Jasmina Zapotoczna: A Fighter Who Just Wants To Fight. Why Is That So Difficult?

Jasmina Zapotoczna: A Fighter Who Just Wants To Fight. Why Is That So Difficult?

“I truly believe the big fights will come, and everything happens for a reason. That’s what keeps me going.” The words of the current European flyweight champion Jasmina Zapotoczna from early 2025.

It must have been extremely difficult for Zapotoczna to keep going. More than arguably a top five flyweight. Despite rumours of an impending world title opportunity with the undisputed flyweight champion of the world, Gabriela Fundora, Zapotoczna still waits. In truth, she still waits for any fight.

Zapotoczna has had a mixed few years. Wins over Maiseyrose Courtney and Chloe Watson showed her class. But there have been immense periods of frustration along the way.

The win over Watson in March 2025 was a career-high moment. The Birkenhead fighter was unbeaten and the reigning European champion. It was a high-level fight that Zapotoczna deservedly edged on the cards. It was a Boxxer all-female card that was screened live on Sky Sports. Zapotoczna showed her quality. With her profile elevated, it should have been the launch pad for bigger fights. But sadly, they haven’t come.

Nicola Hopewell won the IBO flyweight title in 2025, while it might be one of the many lesser-regarded belts, a fight between Hopewell and Zapotoczna would have ticked many boxes last year. Was it ever explored? And I know a promoter has to pay for it, but it really was one of those fights that you just shake your head at why it didn’t get made. Hopewell couldn’t get a fight in the latter part of last year. An easy fight to make between two fighters who just wanted to fight.

Zapotoczna had to settle for an away trip to France to fight Justine Lallemand. Zapotoczna outpointed Lallemand last November, but she hasn’t fought since.

At 32, Zapotoczna is at her physical peak. But she needs fights sooner rather than later. Nine months out of the ring, and seemingly no fight on the horizon, it is an almost criminal waste of her talent.

Jasmina Zapotoczna would be a perfect addition to the ever-increasing Most Valuable Promotions roster. A world-class flyweight with the best years of her career still ahead of her. Zapotoczna is a promotional free agent. There don’t appear to be any obstacles for MVP or any other promoter to sign her. As I have said before, Zapotoczna deserves better from her sport. A fighter who just wants to fight. Why is that so difficult?