In the high-stakes world of heavyweight boxing, where national pride often adds an extra layer of intensity, an intriguing subplot is unfolding. Before the colossal England-Ukraine championship clash between Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk grabs the headlines, another compelling encounter is set to electrify London`s historic York Hall. On Saturday, June 28, two undefeated heavyweights, Gideon Antwi from England and Dorin Krasmaru representing Ukraine, will step into the ring, not just to preserve their perfect records, but to stake their claim in a division notoriously unforgiving. This isn`t merely a preliminary bout; it`s an appetiser with its own rich flavour and a narrative steeped in perseverance and ambition.
The Grinding Path to Undefeated Status
Both Antwi (2-0) and Krasmaru (4-0, 2 KOs) arrive at York Hall with unblemished professional records, yet their journeys to this point have been anything but smooth. Each fighter carries the weight of a solid amateur pedigree—Antwi, a 2023 National Amateur and Tri Nations champion, and Krasmaru, a semi-finalist in the 2017 Ukrainian championship. Such foundations typically promise a swift ascent in the professional ranks. However, as is often the case in boxing, reality delivers a tougher lesson.
For Dorin Krasmaru, the path included a near five-year hiatus from the sport, stretching from July 2020 to May 2025. During this period, the Ukrainian, now settled in Canning Town with his wife, battled not opponents in the ring, but the frustrating struggle of securing fights. Imagine the relentless training, the unwavering dedication, all without the tangible reward of competition. A true test of mettle, if ever there was one.
Gideon Antwi, the North Londoner with Ghanaian heritage, echoes similar sentiments of frustration. At 32, he`s faced the disheartening reality that boxing`s glamour often masks its logistical hurdles. “I’m seeing why people stop boxing,” Antwi candidly admitted. “It’s hard to get fights. It can discourage you. It’s not as easy as people think. You don’t just say: ‘Yes’ to a fight and then it happens.” His resolve, however, has remained unbroken, proving that sometimes, the toughest fight is outside the ropes.
A Familiar Foe, A Renewed Resolve
The upcoming bout carries an added layer of intrigue: Antwi and Krasmaru are not strangers. They`ve shared the same canvas before, years ago, in a sparring session at the renowned Peacock gym—a gym where Krasmaru notably spent “thousands of rounds” with Daniel Dubois, shaping the early career of the future contender. This shared history means both fighters enter the ring with a degree of insight into their opponent`s style, yet acknowledging that “people change.”
Antwi, known for his “box of tricks” style, relishes the opportunity to face an opponent who won`t shy away. His previous professional outings, against Cristian Uwaka and Milen Paunov, often devolved into messy affairs where opponents prioritized evasion over engagement. “They came to run and hold and I wasn’t able to get my shots off,” Antwi reflected. “I know Dorin is coming to fight – not hold me. I’m going to be able to show what I can do.” This fight, for Antwi, is a chance to truly display his offensive repertoire.
Krasmaru, equally ambitious, sees this as his moment to emerge from the shadows of his long layoff and prolific sparring career. His manager/trainer, Martin Bowers, highlights Krasmaru’s understated, yet profound, influence on Dubois: “Nobody has done more rounds with Daniel than Dorin. He brought Daniel on so much at the start… Daniel had someone to compete against.” Now, Krasmaru is ready to compete for himself, on a prominent stage.
The Stakes: Catapulting Towards the Top
For both 32-year-old heavyweights, this encounter at York Hall is more than just another notch in the win column. It`s a pivotal “step up,” a gateway to higher rankings and more significant opportunities. Antwi succinctly put it: “It will catapult me up the rankings.” This sentiment is undoubtedly shared by Krasmaru, whose patient return to the sport culminates in this defining moment.
In a division where one punch can change everything, the clash between Antwi`s elusive “make them miss and make them pay” style and Krasmaru`s seasoned aggression promises fireworks. It`s a contest where two fighters, who have navigated significant personal and professional hurdles, finally have the platform they`ve earned. As the boxing world tunes in for the larger heavyweight spectacle, this June 28th showdown at York Hall serves as a stark reminder that beneath the main event glamour, genuine warriors are perpetually battling to carve out their own legacies. And sometimes, the appetizer proves to be just as memorable as the main course.
