Philly’s heavyweight Joey “The Tank” Dawejko is determined to be ranked in the top fifteen and get a title fight in the next year. He is managed by Mark Cipparone of Club 1957 Management and promoted by Peltz Boxing’s J Russell Peltz. He’s back with his old Philly trainer Billy Briscoe who also serves as his cut-man.
Dawejko, 19-4-4 (11) is one tough Polish fighter who you can see he enjoys being in the ring. He was 56-12 in the amateurs winning numerous titles. He has a devastating Philly style left hook. If he doesn’t get you out of there early he can go the distance and still win. Since losing to then future world champion Charles Martin in 2013 and in his last fourteen fights he has been 11-1-2.
The 27 year-old Dawejko’s most recent loss was to Philly trained Amir “Hardcore” Mansour, then 21-1, for the PA State title back in 2015. Mansour is one of the most feared fighters in the world. Eight of Dawejko’s eleven knockouts came in the first round. He proved in the Mansour fight and in his winning fight over Derric Rossy, then 28-7, winning a split decision over 8 rounds in 2014.
Speaking of split decisions both of his last two draws were just that. In 2016 he drew with Ecuador’s Ytalo Perea, 6-2-1, and in 2017 against Rodney Hernandez, 10-5-1. His draw with “Big Baby” Jarrell Miller, now 20-0-1, back in 2013 is a major point when both were still fighting four and six rounds. The other draw was with Juan Carlos Robles, then 12-4, who has since retired.
In Dawejko’s last two fights he was most impressive in defeating Demitrius Banks, 9-1, by stoppage in three rounds and most recently Kelvin Nunez, 15-0, of PR, in December over 8 rounds. At 5:10 he usually gives away height but has legs like tree trunks and reminds some on occasions like “Smokin” Joe Frazier with that left hook of his.
Dawejko’s amateur credentials were a record of 56-12. He captured 14 US amateur championships, highlighted by becoming the youngest fighter to win the Eastern Olympic Trials at age 16. He also turned in a Gold Medal performance at the 2008 World Youth Championships in Mexico.
Dawejko’s upcoming fight will be against another Philly boxer who he happen to beat in the amateurs. It’s former world title challenger Bryant “By By” Jennings on April 28th at the Liacouras Center of Temple University promoted by Peltz Boxing and Top Rank over ESPN.
Dawejko gives credit to his manager Mark Cipparone for the turnaround in his professional career. Cipparone is also owner of Rocco’s Collision at 5 locations in NJ and PA.