On December 22nd at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, boxing returns to NBC, as the main event features current IBF North American Heavyweight Champion Tomasz “Goral” Adamek (47-2, 29 KO’s) of Kearny, N.J. vs. Steve “USS” Cunningham (25-4, 12 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Pa., in a 12-round heavyweight fight. Right here, take a look at a collection of quotes and photos from a recent Tomasz Adamek workout session.
Tomasz Adamek: “I am a different fighter than I was in 2008. I’ve changed everything. Everyone can see. I don’t stand straight in front of my opponent anymore and I move my head. I am stronger.”
Roger Bloodworth: “If Cunningham thinks that he will able to do the same things he did against Adamek four years ago, he will have very unpleasant surprise. Adamek is a very different fighter right now; maybe even a completely different fighter altogether.”
Roger Bloodworth: “Cunningham – Gavern? First fight as a heavyweight, sure motivation was there, but there will be a different motivation when Cunningham steps into the ring across from Adamek. Nothing against Jason (Gavern), he’s a tough fighter who comes to fight every time, but it was nothing personal for Steve. It will be personal against Adamek, so we expect Cunningham to do everything better this time. Much better. In 2008, Adamek, who was not a favorite, not only took his (Cunningham) IBF belt but also recognition of being undisputed cruiserweight champ. I’m sure Steve remembers the feeling.”
Tomasz Adamek: “There’s already something different in the air. I can feel it. This is my best training camp ever and I’m really hungry for boxing. I know that this fight will be very personal for Cunningham. And being on NBC, with millions watching – it will be something special.”
In the co-feature, Tor Hamer (19-1, 12 KO’s) of New York, N.Y., takes on Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov (13-0, 9 KO’s) of Langansk, Ukraine, in an 8-round heavyweight bout.
