Vito Mielnicki Jr. has targeted Erislandy Lara, Carlos Adames and Denzel Bentley following his unanimous decision victory over Austin Williams. The American middleweight scored a first-round knockdown before securing a 98–91 win on all three scorecards in Newark.
The victory moved Mielnicki’s professional record to 24 wins and one defeat.
In a press release from Boxlab Promotions, Mielnicki stated: “I want all the big fights,” before adding, “I want to keep earning my way up the rankings and put myself in position to fight for a world title. Lara, Adames, Bentley, are all on my radar.”
Each named target presents a distinct tactical test for Mielnicki. Facing Lara would force the 24-year-old to contend with an experienced southpaw skilled at counterpunching and resetting the distance. While Mielnicki controlled Williams with consistent jab work and lateral movement, Lara routinely draws opponents into uncommitted leads before countering.
Adames offers a contrasting test built around physical pressure and power at short range. Mielnicki maintained composure after landing his early power shots against Williams, but controlling the tempo becomes far more demanding against a heavyweight pressure fighter who forces continuous exchanges inside.
Bentley represents a practical stepping stone. The British contender operates willingly at mid-range, offering a direct test of Mielnicki’s chin and punch resistance at full middleweight limit without presenting Lara’s elite defensive skill.
Mielnicki showed discipline against Williams by avoiding an impulsive charge after the early knockdown. He returned to calculated boxing, building a firm advantage over the ten rounds. Still, questions remain regarding his ability to force a stoppage when superior opponents withstand his initial attacks.
Promotional logistics could complicate future negotiations. Mielnicki is co-promoted by Matchroom and Boxlab, whereas Lara and Adames align with Premier Boxing Champions. Bentley has primarily boxed on British cards. Although Mielnicki holds secondary titles across the major sanctioning bodies, those belts do not guarantee mandatory challenger status, meaning cross-promotional agreements will be necessary to arrange these bouts.
