IT had taken Vito Mielnicki Jr just 40 seconds to tell Boxing News that he had been away from his family for eight weeks for his latest training camp with Ronnie Shields in Houston.
The initial inquiry revolved around his upcoming opponent, and the super-welterweight contender officially announced that it would be Ronald Cruz on Saturday (May 4). Their match, consisting of 10 rounds, will be included in the undercard which consists of a total of 10 bouts. Following this undercard, the spotlight will be on Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia as they step into the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the highly anticipated undisputed super-middleweight championship.
It is not uncommon for fighters to talk about their family, and for Mielnicki, his family from New Jersey has played a prominent role in his journey as a professional boxer.
“My family is a huge part of who I am,” he told BN over Zoom.
The person I am today is a direct result of my parents. My father, in particular, has always been a hard worker, even when I was a child. I vividly remember him waking up at the crack of dawn, around 4:30-5am, to work tirelessly and make ends meet. Witnessing his relentless efforts to provide for our family instilled in me a strong work ethic that I carry with me to this day.
I have been fortunate enough to receive guidance from my mother, who instilled in me the importance of humility, kindness, and staying true to oneself. The support I receive from my family is something I am truly grateful for, as many individuals do not have such a privilege. It is undeniably a blessing.
The Mielnicki family had a prominent role in the Showtime documentary called ‘Day in Camp’, which offered a glimpse into their son’s life. Alongside them, renowned figures like Devin Haney, Jaron Ennis, and Claressa Shields also had their journeys documented for the series. However, just like Showtime’s involvement in boxing, the series eventually reached its conclusion.
The Mielnicki family home in Roseland, New Jersey serves as the starting point for viewers to immerse themselves in their lives. Over the course of 12 minutes, the audience witnesses the incredible bond that unites them. Vito Mielnicki Sr accompanies his son to various training camps, highlighting the support and dedication he provides. Vito Jr. affectionately refers to his mother, Mrs. Mielnicki, as a steadfast pillar in their lives.
At the start of the short documentary, while riding in the fighter’s car, a significant moment occurs when he openly discusses how boxing has consumed his life since the tender age of seven. He passionately explains why he firmly believes that he is fated to achieve ultimate success in the sport.
“I can’t express how much I want [it],” he says. His vehicle stationary, the driver stares into the distance not at anything specific but perhaps visualising that moment when he reaches the destination he dreams about.
“I sacrificed a lot through the years,” he tells BN.
I have made sacrifices by dedicating time away from my family and by asking my father to do the same. Additionally, my father has spent money on my tournament participation that could have been used for our family’s needs. My motivation for pursuing this path is not only for my personal fulfillment but also to support my family, considering the challenges they have endured alongside me on this journey.
I am fully aware of the countless hours I have dedicated to the gym. I have experienced moments of solitude in the gym, whether it be early mornings or late nights, and I am well aware of the effort I have poured into this pursuit. I have a clear vision of where I want to go and I have committed myself to achieving it. I have set my mind on this goal, visualized it, documented it in my journal, and taken every necessary step towards it. Almost every day, I hold this vision in my mind.
As mentioned in the video, I cannot emphasize enough how much I desire and yearn for this opportunity. This longing has been ingrained in me since I was a mere seven-year-old engaged in both American football and boxing. However, as I progressed through seventh grade, I discovered my true passion lay in boxing, prompting me to abandon football. From that point forward, I wholeheartedly devoted myself to this pursuit, and I will persistently do so until I attain my ultimate goal and lifelong dream.
The individual who is 21 years old exhibits impressive qualities both in speech and appearance. They have a confident demeanor and possess a level of wisdom that surpasses their age. Mielnicki, with a record of 17-1 (12 knockouts), possesses a certain indescribable quality that, even if he doesn’t attain his desired success in boxing, will undoubtedly lead him to thrive in any path he chooses in life.
Mielnicki Jr has already showcased his skills on numerous prominent match events.
During ‘Day in Camp, ’ Mrs Mielnicki revealed she used to get upset that other kids were out playing or at birthday parties and feared her son was missing out. But her little boy would simply say, “I’m good”.
Certainly, however, there must have been times when he felt the temptation to set aside boxing for a weekend and indulge in some enjoyable activities.
He responds, “There’s always a moment to indulge in some self-enjoyment, but you need to stand out from the crowd.”
While the guys were returning from the club and heading to bed, Kobe Bryant was the one who would be leaving for the gym at 4:30 in the morning.
To reach a higher level, I firmly believe that one must stand out. Being unique is essential. As I have witnessed my father’s tireless efforts to provide for our family and ensure our well-being, it would be disrespectful to those who have faith in me if I were not fully committed. Thus, I will persistently move forward, remaining steadfast and dedicated. I am incredibly fortunate to be where I am today, and I will never overlook or undervalue this opportunity.
Mielnicki acknowledges that he cannot underestimate Ronald Cruz either. Facing the 32-year-old Californian is another important step in his journey that Mielnicki will approach with great respect. Although Cruz went the full eight rounds with the well-regarded Puerto Rican boxer Xander Zayas last year, Mielnicki chooses not to dwell on that fact.
In April 2021, Mielnicki experienced a wake-up call when he lost an eight-round contest to James Martin, who had a record of 6-2 at the time. This defeat made him realize the importance of not taking anything for granted in boxing. Mielnicki acknowledged that his lack of preparation was the reason for his loss, and it marked his first and only defeat. However, since that setback, Mielnicki has been diligent in ensuring that his preparation for fights is impeccable.
“He claims that I constantly drive my coaches insane due to my tendency to always do too much.”
“It’s primarily a mental game. I firmly believe in the power of proper preparation to avoid subpar performance. Ever since that night, I’ve adopted this quote as a guiding principle in my life. However, I don’t mean obsessively preparing and leaving everything in the gym. I’m fortunate to have an exceptional team supporting me, who guide me on when to relax and when to ease up a bit.”
Mielnicki is the embodiment of a promoter’s fantasy. He possesses excellent oratory skills, displays maturity and confidence, boasts good looks, and has achieved an impressive record of winning 12 out of his 17 fights by knockout. Even as a child, Mielnicki recognized his exceptional punching power, leaving his older opponents visibly shaken after being on the receiving end of his blows.
Mielnicki expressed that he has experienced a distinctive type of impact in his punches over the past year and a half.
He possesses a multitude of skills, yet there are still areas where he can improve. In the future, there will be a battle that will challenge him and demand answers only a true fighter can provide. The investigation into his defeat against Martin has given birth to a transformed Mielnicki, who is now supported and promoted by the decision-makers at Premier Boxing Champions. As a result, he is being presented with prestigious opportunities, such as his upcoming fight on Saturday, which will be featured on the Canelo-Munguia undercard.
“He understands the significance of delivering an extraordinary performance, not just for himself, but also for the fans and people worldwide. It’s evident in his words,” he remarks.
The individuals purchasing the tickets and pay-per-views, and observing me engage in my passion, are the ones I refer to. While it is crucial to provide a satisfying experience for the fans, being a part of such a significant and prestigious show has always been a personal aspiration. Therefore, it is imperative for me to showcase my skills and deliver a commanding performance.
Vito Mielnicki Jr.’s chances of solidifying his top-five ranking with the WBA are high if he secures a victory. Currently, Erickson Lubin, European champion Abass Baraou, and Vergil Ortiz Jr. hold positions above him in the top 10. The title defense between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford on August 3 adds to the excitement of the super-welterweight division. With such a talented division, it is an opportune moment for Mielnicki Jr. to showcase his skills. We will have to wait until 2024 to determine whether his ambitions are realistic or not.
