Adamek-Peter Will Head To a Purse Bid, Says Gotzev

By Rick Reeno

Ivaylo Gotzev, manager of former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter (34-4, 27KOs), has advised BoxingScene.com that an IBF eliminator with Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28KOs) will head to a purse bid. Gotzev had been negotiating with Adamek's promoter, Main Events, to stage the fight on April 16 in Katowice, Poland. The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

"I've been talking with [CEO] Kathy Duva of Main Events. She that she would rather go to a purse bid. We are sending an official letter to the IBF to request a purse bid," Gotzev told BoxingScene.com.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations has informed BoxingScene that a deal is close for Adamek to face ex-champion Hasim Rahman on the previously mentioned April date in Poland. Gotzev is well aware that Adamek's promoter is negotiating a deal to face Rahman.

"They got cold feet. It's a much bigger risk against Sam Peter. And Sam Peter is a much bigger fight and more dangerous because of his punching power," Gotzev said. "We would like the fight to happen and we are going to a purse bid."

If Adamek refuses to face Peter, then Chris Arreola is next available contender in the rankings. Gotzev is very open to making a Peter-Arreola fight.

"I hope Arreola is man enough to take the fight. I think he is, and that fight is even better and would be more explosive. With Adamek, he will have his running shoes on and we have to catch him. With Arreola, we won't have to run because Arreola will be right in front of Sam. If Adamek doesn't come to the dance, maybe Arreola will," Gotzev said.