Adamek: If Steve Cunningham Wants a War, I’m Ready

by David P. Greisman

Former cruiserweight champion and light heavyweight titleholder Tomasz Adamek spoke with BoxingScene.com shortly after weighing in for his rematch against Steve Cunningham.

Four years ago, their first fight took place in the cruiserweight division, with Adamek knocking Cunningham down three times and winning via split decision. Now both boxers are heavyweights — Cunningham checked in at 203.5 pounds, Adamek at 223.

BoxingScene.com: What do you expect to be different this second time around, as compared to the first fight?

Adamek: “You know, I’m a different fighter. Roger Bloodworth, three years, is my coach. My style is different, and I’m a better fighter than I was.”

BoxingScene.com: What do you expect from Cunningham?

Adamek: “We’ll see tomorrow. We’ll see what he brings to the ring. I think he’s ready and wants to win. I want to win, too. It should be a good fight.”

BoxingScene.com: What do you think about him coming in so much lighter than you?

Adamek: “You know, this is the heavyweights. Over 200 is the heavyweights. We’ll see. I think he’ll move quickly because I don’t think he wants to stand in front of me and go punch for punch, because I hurt him. I wish for us to make a good fight for fans.”

BoxingScene.com: Do you want another war?

Adamek: “I’m ready. If he wants a war, I’m ready.”

BoxingScene.com: What do you think about fighting on national TV in front of everybody?

Adamek: “I’m happy, all the United States fans can watch me live on NBC. The last fight somebody told me was 20 years ago. I’m very happy.”

BoxingScene.com: Any predictions for the fight?

Adamek: “Tomasz wins the fight. This is my dream, and I want to be the champion at heavyweight.”

BoxingScene.com: Who do you want after this?

Adamek: “We’ll see. Tomorrow’s fight, and after this fight we’ll be looking at another fight.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com