Teenage Boxing Prodigy Vito Mielnicki Jr. Balances School and Pro Career
For most high school athletes, the daily grind of early practices, long school hours, and weekend competitions can be overwhelming. But Vito Mielnicki Jr., a professional boxer since the age of 17, took this challenge to the next level.
Mielnicki’s routine involved waking up at 4:30 a.m. to hit the gym before school, followed by a nightly running session. Despite this demanding schedule, he managed to keep his studies afloat, graduating during the first year of the pandemic in 2020. “Never really did a lot of homework,” Mielnicki told BoxingScene. “It was hectic, but it was fun. It was a cool experience.“
Mielnicki’s boxing journey began at age 7, when he was initially hesitant about the unfamiliar gym atmosphere. However, with his father’s encouragement, he soon found a home among the supportive community. “Everybody in the gym brought me in as family,” he said. “I have guys from that day who I still talk to and are family to me.“
Growing up alongside prodigies like Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Shakur Stevenson, Mielnicki has developed a keen understanding of the sport. He even predicted the surprising upset victory of Ryan Garcia over Devin Haney, showcasing his impressive boxing IQ.
Now 21 years old, Mielnicki boasts an impressive professional record of 17-1 with 12 knockouts, and he has never been knocked down. On May 4, he’ll be fighting on the undercard of the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia bout in Las Vegas, the biggest boxing event of the year so far.
“What’s better than boxing?” Mielnicki asked. “You control your own destiny. If you put the work in, do what you’re supposed to, then it’ll show in the ring. I love it.“
Despite a lone blemish on his record in 2021, Mielnicki has learned valuable lessons from the experience, acknowledging the importance of heeding his team’s advice. Now, he’s focused on his own growth, without chasing any particular opponents. As he prepares for his upcoming fight, Mielnicki remains a true inspiration, balancing the demands of a professional boxing career with the challenges of high school life.
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