeastern Polish town of Dzierzoniow. He sparred with heavyweights Damian Knyba and Mariusz Wach.
Masternak will need all that experience and work in sparring to help him make the transition in training from Mann to Djeko.
"Boxingwise, Mann is more predictable in the ring," Masternak said. "He makes you work, but he doesn't do anything special if you know a boxing textbook.
"Djeko, due to his size, is more unconventional. He keeps his hands low, has good body movement, and he has a good inside game. I will have to stay focused from the first to the last round."
Andrew Wasilewski of Knockout Promotions feels Djeko is a more difficult proposition that Mann but one he needs if he is to again challenge for a world title.
"In my opinion Djeko is a much more interesting opponent than Mann," the promoter said. "It's a good fight for the European belt, and Mateusz can become a two-time EBU champion.
"Djeko is a huge, strong, heavy-handed guy, I don't expect it to be an easy task for Mateusz. I think Masternak right now wants to test himself and get some answers about himself.
"Was his performance in his last fight (against Floyd Masson last November) a question of his opponent's awkward style? Maybe it was just a bad day or maybe he's getting caught a little bit by his age. He's 38 now.
"And that's how I look at those fights. It should be a good test for Masternak."
Djeko (19-3-1, 9 KOs) fought Yoka in March 2021. He has fought only twice since, the first time as a heavweight and then back down close to the more natural cruiserweight limit.
Mateusz Masternak has had three changes of opponent, but that hasn't changed his objective, which is to regain the European cruiserweight title.
Masternak, who held the EBU belt back in 2012, had been scheduled to challenge Leonardo Mosquea, but the defending champion suffered an injury and had to vacate the title. That allowed Artur Mann to step in, but he also was injured, which opened the door for Joel Djeko.
Masternak and Djeko will now headline a Knockout Promotions event on Saturday in Zakopane, Poland.
"I'm delighted to have a chance to be the European champion for the second time," Masternak (49-6, 32 knockouts) told The Ring. "He's a tough opponent due to his size (6-foot-5), strong, he's been in the business for some time, he has the experience.
"The super heavyweight Olympic champion Tony Yoka needed almost 12 rounds to stop him, so I expect a tough fight."
The 38-year-old, who has been fighting professionally for almost 20 years, held training camp with coach Piotr Wilczewski – the former EBU super middleweight titleholder – in the southeastern Polish town of Dzierzoniow. He sparred with heavyweights Damian Knyba and Mariusz Wach.
Masternak will need all that experience and work in sparring to help him make the transition in training from Mann to Djeko.
"Boxingwise, Mann is more predictable in the ring," Masternak said. "He makes you work, but he doesn't do anything special if you know a boxing textbook.
"Djeko, due to his size, is more unconventional. He keeps his hands low, has good body movement, and he has a good inside game. I will have to stay focused from the first to the last round."
Andrew Wasilewski of Knockout Promotions feels Djeko is a more difficult proposition that Mann but one he needs if he is to again challenge for a world title.
"In my opinion Djeko is a much more interesting opponent than Mann," the promoter said. "It's a good fight for the European belt, and Mateusz can become a two-time EBU champion.
"Djeko is a huge, strong, heavy-handed guy, I don't expect it to be an easy task for Mateusz. I think Masternak right now wants to test himself and get some answers about himself.
"Was his performance in his last fight (against Floyd Masson last November) a question of his opponent's awkward style? Maybe it was just a bad day or maybe he's getting caught a little bit by his age. He's 38 now.
"And that's how I look at those fights. It should be a good test for Masternak."
Djeko (19-3-1, 9 KOs) fought Yoka in March 2021. He has fought only twice since, the first time as a heavweight and then back down close to the more natural cruiserweight limit.
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Re: Mateusz Masternak vs. Joel Djeko - October 4, 2025
Veteran Mateusz Masternak claims European cruiserweight title
In Zakopane, Poland, 38-year-old veteran Mateusz Masternak dominated the fight and finally knocked out Belgian Joel Tambwe Djeko in the seventh and won the vacant EBU cruiserweight title.
It was the 50th win of Masternak’s career and came three fights after a losing effort for the WBO title, which was then held by Chris Billam-Smith.
The Pole is now 50-6 (33 KOs), and rated No. 4 by the IBF and No. 7 with both the WBC and WBO.
Djeko came in as a sub for German Artur Mann, who in turn was a sub for Leonard Mosquea, who had to relinquish the title due to serious illness.
The 36-year-old Djeko is now 19-4-1 (9 KOs).
On the undercard, veteran London, England, cruiserweight Tony Salam dropped to 19-6 (14 KOs) after he was stopped in two rounds by 11-0 (8 KOs) Michal Soczynski, a 27-year-old contender from Poland and Kamil Szeremeta, having his first outing since a loss in Saudi Arabia to Chris Eubank Jnr last year, improved to 26-3-2 (9 KOs) with victory over Boris Nedbal, who is 6-3 (6 KOs).
In Zakopane, Poland, 38-year-old veteran Mateusz Masternak dominated the fight and finally knocked out Belgian Joel Tambwe Djeko in the seventh and won the vacant EBU cruiserweight title.
It was the 50th win of Masternak’s career and came three fights after a losing effort for the WBO title, which was then held by Chris Billam-Smith.
The Pole is now 50-6 (33 KOs), and rated No. 4 by the IBF and No. 7 with both the WBC and WBO.
Djeko came in as a sub for German Artur Mann, who in turn was a sub for Leonard Mosquea, who had to relinquish the title due to serious illness.
The 36-year-old Djeko is now 19-4-1 (9 KOs).
On the undercard, veteran London, England, cruiserweight Tony Salam dropped to 19-6 (14 KOs) after he was stopped in two rounds by 11-0 (8 KOs) Michal Soczynski, a 27-year-old contender from Poland and Kamil Szeremeta, having his first outing since a loss in Saudi Arabia to Chris Eubank Jnr last year, improved to 26-3-2 (9 KOs) with victory over Boris Nedbal, who is 6-3 (6 KOs).