NEWARK, NJ. — Vito Mielnicki believes he needed that.
The 24-year-old grabbed the biggest win of his career Friday night by outpointing Austin “Ammo” Williams at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Heading in, most viewed it as a 50/50 bout. However, after dropping former title challenger Williams in the first round, Mielnicki mostly dominated, winning on the cards with three scores of 98-91.
For the middleweight contender, beating Williams doesn’t just look good on paper. From his point of view, it showed his contemporaries and naysayers he belongs.
“I proved a lot. I proved to the boxing world that I belong,” Mielnicki told DAZN. “I know where I belong but to get a guy like Ammo in the ring with me, and show what I can do, I’m just grateful. Ammo is a tough guy. He can crack too but I just gave reassurance to myself. I belong baby, I belong. I hope that the crowd enjoyed it.”
Now, it’s all about moving forward and chasing the rest of the middleweight division’s top dogs. By and large, Mielnicki (24-1, 13 KOs) is in a good position. He's ranked No. 3 by the WBO, No. 7 by both the WBC and WBA, and No. 9 by the IBF.
One name Mielnicki has mentioned is Erislandy Lara, the long-reigning WBA titlist. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old doesn’t care who he faces next. The only thing that matters to him is getting a shot at a belt-holder.
“I want the champions,” Mielnicki continued. “I have a great team. I know that they’re going to put me in the right position.”
