Pro boxer Paul Zalus wants to fight with power, not precision.
Fellow heavyweight Ryan St. Germain learned that the hard way Wednesday in an undercard fight held at the Heinz Field VIP Tent.
"I didn't really have an amateur type-fighting style," said Zalus, a 29-year-old heavyweight from West Deer. "Amateur boxing is about speed touching and points. Pro boxing is about power, which suits my style of fighting."
Zalus, nicknamed "Zeus," improved to 3-0 as a professional with a win over Germain after the fight was stopped in the fourth round. All three of Zalus' victories have come by technical knockout.
"In the second round, I threw a left to the body and dropped him," Zalus said. "He got back up, and I hit him in the same spot but much harder. It sounded like a firecracker going off."
Zalus knocked down Germain six times, five of those coming on shots to the body. Zalus scored with his left hook.
"I hit the body hard," Zalus said. "I work everything, and whatever I see hurts the guy I'll stay with it. I'll keep landing it and hitting it, trying to hit the same spot every time."
The fight with Germain was on the undercard of an event that showcased former IBF welterweight champion Paul Spadafora as part his comeback attempt.
"I have a huge fan base down there (in Pittsburgh), and everyone comes to see me," Zalus said. "Promoters like it when you sell tickets."
The exposure, combined with Zalus' performance, should increase the number of fights he is offered.
"They are talking about one in November, or if one in October comes up I might take it," Zalus said. "I'm a little sore, but if something comes up I'll definitely take it. It's all about building up your record and moving up the rankings."
