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Vito Mielnicki Jr.’s Stock Rises After
Dominant Win Over Austin Williams
Vito Mielnicki Jr. (24-1, 13 KOs) took another major step
toward a world title opportunity with an impressive
unanimous decision victory over Austin “Ammo” Williams
(20-3, 13 KOs) in their 10-round middleweight showdown.
Mielnicki, co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab
Promotions, won by identical scores of 98-91 on all three
judges’ cards and added the WBA Continental Americas
middleweight title to his collection, which already includes
the WBC Continental Americas, WBO Global and IBF USBA
titles.
Mielnicki, who is one step closer to fighting for a world
title, set the tone immediately, dropping Williams in the
opening round with a sharp right hook-left hook combination.
Instead of rushing for the finish, he stayed patient and
controlled the rest of the fight with his timing, movement
and accurate combinations.
The event, promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, aired
live worldwide on DAZN and on TNT in the United States.
Mielnicki credited his preparation with his trainer Ronnie
Shields for allowing him to remain composed throughout the
fight.
“I had a great camp with Ronnie,” said Mielnicki. “We worked
on staying sharp and disciplined, and I think that showed.
When I dropped Ammo in the first round, I didn’t get carried
away trying to finish him. I stayed with the game plan and
kept doing what was working.”
Although Williams entered the fight as a dangerous and
proven opponent, Mielnicki felt he was ready for the
challenge.
“I have a lot of respect for Ammo,” Mielnicki said. “He can
fight, I knew that coming in. This was the type of opponent
I wanted because I want to keep testing myself against good
fighters. I felt like I controlled the fight, but I’m still
learning and getting better.”
With another regional championship now around his waist,
Mielnicki believes the victory has moved him closer to his
ultimate goal.
“This was a big win for my career,” Mielnicki said. “I want
all the big fights. I want to keep earning my way up the
rankings and put myself in position to fight for a world
title. Lara, Adames, Bently, are all on my radar.”
Performing at home on a major platform made the victory even
sweeter.
“I’m grateful to Matchroom and Boxlab for believing in me
and giving me these opportunities,” Mielnicki added. “Having
the fight shown on TNT and DAZN around the world, in my home
state, was special. I want people watching to see that every
time I step up, I’m getting better.”
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, believes
Mielnicki is on the cusp of a world title shot.
“Vito showed another level against Ammo,” Piedra said. “He
hurt him early, but what impressed me was how composed he
remained. He didn’t force anything. He boxed, stayed
disciplined and controlled the fight. Those are the things
you want to see from a fighter who is getting closer to the
championship level.”
Piedra believes a world title opportunity isn't far away.
“Vito now holds regional titles with the WBA, WBC, WBO and
IBF, and his résumé continues to get stronger,” Piedra
continued. “We believe a world title fight is in his near
future. He wants the biggest fights available, and our job
with Matchroom is to keep putting him in position to earn
that opportunity.”
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