Boxing Match Preview: Pawel Stepien (20-1-2, 12 KOs) vs. Kajetan Kalinowski (11-1-0, 6 KOs)
Rising Polish star Kajetan Kalinowski defends his WBC Francophone light heavyweight title against veteran challenger Pawel Stepien in the main event of Rocky Boxing Night 23: Christmas Edition. This 10-round, 175-pound showdown features Kalinowski’s slick boxing and counter-punching against Stepien’s experience and power, setting up a chess match early that could turn into a firefight if Stepien closes distance. Kalinowski, on an eight-fight win streak, aims to build toward European contention, while the 35-year-old Stepien seeks a statement win to rebound from his lone defeat. With both hailing from Poland, national pride amps the intensity—expect Kalinowski to control range with his jab, while Stepien targets the body to wear down the younger champ.
Venue Location: Hala 100-lecia Sopotu, ul. Goyki 7, 81-712 Sopot, Poland (a historic 5,500-seat arena in the seaside resort town of Sopot, known for hosting high-energy Polish boxing cards with a passionate local crowd)
Time: Doors open at 4:00 PM CET (10:00 AM ET); first bout around 5:00 PM CET (11:00 AM ET). The main event is slated for approximately 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET) on the Polsat Sport broadcast.
Broadcast: Live on Polsat Sport (Poland); international streaming via Rocky Boxing Promotions’ YouTube channel (free in select regions)
Promotion: Rocky Boxing Promotions (in association with Babilon Promotion)
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (175 lbs limit; Kalinowski weighed 177.3 lbs, Stepien 174.5 lbs)
Injury Report
Clean slate for both ahead of fight night, with no reported injuries or concerns from either camp. Kalinowski completed a grueling sparring block in Gdansk without issues, passing all pre-fight medicals and appearing razor-sharp at the weigh-in. Stepien, training in Szczecin, shook off a minor ankle roll from early camp but confirmed full mobility and strength in media day interviews. Neither has a history of chronic problems, and promoters reported zero flags from the Polish Boxing Commission—green light for a competitive 10-round title fight.
Fighter Matchups
| Fighter | Age | Record | Height | Reach | Stance | Style Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Kajetan Kalinowski | 26 | 11-1-0 (6 KOs) | 6’1″ | 78″ | Orthodox | Precise jab, footwork, ring cutting; builds volume with counters (55% accuracy) | Can be drawn into brawls; limited experience vs. elite power punchers |
| Pawel Stepien | 35 | 20-1-2 (12 KOs) | 6’2″ | 75″ | Orthodox | Heavy hands, body punching, durability; 60% KO rate from pressure | Slower feet late; vulnerable to speed and angles after Round 6 |
Key Matchup Dynamics: Kalinowski’s 3-inch reach edge lets him dictate from mid-range, using feints to set up rights over Stepien’s lead. Stepien, slightly taller, will stalk with hooks to the body, aiming to nullify Kalinowski’s movement—his experience (23 pro fights) shines in clinches. Both orthodox, but Kalinowski’s youth and 53% KO efficiency (from accumulation) counters Stepien’s power (absorbs 48% of shots landed). In 10 rounds, Kalinowski’s conditioning edges out unless Stepien lands early.
Recent Form
Kajetan Kalinowski: Undefeated since his lone 2022 loss, Kalinowski’s streak highlights growing maturity against regional foes. He averages 48 punches per round with sharp defense, winning on points or late stops.
Last 5 Fights: W-KO1 (opponent TBD, Sep 20, 2025), W-UD8 (Max Miszczenko, Dec 2, 2023), W-UD (Bartosz Barczyński, Jun 2, 2023), W-TKO (Damian Smagiel, earlier 2023), W-UD (Cristian Lopez, May 2022)
Trend: 5-0; 2 KOs. Blasted out his last foe in 49 seconds for the WBC Francophone strap defense prep; prior decisions show control (outlanded Miszczenko 180-120). At 26, he’s peaking with promoter push.
Pawel Stepien: Solid veteran with a hiccup against top-10 talent, but rebounding strong domestically. High output (52 landed per round) but fades in volume wars.
Last 5 Fights: W-UD10 (Sherzod Khusanov, Sep 24, 2024), W-UD (Petro Lakotskyi, Jan 24, 2024), L-UD10 (Joshua Buatsi, May 23, 2023), W-UD8 (Iago Kiziria, Aug 22, 2022), W-MD8 (Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna, Mar 22, 2022)
Trend: 4-1; 0 KOs in last 5. Dominated Khusanov for a regional belt, but Buatsi exposed mobility gaps (outlanded 220-150). Durable (never stopped), but at 35, stamina is key.
Fight History Highlights
Kajetan Kalinowski (Pro Debut: Nov 2019):
Quick riser from amateur background, capturing the WBC Francophone title in his 10th pro bout.
Signature Win: KO1 (Sep 20, 2025) – Obliterated opponent at Hala Sportowa in Zukowo, showcasing explosive starts.
Toughest Loss: UD (2022) – Early career setback to a journeyman, fueling his technical evolution.
Career Arc: 12 pro bouts, 68 rounds; 54% finishes via power right. Now a Sopot local hero, eyeing EBU contention.
Pawel Stepien (Pro Debut: Dec 12, 2015):
Steady climber to 20 wins, with NABF and regional titles; tested on UK cards.
Signature Win: UD10 Sherzod Khusanov (2024) – Controlled every round in Zyrardow for a unanimous shutout.
Toughest Loss: UD10 Joshua Buatsi (2023) – Competitive but outclassed by Olympic silver medalist at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham.
Career Arc: 23 fights, 137 rounds; 60% KO rate from body work. Szczecin native with 12 stoppages, including early KOs vs. heavyweights.
FIGHT ODDS
Pawel Stepien + 110
Kajetan Kalinowski – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
