Who is Mariusz Wach? Tyson Fury’s 6ft 8in foe who stands in way of Anthony Joshua fight

If Tyson Fury is to finally get his hands on Anthony Joshua, he will have to get through Mariusz Wach first.

‘The Gypsy King’ squares off against 46-year-old Polish veteran Wach on July 24 in Pattaya, Thailand, one day before Joshua locks horns with Kristian Prenga in his own tune-up fight.

Matchroom Boxing

Both men must get their hands raised if their long-awaited bout, which is being targeted for the fourth quarter of the year, is to be given the go-ahead.

While Prenga is an unknown quantity, having spent the majority of his career boxing on low-profile club shows across Europe and North America, Wach has competed on far bigger stages during his 21-year pro career.

Who has Mariusz Wach fought?

At the peak of his powers, back in 2012, Wach challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in Hamburg, Germany.

He lost the fight convincingly, but showed immense durability in taking Klitschko the full 12-round distance, and even stunned the Ukrainian in the dying embers of the fifth frame.

After being stopped on cuts by Alexander Povetkin three years later, Wach’s title ambitions faded, and he would hit the road as a well-travelled journeyman.

The iron-willed boxer provided valuable rounds to the likes of Jarrell Miller, Martin Bakole, Dillian Whyte and Hughie Fury.

It took until his 43rd pro fight against the heavy-handed Arslanbek Makhmudov for the towering 6ft 8in Pole to finally be lifted off his feet.

Moses Itauma would then become the second man to deck Wach during a two-round blowout in 2024.

What is Mariusz Wach’s record and what titles has he won?

Wach now sports a 39-13 professional record, with 20 of his victories coming by way of knockout.

Before turning over, he embarked on an extensive amateur career, culminating in a silver medal at the European Union Championships and a spot as an alternate at the 2004 Olympics.

AFP

In the paid ranks, he has won the Republic of Poland International heavyweight title as well as various regional sanctioning body belts.

Which other sports has Mariusz Wach competed in?

Over the last couple of years, Wach has turned his hand to other combat sports.

He is 1-0-1 in kickboxing and 0-0-1 as an MMA fighter.

Wach even soared to viral fame last year when he knocked out three influencers in the space of a few minutes during a bizarre 3vs1 MMA bout in Poland.

Has Mariusz Wach got a chance against Tyson Fury?

Now deep into his forties, Wach is considered to be a spent force, and with cracks beginning to form in his once formidable chin, few expect him to be able to withstand the punishment dished out by Fury.

Some oddsmakers have Fury as wide as a 1/100 favourite.

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