Tomasz Adamek is just one day away from what is literally the biggest test of his career. The former light heavyweight and cruiserweight titleholder jumped to the heavyweight division in October 09′ with dreams of capturing a belt in a third division. The Secaucus based Pole has had success thus far in the 201 plus pound weight class, stopping badly faded countryman Andrew Golota and earned a competitive decision over 2004 US Olympian Jason Estrada.
Tomorrow night many think his heavyweight run could come to an end against hard hitting contender Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. The bout, which will air at 11:15 pm, looks to be a fight of the year candidate with the winner likely securing a title shot. Heres what Adamek had to say about his toughest fight since his lone defeat to Chad Dawson in 2007.
MY: Tomasz, in your last bout, you scored a tough decision over crafty boxer Jason Estrada. Tell us about the fight as well as what it was like to have 10,000 fans backing you at the Prudential Center?
TA: The fans are something that I always cherish, without the fans boxing means nothing. I of course fight for money, this is my job, but I would never fight in empty arena. Hopefully I will be back in Prudential center soon.
MY: Tomorrow you are taking on a top ten heavyweight in Cris Arreola. What do you think of him as a fighter?
TA: He is one of the best I will have ever fought, although you never know before you fight somebody. I never wanted to take the easy way. If you want to be the best, you fight all of them.
MY: Cris’ weight ranges from 240-260 lbs and he is heavy handed. Are you worried at all/planning to change your game plan since Cris is naturally bigger and you are known for slugging it out with your opponents?
TA: In(the) heavyweight division everybody hits with power. Arreola wants a slug fest, but I always believed that you win in the ring with your head first. I will impose my way of fighting. He will have to fight my way. Weight doesn’t matter. What I will do (in the ring) does.
MY: On the contrary, you have a terrific jab for a brawler. Is the jab going to be one of your main weapons on the 23rd?
TA: Speed and ring movement will be my weapon. Plus everything I have. Let him guess (what I will do).
MY: Arreola refused to fight you in New Jersey and now you have to fight him his backyard. Is the possibility of getting robbed by the judges something you are worried about?
TA:. You cannot think about what you cannot control. IBF is in charge, millions will be watching. I expect fair judging.
MY: Even though you are always in exciting fights, this is your first fight on premium cable (HBO/Showtime) in a few years. Does it upset you that both networks have put on insignificant fights and left you off the schedule previously?
TA:. Again, it was outside my control but I knew they have to acknowledge what I’d doing in the ring, why people wanted to see my fights. Somebody told me that last year only Mayweather and Pac man brought more people to arenas. I can live with this comparison.
MY: For the last few years, fight fans were anxious to see a match up between you and current WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye. If you get by Arreola, is David Haye somebody on your radar?
TA:. Haye talks a lot and now he’s got a title. We both started as a cruiserweight, both have entertain styles. It’s up to TV to put us against each other. They know I will be ready.
MY:. Does a fight with either of the Klitschko’s interest you at this point in time or do you want a few more fights before facing either of them?
TA:. I already had 2 offers to fight Klitschkos but my team decided that we need more time before we fight them. Two more fights, maybe. I will fight them not for a payday but to win.
MY: What is your outlook for 2010 and beyond?
TA:. This year could be crucial for me, so I don’t really think about what happens in 2011. Winning brings more interest, it takes care of everything else.
MY: Tomasz, thanks for stopping by. What do you have to say in closing to all your fans and the readers of 15rounds.com?
TA. I would like to say a warm “thanks” for all the support. I wanted to fight in Prudential Center, Newark, but Arreola declined, maybe he decided it would be too much to face me and my rabid fans in my home arena.
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