Deontay Wilder’s former world title challenger Artur Szpilka discovers first MMA opponent

The Pole will mark the start of his new career at KSW 71 as he takes on Ukraine's Serhiy Radchenko. The two men are no strangers, having already clashed in the boxing ring over two years ago.

On that occasion, Szpilka prevailed by a majority decision - his last win inside a boxing ring.

While the Pole hasn't completely ruled out a return to the sport, the former WBC title challenger is now fully focused on carving out a successful path in mixed martial arts.

Szpilka's professional boxing career took a turn back in 2016 after suffering a brutal ninth round knockout defeat against Deontay Wilder.

The Pole was carried out of the arena after being hit with an almighty right hook by the Bronze Bomber. The loss was especially disappointing considering Szpilka proved an awkward opponent for Wilder throughout the fight, and was still firmly in the contest heading into the championship rounds.

Things went downhill from there for the Pin as he faced another knockout defeat against Adam Kownacki in the following bout.

Back-to-back wins saw Szpilka's stock rise once more, before a second-round knockout defeat to Derek Chisora cast doubt over his boxing career.

Two more wins followed, including one over his upcoming KSW opponent, before his recent defeat to Rozanski marked the end of his 13-year spell in professional boxing.

While the Pole hasn't officially called time on his time in the four-sided ring, he did admit to Polish media that only a 'freakish' bout would force him back into boxing.

Szpilka will now turn his attention to KSW 71, which will be headlined by a KSW Lightweight Championship bout between Marian Ziolkowski and Sebastian Rajewski.