Bujaj NYS

Superman Lives! Steve Bujaj on the WBC Road to a Shot at Krystzof Woldarczyk

By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent

Superman Lives is the title of the cancelled Superman project in the 1990s which was supposed to star actor Nicholas Cage. On May 15, 2014, Stivens ‘Superman’ Bujaj of New York City, also called Steve, age 23, currently ranked 27th in the world by the World Boxing Council at cruiserweight, will square off against Junior Anthony Wright of Illinois for the World Boxing Council vacant International Cruiserweight title on Dmitriy Salita’s Brooklyn Brawl boxing card on Thursday, May 15, 2014, in the 10 round main event.

Bujaj trains out of the Mendez Gym in Manhattan. His trainer, Billy Giles, is best known as a trainer of Hector Camacho Sr., Aaron Davis, Paulie Malignaggi, and other world champions. Former WBA Welterweight champion Aaron Davis, who Giles trained, used the nickname ‘Superman’, which Bujaj has now adopted as his own trademark moniker.

One opponent Bujaj has spoken of as a dream fight is Glen ‘The Road Warrior’ Johnson of Florida, 45, the former IBF, IBA and IBO world light heavyweight champion who is now campaigning as a cruiserweight, who has won his last three fights at cruiserweight. If Bujajwins the vacant WBC International cruiserweight title at 10 rounds, a 12 round title defense of this belt against Johnson, or a 12 round defense against former WBC world cruiserweight champion Giacobbe Fragomeni, 44, of Italy, could constitute an eliminator for Bujaj for a shot at the current WBC world cruiserweight champion, Krystzof Wlodarczyk of Poland. Another possible Bujaj opponent could be former WBC world cruiserweight champion Zsolt Erdei, 40, of Hungary, now a European titleholder.

In a Real Combat Media exclusive interview, Bujaj, now 12-0, nine knockouts, the current WBC USNBC Cruiserweight champion after knocking out Victor Barragan in the seventh round last month at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, spoke of his preparations for the Wright fight, his roadmap for success, and his motivation to earn a shot at the current WBC World Cruiserweight champion, Kzysztof Wlodarczyk of Poland.

Real Combat Media: “How has your training been coming along?”

Steve Bujaj: “I trained like I was supposed to, as if I were fighting a hard 12 rounder. I trained for anything.”

Real Combat Media: “How has your strength conditioning gone?”

Steve Bujaj: “It has gone well. I have a separate strength coach, Kwame, who I have been working with for two fights. We’ve done a lot of hard work. I see results. I’m ready. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been.”

Real Combat Media: “How have you increased your power punching ability?”

Steve Bujaj: “”I have been averaging over 100 punches a round. I’m ready to throw a lot of punches. If I see a power shot opportunity, I’ll take it. I’m ready to go 10 rounds.”

Real Combat Media: “How do you feel about fighting a 10 rounder? You just went seven rounds before stopping Victor Barragan for the WBC USNBC cruiserweight title.”

Steve Bujaj: “I feel great. I feel this is where I fight my best, in the championship rounds when the stakes are high. When I have something to lose, I do my best.”

Real Combat Media: “You have fought in both of Dmitriy Salita’s venues. Webster Hall in Manhattan is a large ring, Millenium Theater in Brighton Beach Brooklyn, where this fight will take place, is a small ring.”

Steve Bujaj: “Honestly, I believe I can adjust to any kind of fight, and any kind of ring. I’ll adjust to it, no matter the size of the ring. I believe the smaller ring favors me because there’s less room to run for him (Junior Wright).”

Real Combat Media: “Will fighting in the smaller ring affect your battle strategy?”

Steve Bujaj: “Not really. I’m going to come out and do what I have to. I’ll see what he gives me (fight approach my opponent presents), and I am going to adjust to him (his style).”

Real Combat Media: “Do you think your fight with Junior Wright will be a power punching war, or a highly technical fight?”

Steve Bujaj: “I think Junior Wright is going to come in and pox counter (punching). Once I get into my rhythm, I’m going to break him down and knock him out. If not, I’m going to hurt him over 10 rounds. If a knockout comes, it comes. I don’t go looking for it.”

Real Combat Media: “Who would you like to fight at the highest levels in the foreseeable future? Guillermo Jones? Denis Lebedev? Marco Huck? Yoan Pablo Hernandez? Ola Afolabi? Latif Kayode? Rahkim Chakhiev? Krystzof Wlodarczyk? They are the best cruiseweights in the world today.”

Steve Bujaj: “Krystzof Wlodarczyk of Poland is the World Boxing Council World Cruiserweight champion. I’m going down that path (fighting for WBC regional belts) for his WBC world cruiserweight title. I hope he will give me a shot (an opportunity at his world title).’

Real Combat Media: “What do you expect from your opponent, former three time Golden Gloves champion Junior Wright of Chicago? Have you see and video footage on him?”

Steve Bujaj: “I don’t know much about my opponent. He’s a right handed opponent who switches up sometimes.”

Real Combat Media: “How have your sparring sessions gone?”

Steve Bujaj: “I’ve had the best sparring, Lionel Thompson and Adam Kownacki. I’m ready for anything.”

Real Combat Media: “Do you think your fight with Junior Wright will be a clean fight, or not? What do you anticipate, and how will you handle it?”

Steve Bujaj: “I can’t predict that, I don’t know what he’s prepared to do. I’m prepared for anything he brings.”

Real Combat Media: “Do you think the fight with Wright could go past the sixth round?”

Steve Bujaj: “I believe the bout with Wright could go past the sixth round. From what I know he’s a solid opponent. I’m here for 10 rounds.”

Real Combat Media: “Steve, Real Combat Media wishes you the very best in your upcoming WBC regional title bout and in the future. Hopefully you will become the world champion.”

Steve Bujaj: “I have dedicated my life to boxing. I will succeed. Boxing is my life.”

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