Marek Piotrowski had a storied amateur career in Europe, winning the gold medal in full contact kickboxing (-81 kg) at the W.A.K.O.

After winning the Florida state and American titles, he took the WKA Light Heavyweight Championship of the World in October 1980 when he defeated Andy White by knockout.

In October 1988, Wilson won the ISKA cruiserweight title by beating Rob Salazar, and then in March 1989 defeated Ferdinand Mack for the PKO World Light Heavyweight Championship.

[1] Although Piotrowski held an impressive win over Rick Roufus, he was considered a relative newcomer to the sport and an underdog against Wilson, who had defeated fighters such as Dennis Alexio, Branko Cikatić and Maurice Smith.

Don Wilson had been one of the United States' best known kickboxers for around a decade, whereas Piotrowski had made his name only months before when he defeated Rick Roufus in another upset win.