A press conference for “The Big Challenge”, title fight between Tomasz Adamek, the IBF International Heavyweight and NABO Heavyweight Champion, (41-1, 27 KO’s) and Michael Grant, (46-3, 34 KO’s) was held Tuesday at Global Boxing Gym in North Bergen, NJ.
Michael Grant did not attend the press conference because he is training in Las Vegas, but was present via telephone. Nick Garone, Grant’s manager, spoke for Michael Grant. “You are going to see that Michael Grant is prepared. He walks the walk, talks the talk as far as being a professional. He’s been away from the spotlight for quite a long time and we believe that’s a good thing. Michael is well preserved. He is 37 next week and in world heavyweights that’s a good age, it’s a seasoned age. August 21st will be a tremendous opportunity for us to be named on the short list of guys like Klitschko and Valuev.” Garone added, “We have the utmost respect for Tomasz Adamek, but honestly we see a win as a way to prolong Michael’s career and give him an opportunity to get back on the world wide stage.” Garone reminded everyone that Michael Grant had once before defeated a Polish legend, Andrew Golota, and he said Grant would do so again on the 21st.
Tomasz Adamek was not fazed, he told reporters, “I’m in good shape, I feel strong. I am working with tall sparring partners to get ready for Grant’s height; I am learning more movement everyday; I have a stronger right hand and left hook now. I am quick, much more quick than most heavyweights. I’ll throw combination and many punches.”
Roger Bloodworth, Tomasz’ trainer pointed out that Grant won his last eight fights and hasn’t lost since 2003. He said they were not underestimating Grant. Tomasz agreed that he did not take this fight lightly. He reasoned that he could possibly be the last big fight for Michael Grant and Grant could perceive this as a once in a life-time opportunity to come up in the ranks again. Tomasz explained “You can be surprised sometimes, because when everyone is saying a fighter is down, that is when he can be most dangerous.” Tomasz stressed the fact that he respects Grant and has been training hard for 8 weeks. But with 3 weeks still to go, Tomasz said he will be fully prepared to do whatever it takes to win.
When asked if he expected to knockout Grant, Tomasz replied, “I never go to ring thinking just knockouts. My dream is to always win, and give good fights for the fans. August 21st at Prudential Center will be good fight, a good night for the fans.”
When asked who he’d like to fight next Tomasz answered, “I will go wherever there is a good contract. I will fight everybody, it doesn’t matter, Haye, Klitschko, because I am never afraid.”
The “Brick City Boxing Series” card will take place at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, and is promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with X-Cel Worldwide. Tickets priced at $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside) can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling TicketMaster at 800-745-3000 or www.Prucenter.com.
The fight is being distributed in North America by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9PM EST / 6PM PST on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States and Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
