26.01.07 – By Scoop Malinowski: While the entire boxing world is keenly excited for the WBC Light Heavyweight showdown between champ Tomasz Adamek and young American challenger Chad Dawson next week (Feb. 3), which promises to be a war, the tone of the conference call yesterday was rather peaceful and respectful. Both fighters sounded confident but seemed to choose their words without saying very much. So you will have to read between the lines for yourself, to decipher any clues as to what will happen in the Kissimmee, Florida ring under the Showtime Network lights.
Here’s what the two uneaten gladiators had to say:
Question: Tomasz, what are your thoughts about fighting on U.S. television?
Adamek: I am very happy to be on American TV and on SHOWTIME. I am a hard fighter and I will fight to the end. You will be happy watching me.
Question: Chad, what are your opening thoughts?
Dawson: I want to thank Tomasz for giving me the opportunity to fight for the world title and want to thank Gary Shaw and Don King Promotions for putting on the fight. I am looking forward to a big fight. I know it is the toughest fight of my career. I am prepared and ready.
Question: Chad, why did you leave Dan Birmingham and join Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
Dawson: The split between Dan and I was nothing personal. It was just I thought I would be better with a trainer like Floyd where I could work on my punches together more. Dan is a great trainer and so is Floyd, but I think I fit in better with Floyd.
Question: Chad, what do you see in Adamek that you think you can exploit that Paul Briggs was not able to do in 24 rounds?
Dawson: Briggs and I are totally different fighters. I am more of a boxer. I do not go in to burrow.
Question: Tomasz, is it frustrating or is it hard to keep focused since you have fought just twice in the U.S. and have been unable to showcase your talents as you might like?
Adamek: I have only fought twice in America and all America saw me. I was the best fighter in 2006. I was good, and I am going to be good, and I am going to show (everybody) again.
Question: Tomasz, Mayweather Sr. says all his fighter has to do is just out jab you and the rest will come easy. Do you think Mayweather is giving Dawson false hope?
Adamek: You will see everything on Feb. 3. You will see who is better and you will see how good I am.
Question: Do you think any boxer could beat you with just their jab?
Adamek: I am the champion. I am the best one right now and I am going to be here for a long time.
Question: Tomasz, when was the last time you fought a southpaw?
Adamek: I believe three years ago.
Question: Chad, expectations have always been very high for you. Are you ready to meet those expectations?
Dawson: Yes, I am. This is what I have been working for my whole career.
Question: Did you think this opportunity would be so soon?
Dawson: I have been patient and it is here.
Question: Tomasz, compare your two performances against Briggs? Were you happy with your last win?
Adamek: Definitely, the second fight I was healed and did not have any injuries. Definitely, the second fight was much better for me.
Question: Who do you think is the best light heavyweight in the world apart from you?
Adamek: I do not worry about anybody. I can fight anybody. I am ready for everybody and I want to fight everybody.
Question: Have you seen much of Chad Dawson? What are you expecting in this fight?
Adamek: I believe in my power and believing can make miracles. I will see what he can show in the ring and I will adjust to it.
Question: Chad, did you think Briggs fought the wrong fight and you have to bring something different to this fight?
Dawson: I would not say that Briggs was the wrong fight. That is his fight. As I said, we are totally different fighters. I believe in my boxing ability. May the best man win on Feb. 3. I am up for it and it sounds like he is up for it. So everybody should look forward to a good fight.
Question: Chad, do you see Tomasz as the best light heavyweight in the world?
Dawson: I have to go into the fight thinking he is the best light heavyweight in the world. I am not going to look past him. I think he probably is the best. He is a champion.
Question: Chad, how do you think you are ready for a fighter like Tomasz at this point?
Dawson: Now is the time to step up the competition. I believe in my ability in this fight and it will show in the ring.
Question: Tomasz, do you think Dawson is ready for you at this point?
Adamek: I believe that if he is the (No. 1) contender, he is ready to fight.
Question: Chad, what do you think Mayweather has brought to the table as far as improving your performance as a fighter?
Dawson: I am throwing punches right now, throwing harder punches, going to the body more. He is working on my head movement and not staying in front of a fighter and moving.
Question: Tomasz, would you ever entertain the thought of going to a catch weight or moving down a weight class and taking on Joe Calzaghe?
Adamek: Light heavyweight is the perfect weight for me and I am going to stay in the same category. I never have talked of changing my weight.
Adamek: I do not have anything more to say. Everything will be OK and I will see you all at the conference in Orlando.
Dawson: Good luck to all the fighters on Feb. 3.
Final Thought: This is going to be a thrilling fight, guaranteed. Late last year, several Polish boxing fans e-mailed me with concern about Adamek signing to fight Dawson who they deemed too dangerous and not worth the risk at the present time. They said to tell Adamek’s manager that Tomasz, who had not yet signed the contract, that it would be most wise to only fight Dawson when he becomes the WBC mandatory and to handpick someone like Julio Gonzalez as an optional defense. I relayed this information to Team Adamek but Adamek nor his manager were not worried in the least. They eventually signed the contract and are more than eager to oblige this difficult challenge from Dawson, even though promoter Don King may have gained future options on Dawson from his promoter Gary Shaw. That’s what you call cojones, folks. Few of the best pound-for-pound fighters of today would take such an unnecessary risk when they didn’t have to. But Tomasz Adamek is a different breed who doesn’t care about smart business decisions. He’s confident he can whup any man in the world, Bring ’em on! You have to love a fighter like that.
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