WSB 2013-14: Spotlight on Poland Hussars
02 November 2013
Members of the Hussars team last season – WSB
With just 15 days to go before the launch of the World Series of Boxing (WSB) Season IV we begin a countdown focusing on each of our teams. We kick off with the ever resilient Hussars Poland, who have found themselves drawn as underdogs in what has been termed the “Group of Death” bymany in the media.
Facing the likes of defending champions Astana Arlans Kazakhstan, WSB bad boys the Azerbaijan Baku Fires, the tough Season III semi-finalists Mexico Guerreros, the potentially awe inspiring Russian outfit and of course, the WSB new boys the Cuba Domadores, it will be a difficult season for the Hussars. Will their proven team spirit and endless courage help see them through the challenge? Let’s take a look.
The Background
Team Hussars Poland was formed by Stand4Theme Promotions and is managed by Jaroslaw Kołkowski. Last year (2012-2013) was their debut season; Hussars Poland had one of the smallest squads in the WSB and it was a surprise to many then that the Hussars qualified for the play-offs despite the odds.
Despite not having any obvious star boxers, the Hussars worked very well as a team and had a strong home record, winning every match in the regular season bar their final outing against Azerbaijan Baku Fires. It will be interesting to see whether experience gained in Season III will help the young squad develop their performances further this year despite a desperately hard draw in Group B.
The Hussars are coached by 34 year old Hubert Migaczew who is still a relatively young coach but who already has experience of the coaching the national team. His drive is what sets him apart from other young coaches. Migaczew fought more than 100 fights in his career and this will be his second season coaching the Hussars.
The Venue
The Polish team will open the season on the 22nd of November with their match against none other than the Cuba Domadores in the modern RAFAKO sports arena, which is in the Southern Polish town of Raciborz. The 500-seater venue is renowned for previously hosting world class martial arts events. The match is already hugely anticipated by Polish fans, with the Cuba Domadores widely considered to be favourites for the title this year. Despite the quality of the opposition, the Hussars will be on home turf, and with their never say die attitude, it won’t be plain sailing for the classy Cubans but this match will be an interesting yard-stick for both teams. Just how good are the Domadores? Just how much grit and determination do the Hussars possess? Either way it will be an explosive show to mark the start of both teams the season and the Hussars will need their fans to turn the arena into an absolute pit, to crank up the psychological pressure on the visiting team, if they want any chance of winning.
The Interview
We talk with Tomasz Jablonski who will be representing Hussars for the second season
Tell us about your squad
It is a fresh squad, this season we have many new boxers. The boxers are at a very similar skill level, which makes it very competitive. I am extremely excited about the new team and I know the boys are hungry for their first test in the ring.
What is your view on the 10 weight categories?
It is a very good decision to add the five weight categories to align the competition to other AIBA events. Now boxers from all these categories can compete in WSB it is a fantastic opportunity.
What is the atmosphere in the team just less just a few weeks away from the Season’s Launch?
We are training with full speed and intensity in our training centre near Warsaw. All our boxers are here, we live, train and eat together. Our team spirit is alive and its hugely important to us.
What are the lessons that your team learned in the Season III?
Personally I learned to be really comfortable fighting without a headguard and I learned how to preserve my strength during five rounds. Speaking about the team, with the experience of last season we know what to expect in the WSB competition, which will help us to control all the areas around the competition: training schedule, logistics, sparring, nutrition etc. In that way our approach will be ever more professional this year.
What are this Season’s objectives?
Last season nobody believed we can qualify to Play-offs, but we did. This season our first objective is certainly to qualify to the Playoffs again. We have the toughest opponents but it will make us tougher as well.
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