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Cruiserweight Zack Mwekassa talks about his career, life, training and more.
Saddoboxing had the excellent opportunity to scoop up a quick interview with Congo born South African Cruiserweight contender Zack Mwekassa, 13-3 (12).
Born and living in a harsh culture and environment, Mwekassa has worked extremely hard to build himself up as a fighter, learning on the job.
Saddoboxing: What do you think of your career so far?
Zack Mwekassa: I have been training hard and looking for international exposure. I am currently based in South Africa. dealing with an American promoter would be nice. As you know, South Africa with the history of the apartheid, that mentality [amongst the people] has not changed. Only select fighters get opportunities.
SB: What are you currently working on in camp?
ZM: My technique and counter-punching skills.
SB: You have great physical power; how can you use that to your advantage on the world stage?
ZM: I know I am blessed with tremendous physical power. I moved to South Africa from the Congo during the war. I had no amateur career. Most of what you see I taught myself, warrior instinct I say.
SB: Do you think this learning on the job could be part of the reason you lost early fights?
ZM: I am comfortable with the journey and I have learned a lot already. I am aggressive and need to be slightly [more] patient. With a good trainer, I would be unstoppable. I see myself as the most vicious Cruiserweight Africa has ever had. I just need an opportunity.
SB: Coming off your previous loss, do you want a tuneup? Or go after a big name?
ZM: It doesn’t really matter to me. I am afraid of nobody. I trained through both Christmas and New Years. That’s how fired up I am. Sure, I have lost but so have the greats.
SB: What is it like sparring with Sergey Kovalev?
ZM: Sergey is a very talented, clever fighter. He knows what punch to throw and when. He also has good defense but people do not see it as he is always on the attack. He works very hard, leaving his homeland in search of a better life [Author’s note – Kovalev was born in Russia, now residing in the USA signed with Main Events].
SB: How do you see Kovalev’s fight with Gabriel Campillo turning out?
ZM: Campillo has experience, but this is the wrong fight for him. Sergey adjusts well and can punch. I think he gives any Light Heavyweight champ a run for their money. It takes a lot for a man to leave his family and friends.
SB: Thanks Zack, any closing comments for our readers?
ZM: I feel I just need an opportunity. One day I hope to appear on HBO in the name of Africa. Thank you and God bless.
Zack currently has no fight set. Look out for him on the world class boxing scene as he improves through the coming years.
Corey Quincy is a boxing writer for Saddoboxing.com and his blog Blboxing.com. Follow him on Twitter at Quincyboxingfan. Like his Boxing Legends Facebook page.
