Jasmina Zapotoczna: “I am ready for the fight of my life.”
“I am good. I am very good, actually. Finally.” They were the opening words of Jasmina Zapotoczna as we connected over Zoom. That seemingly permanent smile beaming even brighter. Finally, being the key word.
After what must have seemed like an eternity for any fight news, her patience has been greatly rewarded. Zapotoczna will challenge Gabriela Fundora for the undisputed world flyweight titles on November 20th at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, live on DAZN.
“I am excited,” Zapotoczna told FightPost. “It’s a big moment for me. A special moment for me. It’s a story that I am writing myself.”
“I think everything is happening for a reason,” Zapotoczna added. “I had that fight in November, defending my European title in France. I had a much-needed break. I needed to sort a few things out in my private life. So, to be fair, it worked well for me.
“I truly manifested it. I have been working so hard. Obviously, having no promoter, I have had to work so hard and earn everything. After my last fight, we were hoping that MVP would get in touch. But nothing like that happened. But all of a sudden, we received a phone call to say there was an opportunity to fight Fundora. I spoke to my coach; I trust him and always take into consideration what he says to me. I asked him, “Do you think I am ready for this fight?” I felt like I was ready, and he said if he didn’t think I was ready, he would tell me that. He said it won’t be easy; it will obviously be a tough fight. But if anyone can beat Fundora, it’s you. So we are confident. I am ready for the fight of my life.”
Gabriela Fundora is unbeaten in eighteen fights, and has stopped six of her last seven opponents. But Christina Cruz in 2024 gave Fundora a few problems before she was stopped late in their fight two years ago. There are certain similarities style-wise between Cruz and Zapotoczna “I watched the fight with Christina,” Zapotoczna says. “I know she was stopped, but she was very successful in that fight.”
Zapotoczna is confident, but knows the size of the task she faces next month. “It’s easy to say when you are watching on YouTube. It’s always easy to say I would do this or do that. But until you get in the ring, you don’t really know what to expect. Everyone has a plan until they get hit. I have massive respect for Fundora; she is a proper top fighter. She is undisputed and undefeated for a reason. I am not expecting an easy fight, so we will see what happens in the ring. But I feel I am ready for this fight, and I will do my best. I think my style is very unique, and I can also adapt to many styles. I know she is a 5′ 9″ southpaw, so I don’t expect an easy fight or to be comfortable. But if I can make it awkward and difficult for her, then that’s all that matters.”
Zapotoczna hasn’t fought since defending her European title last November, and it’s been a period of much frustration for the 31-year-old. But the belief has never wavered. Not only in her ability, but also in knowing that a big fight will eventually present itself.
“I believe in myself, and I told my coach that no matter what the outcome is, I am the winner in this situation already. I have been working so hard all these years. Grafting my arse off with no big promoter behind me to get to where I am now. It’s also my self-belief. If I didn’t believe in myself, I wouldn’t be where I am now. The sky is the limit for me.”
Zapotoczna has been sparring with the likes of Ellie Hellewell, Skye Nicolson and Shona Whitwell in preparation for the biggest fight of her life. Top-class rounds that are perfect preparation for fighting someone of the quality of Gabriela Fundora. In many ways, Zapotoczna is ready for a fight that could change her life.
“Fundora is undisputed,” Zapotoczna says. “She is putting all the belts on the line. So there is a lot of pressure on her. People say there is no pressure on me, but at the same time, I put pressure on myself. I want to be the first fighter to beat her. I have set my goals, and I want to achieve them. But at the same time, I want to enjoy myself. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. For me, it’s fighting someone who is the best in the world. It’s a dream come true. I have massive respect for her. But who am I going to challenge myself with if it’s not the best in the world?”
