By BoxingBet.pl

In 2012, former two division champion Tomasz Adamek (48-2, 29 KOs) fought four times, beating Nagy Aguilera, Eddie Chambers, Travis Walker and Steve Cunningham.  The last bout, won by the Pole by split decision, fueled controversy, because many fans and boxing experts felt Cunningham was the winner. Anyway, Adamek, 36, most likely will face undefeated Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev (17-0, 9 KOs) in a final IBF heavyweight eliminator sometime in the spring. If he defeats the Bulgarian, he will become the mandatory challenger to face the heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko (59-3, 50 KOs).

Q: Hello Tomasz, how are you doing?

A: Everything is good. I’m just going to ski with Ziggy [Rozalski, Adamek’s promoter].

Q: I can’t skip a question about your last fight against Steve Cunningham. Do you think you could have done something better than you did?

A: What could I do? You can do as much as your opponent lets you do. What can you do if your opponent dances and avoids fighting? I could attack one or two rounds earlier to get a bigger advantage and that’s it. The fight was close, and I couldn’t do anymore, because my opponent didn’t let me do it.

Q: When are you going to be back in the gym? Your trainer Roger Bloodworth said that there is no rush and you need some rest.

A: For one month I will be off, because I need to rest and recharge my batteries, I had four fights in 2012.

Q: How many bouts are you going to fight this year?

A: I think I’ll fight thrice.

Q: Are you interested in facing Cunningham for a third time? He’s disappointed and he has been writting about last fight on Twitter. Do you think that such fight could help to cast aside doubts?

A: What would a third fight bring to my career? Nothing. I fought him twice and I beat him twice, so the next fight would give me nothing. Moreover, Cunningham will never fight a real fight with me because he realizes that now I’m stronger. The third bout wouldn’t bring dividends, it could be another [fight filled with] boredom.

Q: Can you separate Cunningham from the first bout [in 2008], against Cunningham from December 22nd?

A: It’s not for me to judge or criticize. Cunningham boxed more daringly in the first fight, but in the second one… you saw it in person. He was fighting backwards. Anyway, both fights were tough for me.

Q: According to previous plans you should face Kubrat Pulev next. Any news?

A: I think that in one or two weeks everything will be settled and announced when and who I’ll fight next.

Q: Would you rather face Pulev in Poland or in "Little Poland” - at Prudential Center in Newark?

A: Fighting in the United States could be easier for me, because I won't waste time with acclimation. If I have to fight in Europe, I’ll need to go to Poland 9 weeks before the fight.

Q: Many observers are convinced that your cooperation with trainer Roger Bloodworth isn’t that good. Have you ever considered hiring a new trainer, maybe a more expensive one, but more experienced and recognizable?

A: Roger is a great trainer and he has taught me a lot. Just look at my face after fights and compare it to the face which I had in the past. Thanks to Roger I’ve avoided many punches in training and during my fights. I’m healthy, I’m 36, and if I fought as recklessly as before, I’d probably retired earlier.

Q: Boxing fans also comment about your weight. Lots of them consider that by gaining weight you lose one of your best assets – speed. Is 100 kilos [220 pounds] a part of your strategy? Or maybe you simply eat anything you like with no limits?

A: I’m natural, my weight is natural, and 100 kilos should be expected. I’m not 20 years old and I’m coming into the ring as a natural fighter. This is heavyweight.

Q: You often say that before upcoming fights you leave the field clear for your promoters and they choose your opponent. Haven’t you ever wanted to be more independent and make self-selections like some top contenders do?

A: Light and fast opponents like [Eddie] Chambers and Cunningham didn’t want a hot war with me, and that’s why our fights played out this way. I have to avoid such bouts, because fans want to watch wars in the ring. I also want to participate in such fights instead of chasing opponents who are running. Cunningham was my opponent just because IBF gave him an opportunity. I won, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.

Q: So it really doesn’t matter to you who you’re going to face?

A: It’s not set yet, I don’t know if I'll face [Kubrat] Pulev and if the fight will take place in Poland or in the United States. It’s hard to say, the holidays are finished and negotiations are going to start at the bottom. Maybe I’ll fight on HBO. We will see. NBC is also happy about my last appearance and they certainly are interested in showing my upcoming fights.

Q: Don’t you consider that could be easier to try to get the WBC belt, which may be vacated soon by Vitali Klitschko instead of fighting for the IBF title currently hold by his younger brother Wladimir?

A: No. There are three of the most prestigious organizations. I’m highly ranked by IBF, and I’m glad about it.

Q: Before the fight with Vitali Klitschko you had said many times that your goal is to become the first light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion in the history of boxing. You also wanted to get the first heavyweight world title for your native Poland.

A: Getting the heavyweight title could be the great culmination of my career. If God helps me and I get a title shot, I’d like to get that belt.

Q: You’re 36 years old and your career is slowly declining. Have you ever thought about a potential farewell fight in your native Poland, for example against Artur Szpilka, who is keen to face you?

A: I’m not retiring, so I have not thought about it yet. Time alone will tell how long I’ll stay in this sport. For the time being, I’m healthy and I feel great.

Q: Regarding Artur Szpilka, what is your prediction for his upcoming fight against Mike Mollo, which is scheduled for February 1st?

A: Well… I have no idea, it’s hard to say.

Q: Any message to your fans?

A: Greetings to all, take care guys.