This afternoon Tomasz Adamek, 44-1, 28 KO’s, took time before flying to Poland to chat with the media about his upcoming WBC Heavyweight Championship battle against reigning WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, 42-2, 39 KO’s.
“The Fight of the 21st Century” will be held Saturday, September 10th at the new Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland. More than 40,000 spectators are expected to attend what will be the greatest boxing event in Polish history.
The fight will be available throughout Poland on PPV. Fans should contact their Satellite or Cable provider to find out how to order the event, which will cost 40 PLN per subscriber.
Fans are urged to order early, as it is anticipated that the demand will be for Poland’s first ever PPV event will be great and viewers could be shut out if they wait until the last minute.
The PPV broadcast will begin at 9 PM CET.
Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO: “I am already in Wroclaw. They are putting the finishing touches on the inside of the stadium. Everything is just about ready to go. It is very exciting here. This is all everyone is talking about.”
Do you think you’ll have an advantage with the judges since the fight is in Poland?
Kathy Duva: “The judges are being sent by the WBC and they are from all over the world.”
What is your game plan?
Roger Bloodworth, Adamek Trainer: “It’s not a good idea to give up your game plan before a fight. We don’t have just one game plan. It all depends on what Vitali brings to the ring. We’ll know after the first two rounds. We’re prepared no matter what . We’re confident.”
What is Tomasz’s edge over Vitali?
Tomasz Adamek: “I am quicker, my spirit is strong. I think my mind is stronger. I respect him but I think I am (an) uncomfortable (fighter) for him.”
How do you feel about fighting in Poland?
Roger Bloodworth: “Tomasz is very disciplined. Fighting in Poland will not distract him. He has fought in Poland before. This time the crowd of course will be larger, but that won’t make a difference.”
Tomasz Adamek: “The whole country believes in me. It’s very important to me. I know they say I am not the favorite, but in Poland I will have millions cheering for me.”
Kathy Duva: “Anyone who fights Klitschko is cosidered an underdog. If you talk to any of the cab drivers in Poland they believe Tomasz is the favorite. I think it’s wonderful to be the underdog. Tomasz is kind of back to where he was when he fought Cunningham, he doesn’t have the pressure, the champ does. Everyone in Poland is picking Tomasz to win! It’s so much fun to be here.”
Kathy Duva: “Ziggy (Rozalski) told me Tomasz will be carrying two flags into the ring: the Polish flag and the US flag, his first and second home. He will be carrying the weight of both countries on his shoulders.”
Vitali Klitschko is much taller what are your thoughts about that?
Roger Bloodworth: “Last 3 fights Tomasz fought were with tall guys I think we learned a lot from those.”
Tomasz Adamek: “Every training camp I get a little better and I learn a little more. Roger is a good teacher. This training camp was a very good, we trained 10 weeks. First two weeks we did conditioning and then we went to Pennsylvania for boxing. We worked on my speed, speed is power. I’m looking every place I can to hit him (Klitschko). My heart is good, my spirit is good. Size is not so important in the ring. Heart is important.”
What do you plan to do to neutralize Klitschko’s right hand?
Roger Bloodworth: “I’ll tell you what we plan NOT to do and that’s block his right hand with Tomasz’s head!”
Fight predictions?
Tomasz Adamek: ” I believe you have to have the right frame of mind to get in the ring. I know how to beat Vitali. I know that he will be expecting somebody who will be intimidated, even scared, but this will not be the case for me. He will not get a fighter standing in front of him, waiting for execution and payday. He will get somebody with no fear and the will and skills to win. This will be deciding factor on September 10.”
Vitali Klitschko said during his media day that he likes your style, and looks forward to having an open, entertaining fight with you on September 10 in Wroclaw. Do you believe it will happen?
Tomasz Adamek: “I truly hope so. I hope Vitali will keep his word to make September 10 a wide open affair, because to have an entertaining fight you need two fighters. I will do everything I can, as always, to do so. On the side note: I’m happy Klitschko is watching so much of my already year old [Michael] Grant fight. Because I’m so much better…100 percent better.”
