Introduction
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Rafał Kwiatkowski, a distinguished Polish amateur boxer who has made a name for himself in the German boxing scene. With over a decade of experience and multiple championship titles to his name, Kwiatkowski shares insights into his journey from Poland to Germany, his dedication to the sport, and the mindset that has propelled him to the top of the masters boxing circuit. As he prepares for a highly anticipated WBU World Championship bout, he reflects on his achievements, training regimen, and the mentors who have shaped his career. Join us as we delve into the world of a true athlete whose passion, discipline, and resilience continue to inspire both fans and fellow boxers alike.
Q & A
FightMatrix: Why did you move from Poland to Germany? Was it easy to acclimate living in Germany?
Rafał Kwiatkowski: I came to Germany with my family when I was 11 years old. Since I was young, I settled in quickly and easily. I also made friends quickly through my sport.
FM: As a nine-year-old you began boxing. Was this something you were eager to do? Did boxing change your outlook on life?
RK: I have always found boxing very impressive. Boxing is very much a mental sport and makes you strong not only physically but also mentally. That’s what it did for me, and it had a big impact on me.
FM: Rafał, you have achieved numerous Saarländischer Vice-Meister titles, how does this make you feel? When you won your first title, what was going through your thoughts?
RK: Title fights are always very important. The preparation is more intense, and in the end, the reward is the title. I was filled with pride that all the hard work had paid off.
FM: In November 2025, you are competing in a WBU World Championship fight against Loris Baldacci, in Saarbrücken, Germany. What does intuition tell you will be the outcome of that event?
RK: My gut feeling tells me that this will be a clash between two good, experienced boxers who will compete at a high level. I am very well prepared and will do my best to win.
FM: How many days a week do you train and for how many hours? What does a typical training session look like to you?
RK: During competition preparation, training takes place every day for up to 3 hours a day. The focus of training is on fitness, speed and technique.
FM: You competed in a bout against Chris Hamilton and won with what appeared to be ease, at the International Masters Cup 2024. Based on points, you had previously defeated Hamilton at the European Championships in Rietberg. Which event was more challenging, the 2024 Masters Cup or the European Championships in Rietberg? Why was one event more challenging than the other?
RK: The 2024 Masters Cup was the first major tournament I took part in. That’s where I demonstrated my strengths and abilities. At the European Championships in Rietberg, I was able to crown my skills with the title of European Champion.
FM: What are your short-term and long-term goals?
RK: My goal is to secure the world championship title in the cruiserweight division. After that, I will pass on my skills as a trainer.
FM: Who has been the biggest mentor to you in boxing or life in general?
RK: The many friends who support me in sports, such as Nils Becker, Peter Frohn-Lux, Alexander V. and my gym PowerOut Saarbrücken. I owe my successes to them and thank them for their many years of support.
FM: What advice do you want to give to newer boxers? How should they measure their successes?
RK: My advice: Train hard, win easy. Success is measured by becoming the best version of yourself every day.
FM: Is there anything else that you would like to let your fans and our audience know about you?
RK: I would like to thank the fans and the audience for always supporting me.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.