20.04.08 – by James Slater: There was another major fight last night, aside from the Hopkins-Calzaghe shootout. In Poland, cruiserweights Tomasz Adamek and America’s O’ Neil Bell met in an eliminator for the IBF 200 pound championship. Earning a crack at reigning champ Steve Cunningham, former light-heavyweight boss Adamek stopped Bell after 7 rounds – when Bell opted not to come out for the next session.
Adamek, 34-1(23) dropped Bell, 26-3-1(24) in the 1st round, when a right hand made Bell take a knee. Bell tried to use his power and aggression, but was too slow for the speedy Pole. Still, it was a shock when Bell chose to stay in his corner prior to the start of round number 8. Complaining of feeling dizzy and sick, Bell explained his decision.
After his good won, only his 3rd up at cruiserweight, Adamek spoke of his enthusiasm to get it on with Cunningham. He also spoke of the possibility of a unification bout with London’s David Haye, apparently not aware of the fact that “The Hayemaker’s” days at 200 pounds are now over.
The 31 year old Adamek, who won the WBC light-heavyweight title with a win over Paul Briggs, and later, after two successful defences, lost it to Chad Dawson, is a very good addition to the cruiserweight ranks. With only the points loss to “Bad” Chad on his record, Adamek has surely to be given at least a 50/50 chance against Cunningham. As for the beaten 34 year old Bell, after a hard career, in which he has engaged in wars with the likes of Sebastiaan Rothman and Jean Marc Mormeck (twice) retirement could well be on the cards. Bell was always a fighter known for giving his all and for showing great heart and guts along with a “never quit” mentality. After last night’s capitulation, however, it seems the hard battles may have caught up with the former IBF cruiserweight king.
Current IBF ruler “USS” Cunningham, will not want to give up his newly acquired world title easily. Having won it in a return bout with another Polish fighter in Krzystof Wlodarczyk last May, the 31 year old will fight his heart out to keep his belt. It’s not known yet where the Adamek-Cunningham fight will take place, but the 31 year old from Philly has proven he is not afraid to fight in another guy’s home country.
Adamek Vs. Cunningham could well be something to look forward to in an increasingly excitement-filled cruiserweight division.