by Geoffrey Ciani – Polish heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek (41-1, 27 KOs) is scheduled to face former title challenger Michael Grant (46-3, 34 KOs) on August 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This will be the biggest opponent Adamek has faced since making the jump to heavyweight less than a year ago. The fight, which is being dubbed as “The Big Challenge”, will be available in North America on both cable and satellite pay-per-view.
I was afforded an opportunity to speak with Adamek after his Tuesday morning training session. The former cruiserweight and light heavyweight champion spoke about his training and hared his views about the current heavyweight landscape. He also reiterated the fact that it is his dream to win a portion of the heavyweight crown.
In addition to speaking with Adamek, I also had the opportunity to speak with Adamek’s trainer, Roger Bloodworth, who shared his views on the upcoming bout. The fight against Grant represents the third time that Adamek and Bloodworth have worked together.
Adamek is 3-0 since abandoning the cruiserweight division for a shot at the big time. Although the move may have gone against conventional wisdom, Adamek has thus far proved his detractors wrong with a series of impressive victories against Andrew Golota, Jason Estrada, and Chris Arreola.
Michael Grant has only fought once since November 2008. In May of this year he scored a first round knockout victory against Kevin Burnett. Although Grant has flown under the radar since being stopped by Dominick Guinn in 2003, he has managed to win eight in a row since that time.
This is a make or break fight for 38 year old Grant. A high profile victory against Adamek could open a few doors to help prolong his career. With the lack of big name contenders floating around the division, a win against Adamek could perhaps even put him back into the title picture.
For Adamek, this is a fight that should help give fans some indication of whether or not he has what it takes to compete against one of the brothers Klitschko. An impressive victory against Grant by no means guarantees any sort of success against either brother, but a loss against Grant almost certainly ensures that a fight with either Klitschko is not likely to take place.
The Adamek-Grant fight headlines a seven bout card that is promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with X-Cel Worldwide.
Tickers are priced at $53, $78, $103, and $253 (ringside) and can be purchased at the Prudential Center Box Office. TicketMatser: 800-745-3000 or www.prucenter.com
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