Zewski Looking to Hook & Reel In A Big One
By William Trillo.JPG)
The first time I saw Mikael Zewski, (34-1, 23 KO’s), in action was in March of 2010 at a small casino in Southern California, it was his second pro fight. I noticed right away Zewski was from Quebec. The reason that caught my eye is that a few months prior to that I made my first trip to Montreal, and as my readers, (all 5 of them), know I fell in love with the city and the people of Montreal. The fact of the matter is I hold all of Quebec near and dear to my heart.
That first night I saw Zewski I was impressed how he quickly dispatched of a foe who had no idea what hit him. I thought to myself, I am going to need to keep an eye on this kid, he has legit skills.” As it turns out I have been fortunate enough to see Zewski fight in the cities of Montreal, Quebec City, Indio California and multiple times in Las Vegas Nevada. Watching Zewski as I have it became clear to me that the skills he displayed the first time I saw him were not a fluke, he is without question a top world class fighter.
Tonight in Las Vegas Zewski will be in arguably the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Egidijus Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 17 KO’s) in a battle that will have major title implications. Not only will the fighters be fighting for both the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welter Title and WBO Organization NABO Welter Title, but a victory will most likely give the winner a world title shot.
I got a chance to speak to Mikael when he got into The Las Vegas Bubble to get his thoughts on this major opportunity. Check out this exclusive interview:
Pound4Pound: Can you believe it has been 10 years since the first time I saw you fight at that show in Los Angeles California? Where does the time go?
Mikael Zewski: Its crazy man, I began to realize how fast time goes since I have my son, seems like he was born last week, but he began preschool last week! A boxing career is such a journey, things rarely go how you expect them to go, but I’m getting there.
P4P: I have to ask, how is the fishing going. When I see those photos of you it looks great. Are those competitions and have you won any of those?
MZ: This year was slow because of the Covid. I do bass fishing tournaments. I won some but its pretty hard to win, you have to spend a lot of time on the water. I love the competition and I like to try to control the uncontrollable.
P4P: You are looking to reel in a big one this weekend when you face Kavaliauskas. Tell me how you feel going into this one.
MZ: I’m super excited yet I’m calm because I know what I need to do to win. He’s a big challenge, I’m the “b side” and there is a lot to win for me in this fight compared to the usual when I have a lot to lose. I’m anxious cause I want to perform and show everyone what I’m capable of, but I feel like I absolutely belong here.
P4P: A victory here puts you in a good place to get a shot at a world title. Your motivation to be your best must be extremely high.
MZ: Oh yes, I’m motivated. When I got the fight offer, I thought to myself “that’s exactly the fight I need”. There is a lot on the table. A win would make me legitimate to fight any of the champions.
P4P: I have been watching all the fights in the Las Vegas Bubble. The one thing I have noticed is that some of the fighters are really struggling with the empty arena and have not performed well. Have you prepared yourself mentally for this hugely different atmosphere?
MZ: I don’t think that it’s going to play a role. I think most of the fighters who blamed the lack of the public might have taken a fight on short notice. We spar all the time without any public, we’re used to that. The atmosphere will be different that’s for sure and I’d rather have the public, but that’s how it is and I will deliver anyways.
P4P: Both you and Kavaliauskas have only suffered one loss each. I genuinely believe this may be the best fight of the night. As you know Pound4Pound is a big follower of Quebec boxing and we are wishing you the absolute best in this bout.
MZ: Well, his loss came in a world title fight against the top fighter in the world, mine was against a guy that I should never have lost to. But I’m a big boxing fan and as a fan I’m excited for this fight because I think it’s a good matchup, styles match, we both have power and speed, and we both badly need a win.
P4P: Lastly, do you have any words for your friends and fans back in Quebec?
MZ: There is no hockey and not much going on right now in Quebec so I’m sure everyone will be tuned in and watching. I want to make everybody proud; it’s going to be a good one so don’t miss it!
Check the fights tonight on ESPN and as always check out www.Pound4Pound.com for all the latest boxing news.
