Pawel Wolak has explained his plans to WBN after announcing his retirement following his loss to rival Delvin Rodriguez in December.
The 31-year-old intends to begin training for a career in Mixed Martial Arts. However, the ‘Raging Bull’ still has a contract to previous employers’ Top Rank until October this year.
Pawel Wolak in MMA
He could have one last fight before swapping the prizefighting ring for the octagon.
“There are basically three options,” Wolak exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Top Rank accepts my request to let me out of my contract early. I then go into MMA and have my first fight this summer.
“Or Top Rank asks me to fulfill my contract obligations and gives me an opponent and opportunity that makes sense. I will then honor my contract.
“The third option is Top Rank asks me to fulfill my contract obligations and gives me something that makes no sense. In that case, I would decline and just train for MMA until the contract expires in October.”
Disillusioned
The Polish-born American has admitted he has become disillusioned with the sport of boxing. He needs a fresh challenge to re-ignite his appetite.
His last performance against Rodriguez was definitely not the Wolak we all know, and he believes that the time is right to step away from professional boxing.
“The biggest issue for me right now in boxing is that nobody, whether it’s me, Vanes (Martirosyan), (James) Kirkland, Delvin (Rodriguez), Paul Williams, and a bunch of other really solid fighters who deserve the opportunity in 154 are not being given the opportunity to get titles,” explained Wolak.
“So why do it if you can’t get a chance at the grand prize? Canelo is fighting Mosley and Cotto against Floyd, and the IBF seems to recognize only three guys in Bundrage, Powell, and Spinks.
“So it is tough to come back knowing that and to wonder what would be next if I win the next fight against a good fighter as these champions aren’t being forced to fight real 154 contenders, and there are many of them.
Dedicated
“If I commit to something in boxing, I would be 1000% dedicated. I have not fought my last two fights as well as I expect myself to, and while there were some personal issues outside the ring during my second fight with Delvin (every guy has those), I won’t make excuses as Delvin beat me by fighting smart and very well.
“I just don’t know if it would be a one-and-done if I came back or I would keep going no matter if I win or lose based on what I said earlier about guys’ not getting shots at the title as well as my interest in MMA.
“After all, my background is as a successful kickboxer and wrestler. You could tell that just by watching me box and how square I sometimes get.
“This is wrestling 101 and a no-no in boxing.”
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.