New Faces: Andrzej Fonfara

Jul

New Faces: Andrzej Fonfara

Vital Statistics:

Age: 24
Hometown: Chicago
Weight class: light heavyweight
Height / reach: 6-2 (188 cm) / 77 inches (196 cm)
Amateur record: 103-17 (reported)
Turned pro: October 24, 2008
Pro record: 21-2, 12 knockouts
Trainer: Sam Colona
Manager: Mark Fonfara
Promoter: 8 Count Productions

Best night of pro career: In April of 2010, Fonfara won the WBC’s “youth” light heavyweight title with a fourth-round stoppage of Roger Cantrell, whose only previous loss was a fifth-round TKO to Andre Ward. Fonfara out-boxed the once-beaten fighter before finding range with his power punches in the second round. Once he hurt Cantrell, it only took him two more rounds to overpower the capable boxer from Seattle.

Worst night of pro career: In his ESPN2 debut, July of 2008, Fonfara suffered a second-round TKO to middleweight journeyman Derrick Findley (who had an 11-2 record at the time). Findley dropped Fonfara twice late in the second round. Fonfara (who had a 10-1 record at the time) got up on wobbly legs before the bell but the fight was stopped between rounds.

Next fight: Fonfara takes on former light heavyweight champ Glen Johnson in the main event of this week’s Friday Night Fights broadcast from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago (tonight). Johnson has lost four of his last six bouts (all decisions to world-class fighters) but Fonfara still views the 43-year-old veteran as the toughest test of his career. “He’s a great warrior, a great fighter,” he said. “This fight will let me know if I can be a world champ.”

Why he’s a prospect: Fonfara has a solid amateur background, good technique and the proper style for his tall and rangy frame.He can stick and move or take the fight to his opponent behind his jab. He also has a loyal local following and a potential national fan base with Polish and Polish-American fans.

Why he’s a suspect: His chin and overall durability are question marks.

Story lines: After an extensive amateur career in his native Poland, Fonfara relocated to Chicago where he turned pro as a freakishly tall welterweight. Under the guidance of local promotional company, 8 Count Productions, Fonfara developed his professional skills and style as he grew into his lanky frame. Fonfara compiled a 12-2 record while fighting at welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight and super middleweight during the first three years of his pro career. He says light heavyweight is the most appropriate division for his tall, lanky body, which is claims is stronger than ever now that he does cut as much as 20 pounds as he routinely did when fighting at middleweight. Fonfara’s wake up call to move up from 160 pounds was his second-round TKO to Findley. He says the loss forced him to put on some much needed pounds and – more importantly – to work harder in the gym and take his craft more seriously.

Fight-by-fight record

2012

March 16 Byron Mitchell TKO 3

2011

Dec. 16 Phil Williams KO 3

Sept. 23 Jose Spearman TKO 2

May 20 Anthony Russell KO 7

April 9 Ray Smith KO 4

Jan. 28 Adam Jaco TKO 5

2010

Nov. 19 Anthony Doughty KO 1

April 30 Roger Cantrell TKO 4