By Przemysław Osiak

Albert Sosnowski (45-2, 27 KO) doesn't appear to be nervous at all, as his fight approaches for WBC heavyweight belt against Vitali Klitschko (39-2, 37 KO). The contest scheduled on May 29 in Gelsenkirchen will be definitely the most difficult challenge in the professional career of the 31-year-old Polish fighter. However, if his ring abilities are similar to the self-confidence which Sosnowski presents in his interview with BoxingScene.com/Bokser.org, boxing fans may expect an exciting battle.

Maciej Dąbkowski: Albert, it seems that the most dangerous weapon of Klitschko is his left jab. How will you cope with it?

Albert Sosnowski: We're analysing his bouts and the tactics to use. I'm doing it with my coach, Fiodor Łapin, so I'm well aware of the class that Klitschko represents. The fight will be very difficult. We'll try to neutralize his jab thanks to my activity and constant pace changes. I'll have to fight very actively so as not to let him take a right position to hit me. Everything will be verified in the ring. I want to go into the ring being relaxed, with a pleasure for boxing, without unnecessary pressure put on myself. I'm working very hard which will definitely pay off on May 29.

MD: Do you feel that pressure you've mentioned?

AS: The pressure connected with the event is easy to feel since I signed a contract. However, I'm relaxed. Although the pressure will be bigger and bigger, I'll deal with it without problems. It also depends on how I will look during trainings. I cooperate with a psychologist in order to be mentally prepared. It will be a great day for me because that day I'll have an opportunity to present my best to the whole world.

MD: Despite two defeats, Vitali Klitschko has never once been dominated in his professional career. What makes you think that are will be the first one who does it?

AS: To be honest, I don't even think about it. If I started to brood over Klitschko who has never been floored and has only been defeated only by decisions, I would be convinced that he's some monster, impossible to defeat. I would have the contest already lost. I'm concentrated only on myself and my preparations. If Klitschko will be prepared better and wins the contest, it will mean that he's just a better fighter. I want to be 110 percent ready and then... Everything is possible, this is boxing after all.

MD: Don't you think that Klitchko underestimates you a bit?

AS: Vitali is a professional. I'm convinced that he's completely prepared for every single fight, and he doesn't underestimate his opponents. I'm aware that my surname is probably not such a great stunt for him like a Valuev or Haye. We count quietly that he'll neglect his preparations a bit and won't be 100 percent ready this time. If I'll be prepared well, I am able to take him by surprise. I don't want to promise anything because I appreciate the champion's class.

MD: Fritz Sdunek told that you are a very solid boxer.

AS: Everybody has a right to its own oppinion. Personally, I'm incredibly happy because the fight is a distinction for me. I've been fighting for twelve years, my career has gathered momentum since I became the European champion. That was appreciated by Klitchko's team, that I was rated in WBC's top 15. Following the ranking, Vitali didn't have a wide choice, his group couldn't reach an agreement with boxers who were proposed to fight. The choice fell on me, I took this challenge without thinking. I know that experts claim that I have no chance but I believe in myself and believe that the whole world will be surprised on May 29.

MD: Do you count on Polish fans who will come to Gelsenkirchen in order to encourage you?

AS: I'm so glad that I'll be boxing there. I've heared that Polish supporters will arrive numerously, I warmly invite all of them there. I want to represent Poland proudly and show a good boxing. I'll be concentrated and self-certain. Even though this is sport and it's hard to predict any scenario, I can ensure that my desire to win will be huge. I believe in my victory.

MD: Does the stadium in Gelsenkirchen make an impression on you?

AS: The place makes an incredible impression, especially when the audience start to cheer on. Standing there, I'll have an impression that I'm a few centimetres over the ring. Every fighter dreams of boxing in front of such a big audience, at such a great stadium.

Przemysław Osiak and Maciej Dąbkowski covers the Polish boxing scene for bokser.org