New York, NY– Summer’s hot boxing schedule continues to deliver and presents a note worthy heavyweight match up of intrigue this weekend.
UP & COMER VS. DOWN & OUTER?
The pride of Poland, New Jersey’s most recently adored adopted son and rising star Tomasz Adamek (41-1, 27 KOs) meets former world title challenger Michael Grant (46-3, 34 KOs) for 12 proposed rounds of throw down in the heavyweight division at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, live on Saturday night at 9 PM ET on Intergrated Sports PPV.
ADAMEK’S RUN AT HEAVYWEIGHT STILL NEED DEFINING FIGHT
Having beaten former light heavyweight (175) champions Steve Cunningham and O’Neil Bell, Adamek, to his credit, in the wake of his triumphs has called out the biggest names in his former weight class. Without being able to secure lucrative bouts against Bernard Hopkins or Roy Jones Jr., and by not landing a much desired rematch against his only loss to Chad Dawson (L UD 12), Adamek has moved up to the heavyweight ranks and has three bouts with three wins under his belt; a beat down win over a very faded Andrew Golota (w TKO 5) a less then stellar 12 round points decision win against Jason Estrada, and reluctantly listless 12 round victory on the score cards against fading former world title challenger Chris Arreola.
WHAT DOES THE 38 YEAR OLD VERSION OF MICHAEL GRANT HAVE LEFT?
Once considered by most experts (mainly at HBO) to be the heir apparent successor to then champion Lennox Lewis, Michael Grant impressed the masses by delivering drama drenched action packed brawls showcasing remarkable homage of intestinal fortitude. Early in his career, Michael blasted out credible opposition and his 31st fight, met his first true test against the rugged foul infested thug style of Andrew Golota. Although Golota had been previously exposed by Lennox Lewis in embarrassing fashion, Andrew started the bout strong and thrice floored Grant in round one. Avoiding humiliation, Grant managed to recover, eventually drop Golota, make him quit, and was baptized under fire. Oddly enough, it was the last time both fighters fought at such a high level and looked so good. Michael went on to be destroyed by Lennox Lewis in a just two lopsided rounds. Since, he has gone a credable17-2, but during that stretch, Michael has hit the canvas more times then paint off a brush during a painting.
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED THIS SHOULD MAKE FOR ENTERTAINING EVENT
“Cross road” type affairs are always fun, especially at the highest weight on the scale. Considering that (rightfully so) Adamek has taken some criticism about his thus far lackluster campaign at heavyweight. Standing at 6’7, Grant, an enormous specimen, does has descent skill and does have threatening pop on his shots. Michael will not just be showing up for a paycheck and will be looking for the upset and prove a point come fight time.
UNDER CARD ACTION
Light middleweights (154) Joel Julio (35-4, 31 KOs) and Jamaal Davis will (12-6, 6 KOs) square off in a 10 round co feature.
Welterweight (147) Prospect Sadam Ali (8-0, 4 KOs) takes on Lenin Arroyo (20-12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight round special attraction.
NOTE: I’ll be attending this card ringside and will post a review of the bouts including press conference interviews, photography, and more early Sunday morning, stay tuned…
John Signorella