PART 2

Tomasz Adamek tuned up for a September 10th showdown with WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko with a workmanlike twelve round pounding over Kevin McBride in front of over 7,300 mostly Polish Adamek supporters at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

It was obvious early who this fight would go as Adamek had a what looked at times a “Light Years” speed advantage over the slow, plodding and and even confused McBride as Adamek landed combination s as Adamek concentrated in working the flabby body of McBride. The combination’s were three, four and five punches at a time as it was clear what Adamek was trying to do. It looked like all McBride wanted to do was push a weak jab and lean on Adamek in an effort to tire him out. McBride started to bleed under the right eye as early as round four.

A round later, McBride began to bleed from his forehead but neither cut bothered the big Irishman during the fight. Every once in a while McBride, who did walk Adamek down for most of the fight would land a punch but with the punches that could be timed by a sun dial Adamek was able to move enough to take most of the sting of McBride’s punches.

Over the last half of the fight it was more of the same that saw Adamek move in and out and use his legs to keep away from McBride. For all of his lack of shape, McBride showed good endurance as he didint look much more fatigued then Adamek, who showed signs of tiredness which was mostly due to all the moving and the many times that McBride would lay his ample body on top of the top contender from Poland. McBride was deducted a point in round seven for excessive holding. Adamek closed the show as he landed some hard punches and the two exchanged for most of the final round with neither man ever looking like they would be hurt or knocked down.

The fight, which was billed “The Last Big Hurdle” for Adamek as he jumped over McBride with ease as he won by scores of 120-107; 119-108 and 119-1108.

Adamek, 215 lbs of Jersey City, NJ will via Gilowice, Poland will return to the homeland for what will be the biggest sporting event in the history of that European country when he takes on Adamek with a record of 44-1.

McBrdie, (every bit of) 285 lbs of Brocton, MA via Ireland is now 35-9-1.

The co-feature saw rising Welterweight and former U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali make easy work of Javier Perez by scoring a third round stoppage in a scheduled eight round bout.

Ali wasted no time by landing a left hook that sent Perez to the floor in round one. In round three, Ali landed a huge left hook that flattened Perez as he laid on the canvas for several moments.

The time of the stoppage was 2:40 of round three for Ali, 149 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY who remains undefeated at 12-0 with seven knockouts. Perez, 146 1/2 lbs of Ponce, PR is now 8-5.

Andrzej Fonfara warmed up the large Polish contingent by taking out Ray Smith in round four of an eight round Light Heavyweight bout.

Fonfara landed some nice punches over the first three round and then really turned up the heat in round four as he landed a big right on the ropes that rocked Smith. he followed that up with a big combination that sent Smith to the canvas. Fonfara landed a big right off the ropes that was followed by a perfect left that sent Smith down for the ten count at 1:09 of round four.

Fonfara, 175 lbs of Chicago is now 17-2 with eight knockouts. Smith, 179 lbs of Little Rock, Arkansas is now 9-6.

Joselito Collado remained undefeated by scoring a six round split decision over Rafael Lora in a Featherweight.
Collado was cut early in round one over the right eye and it seemed to have bothered him just a tad but the cut was controlled nicely as the fight went on. The two fighters engaged in nice exchanges with each taking turns getting through with left hooks.

The fight was very close but Collado was a bit more active and scored the split decision victory by scores of 59-54 and 57-56 while Lora took a card 57-56.

Collado, 128 lbs of Queens, NY is now 12-0. Lora, 128 1/2 lbs of Irvington, NJ is now 11-4.

Jose Peralta beat up Eber Luis Perez and stopped him in round three of a scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Peralta rocked Perez with a hard right in round two and followed up with a combination that sent Perez to the canvas. Peralta opened up round three with a hard left that started blood flow from Perez nose.
Peralta dropped Perez with a right hand later in the round. With Perez down, his corner decided to stop the bout at 2:49 of round three.

Peralta, 142 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is now 6-1 with four knockouts. Perez, 136 lbs of Cartegena, Colombia is now 12-20

Vinny O’Brien scored a fourth round stoppage over Shakir Aquel Dunn in a scheduled four round Welterweight bout.

It was a tough bout with both guys landing good shots for which O’Brien, who has a terrific fan base, got in the better shots.

In round four, O’Brien landed some thudding shots that ended with a hard combination on the ropes and the bout was stopped just nine seconds before its scheduled conclusion.

O’Brien, 146 ½ lbs of East Hanover, NJ is 2-0 with both wins coming via stoppage. Dunn, 145 lbs of Newark, NJ was making his pro debut

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Heavyweight champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko will each fight anticipated bouts in the coming months.

Wladimir will defend his IBF/WBO and Ring Magazine world championships against WBA champ David Haye on either June 25th or July 2nd in a bout that has been brewing for a couple of years while Vitali will defend his WBC strap against Tomasz Adamek providing Adamek gets by Kevin McBride this Saturday in Newark, New Jersey.

“It’s pretty simple: Wladimir was the first one in 2009 who wanted to face Haye after Haye attacked him first, verbally in London at a press conference for a charity cause,” said Klitschko manager Bernd Boente. “From the beginning it was always going in that direction. From the contract side it’s possible it could change but, as of now, they made the decision between themselves.”

There still remains a possibility that Vitali (42-2, 39 KOs), who is coming off a first-round knockout of mandatory challenger Odlanier Solis on March 19, will also fight June 4 against an opponent to be determined in Germany.

“Maybe Vitali will fight then, but it depends on the TV situation in Germany,” Boente said.

“It will be Wladimir fighting Haye and Vitali is fighting Adamek, but Adamek has to win or he’s out,” Boente said.

Boente and Adam Booth, Haye’s manager and trainer, were in New York last week meeting with American television executives about deals for the U.S. rights to the fights. HBO is the likely outlet, Boente said.

“There is interest in America but, in the end, my gut feeling tells me HBO is the station,” Boente said. “Last week we went to HBO, to Epix and to Showtime. It’s not written in stone, but I think we are back in business with HBO.”

“June 25 or July 2, but it really depends on the stadium deal,” Boente said. “We are still not sure which one it will be in. It could still be outside of Germany, but it has to be agreed on by Adam Booth and myself. This is a true 50-50 deal.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, world rated Heavyweight Tomasz Adamek will take on the man who retired Mike Tyson, Kevin McBride on April 16th in either Poland or New Jersey.

“We have confirmed Kevin McBride as Adamek’s April opponent, but we were holding off on a formal announcement until after I had the chance to meet with [Adamek co-promoter] Ziggy [Rozalski] to go over the two site alternatives with him and make a decision.”, said Adamek’s promoter Kathy Duva.

It’s hard to believe that less than four years ago, Tomasz Adamek would step onto a physician’s scale the day before a fight and the balance beam would find a happy medium somewhere around 175 pounds.

Since those light heavyweight days not so long ago, where he engaged in two all-out brawls with Paul Briggs and lost a hard fought bout to Chad Dawson, Adamek has breezed through the cruiserweight division capturing the IBF and Ring Magazine championships before setting his sights on heavyweight gold.

Now, just fifteen months after bidding adieu to the cruiserweight division, the highlander from Poland will get an opportunity to become a heavyweight champion of the world.

As Dan Rafael of ESPN first reported yesterday, Adamek and his camp — Main Events & Ziggy Promotions — publicly announced that they had finalized a contract to fight one of the Klitschko brothers in September, at one of two newly constructed stadiums in Poland.

The initial report stated that if both Vitali and Wladimir win their upcoming bouts, against Odlanier Solis and Derek Chisora, respectively, it will be most likely be Wlad who steps through the ropes in September to participate in one of the biggest fights in Polish boxing history.

If one brother loses, Adamek will square off against the brother who won, and if both fall, the fight with Adamek is off.

The last condition states that the Pole must win his April 16 bout in Katowice, Poland against the always dangerous TBA in order for his September title bout to take place.

While the fight will no longer be against Samuel Peter, as once reported, but it will come against “a popular opponent who is taller than me,” according to Adamek.

Back in December, at the post fight press conference for the Adamek-Vinny Maddalone fight, Duva admitted to reporters that she had been in contact with representatives of the Ukrainian champions.

While acknowledging the two sides had participated in discussions regarding a championship title bout, Duva shot down rumors that Adamek would do battle with a Klitschko in March of 2011 at Madison Square Garden, which was a popular rumor in early December. The significant of a heavyweight title fight taking place in March at Madison Square Garden is because it would mark the 40th anniversary of “The Fight of Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

While I presume there was some appeal to make that fight in late March at the Garden from a marketing standpoint, Duva ultimately stayed loyal to the Prudential Center in Newark, which has become Adamek’s home away from home.

I imagine that for the Klitschko’s there is little appeal in fighting in Newark. Therefore, the fight shifts to Poland, where new stadiums are sprouting up throughout the nation to prepare for EURO Cup 2012, when they will play co-hosts to the big soccer tournament, along with the Ukraine.

As recent as July 2009 there was buzz around the soccer world that the scheduled host counties might possibly be switched to Hungary and Germany if the building of the facilities in Poland and the Ukraine didn’t pick up the pace.

With hard work, Poland put skeptics to rest as three entirely new stadiums will be up and running by the time EURO 2012 rolls around. Two of them are in the running to host Adamek vs. Klitschko.

Both Stadion Majeski and Stadion Nawodwy (National Stadium) are set to be completed in June 2011. The Stadion Nawodwy, which is located in the capital city of Warsaw, will be able to seat 56,000, while Stadion Majeski, located in the city of Wroclaw, will hold 42,771.

Geographically, Wroclaw is significantly closer to the German border than Warsaw. A fight at the Stadion Miejeski in theory could draw more Klitschko supporters than if it were to be held in the further Stadion Nawodwy. Make no mistake, however, regardless of location, this crowd will be overwhelmingly pro-Adamek, but being that the Klitschko brothers are now based out of Germany, thousands of their supports will undoubtedly spill over the German-Polish border to witness their beloved champion do battle, whichever brother it may be.

For me, the most intriguing part about this fight is that one of the champions will be facing the best Tomasz Adamek they can possibly face. Unlike most of their recent opponents, who prematurely jump at the chance to get a crack at the crown, Adamek has been to the top of the mountain in two different weight classes already.

He has set goals for himself and hasn’t stopped until he has grabbed titles. For the last fifteen months, Adamek and his team have been preparing for the very moment that will come in September.

He has proven he could take a heavyweight’s punch when he duked it out with Chris Arreola over twelve rounds. He has proven he could beat a taller fighter when he outpointed the 6’7” Michael Grant. And perhaps most importantly as a heavyweight, Adamek proved that he is world class boxer.

After his first two heavyweight fights — against Andrew Golota and Jason Estrada — Adamek and his longtime trainer Andrzej Gmitruk split ways, allowing Gmitruk to tend to his own health concerns. That’s when “Goral” picked up Roger Bloodworth as his primary trainer.

Since linking up with Bloodworth, Adamek is noticeably more mobile. He has Americanized his fight-game and sharpened his defense. He hits and he moves. He throws countless combinations and less willing to go blow-for-blow with an opponent, as he was accustomed to at lower weight classes.

Adamek was quicker than the five heavyweights he’s faced so far, and he’ll be quicker than both Klitschkos. I don’t think many people will be giving Adamek much of a chance against either Klitschko, but it’s comforting to know that the to-be-challenger is a ex-champion who deserves his crack at heavyweight glory.

At the age of 34 and having done it twice already, Adamek knows what it takes to be world champion. After handpicking opponents to prepare him for a meeting with one of the Ukrainian giants, come September Adamek will be as ready as he’ll ever be.

Kyle Kinder can be reached via Twitter at Twitter.com/KyleKinder or at KyleKinder1@gmail.com.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former two-division world champion Tomasz Adamek will challenge either Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko in September in Adamek’s homeland of Poland.

“I am ecstatic. I can’t even put it into words,” Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said. “To work so hard with Tomasz with a goal in mind — moving him up to heavyweight, getting a heavyweight title fight. We got him there and we got a good deal.”

Said Bernd Boente, who manages the Klitschko brothers, “We made some changes, their side and our side. We now agree on everything. We have a go from both sides for a fight in September.”

The fight will take place at a new soccer stadium being built in either Warsaw or Wroclaw, Poland. Duva said there are four new stadiums being built in Poland for the 2012 European Soccer Championships and that two of the stadiums are bidding for the fight.

“There is this window of opportunity for this fight because of the stadiums being built in Poland,” Duva said. “It will be a huge event in Poland.”

If both Klitschkos were to lose, the deal with Adamek would be dead. If one loses, Adamek, a former light heavyweight titlist before winning the cruiserweight championship, would face the other brother under terms of the deal, Boente and Duva said.

If both Klitschkos win, the choice of Adamek’s opponent would be decided by the Klitschko side.

“Either one, their option,” Duva said. “We don’t care which one it is. They have to tell us something like 90 days before the fight which one it will be. Tomasz’s attitude is, ‘I want a heavyweight title fight. I don’t care which one of them I fight.'”

“Knock on wood, both brothers win their respective fights and then we will make a decision,” Boente said.

However, if they both win it is likely to be Wladimir against Adamek, both sides said.

Promoter Kathy Duva talks about Tomasz Adamek’s fifth round stoppage over Vinny Maddalone and his future plans

Top heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek talks about his fifth round stoppage over Vinny Maddalone

Heavyweight contender Vinny Maddalone talks about his fifth round loss to Tomasz Adamek

Top Heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek stopped veteran Vinny Maddalone in round five of a scheduled twelve round Heavyweight bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

It was evident early that Adamek’s handspeed would be a problem for Maddalobe as he pushed him back more with speed then with force. Maddalone got into the fight in round two as he connected on a couple flush shots. In round four, Adamek rocked Maddalone with a hard combination that seemingly had the Queens native in trouble but Maddalone contibued to fight back as he winged in some right hands.

Adamek dropped Maddalone in round five from a blistering three punch combination that was cleaned up by a pinpoint left hook to the head. Maddalone was hurt but showed tremendous courage as he fought his heart out as he was throwing wild hayemakers while Adamek was throwing a rapid fire onslaught in an effort to finish Maddalone off. He got that seconds later as with Maddalone eating hard punch after hard punch, Maddalone’s corner saved their fighter from any further damage as the fight was stopped at 2:17 of round five.

Adamek, 216 1/2 lbs of Gilowice, Poland is now 43-1 with twenty-eight knockouts. Maddalone. 230 lbs of Queens, NY is now 33-7.

Patrick Majewski vs. Eddie Caminero — 8 Rounds, Middleweights

In an absolute war, the Polish-born, New Jersey-based Patrick Majewski scored a thrilling 8th round KO over Lawrence, Massachusett’s Eddie Caminero.

From start to finish, both fighters were willing to stand in trade punches with one another, willing to get hit to land one of their own.

In the opening round, both fighter’s dug in and stood their ground, throwing ill-intentioned punches, with Majewski getting the better of Caminero — who started to bleed from a cut over his left eye.

In the second round, it was more of the same, except Caminero got the better of Majewski, opening up a cut of the fan-favorite’s right eye.

Round three echoed that of the first two, with the Polish fans increasingly getting louder in their support for Majewski, chanting “Polska! Polska!” and “Majewski! Majewski!”

By the time the bell sounded to end round three, Caminero was starting to bleed above his right eye.

Both fighters continue to trade bombs to the crowds delight until the 1:20 seconds into the 8th round when Majewski landed a huge right hand that sent Caminero to the canvass, where referee Sparkle Lee immediately called a halt to the bout.

With the win, Majewski stays undefeated and improves to 15-0, 10 KOs, while Caminero drops to 7-4, 7 KOs.–Kyle Kinder

Former U.S. Olympian got what amounted to a sparring session with tough Manuel Guzman as Ali pounded out an eight round unanimous decision in a Welterweight bout.

Ali peppered Guzman with an assortment of right hands and jabs and mixed in some nice body shots.

Ali, 147 lbs of Brooklyn, won on all cards by an 80-72 tally to raise his record to 11-0. Guzman, 145 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 7-10-2.

Gabriel Rosado vs. Jose Medina

Philadelphia’s “King” Gabriel Rosado earned a well-deserved unanimous decision over Guadalajara, Mexico’s Jose Medina. Rosado was awarded the decision by scores of 80-72, 79-72, and 78-73.

Rosado worked well behind an effective jab, which help set up devastating right hands.

Midway through the round, Rosado was able to tag Medina, who now resides in New Hampshire, with a right cross that sent him off-balance, ultimately forcing his glove to touch the canvass in order to keep his body off it. Rosado was awarded the knockdown, as Medina was able get up and survive the round.

The bout’s most exciting action came in the opening minute of round four which saw Rosado aggressively attack Medina, landing an overhand right that momentarily hurt Medina. Rosado followed up quickly, throwing heavy punches, landing two left hooks to the right side of Medina’s face.

To his credit, Medina was unwilling to back down as he stood in the pocket and fired right back at Rosado, ultimately warded off the North Philadelphia native’s attack.

In the end, Medina was unable to muster up anything significant, and Rosado rolled to a unanimous decision victory.

With the win, Rosado improves to 15-5, 8 KOs, while Medina drops to 12-9, 5 KOs.–Kyle Kinder

Tarvis Simms returned after a year layoff to score a six round unanimous decision

Simms rocked Lockett in round one with a hard counter right and a left-right to the head sent Lockett down. He beat referee Benji Esteves count and got out of round one. In round two, Simms landed a big left that rocked Lockett once more and buckled him in round three with yet another hard left as Simms switched between orthodox and southpaw. Simms jabbed well and landed some nice combination’s as he cruised to the decision.

Simms, 167 lbs of Norwalk, CT won by scores of 6054; 60-53 and 60-53 to 26-1-1. Lockett, 167 lbs of Takoma Park, MD is now 12-11-5.

Angel Concepcion vs. Lekan Byfield

Newark, New Jersey’s Angel Concepcion easily outpointed Yonkers, New York’s Lekan Byfield to improve his already perfect record to 4-0. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Concepcion, 40-36.

Concepcion hurt Byfield multiple times throughout the bout, the most notable coming midway through round 3 when Concepcion connected flush with a straight right hand. While Byfield was hurt, the Newark native did little to follow up, however, letting precious time pass in between throwing punches.

Byfield fought with his hands down for the most of the fight, invited Concepcion to land punches on to his ill-defended face.

In the end, it was an easy win for Concepcion, while Byfield dropped his pro debut. —Kyle Kinder

Bryant Jennings scored scored a second round stoppage over Randy Smith in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Jennings dropped Smith with a hard right and when he got up he was wobbly and referee Sparkle Lee stopped the bout at 2:18 of round two.

Jennings 223 lbs of Philadelphia is now 5-0 with three knockouts. Smith, 256 1/2 lbs of Cortland, NY loses his pro debut.

NEWARK, NJ — Earlier today, fighter’s participating on the Thursday night’s card — headlined by Tomasz Adamek vs. Vinny Maddalone — weighed in at the Prudential Center. Below are the weights.

12 Rounds — IBF International/NABO Heavyweight Championship

Tomasz Adamek (42-1, 27 KOs) — 216.5 lbs.

vs.

Vinny Maddalone (33-6, 24 KOs) — 230 lbs.

8 Rounds — Middleweights

Patrick Majewski (13-0, 8 KOs) — 160 lbs.

vs.

Eddie Caminero (7-3, 7 KOs) — 158.5 lbs.

8 Rounds — Welterweights

Sadam Ali (10-0, 6 KOs) — 147 lbs.

vs.

Manuel Guzman (7-9-2, 3 KOs) — 145 lbs.

8 Rounds — Junior Middleweights

Gabriel Rosado (14-5, 8 KOs) — 155 lbs.

vs.

Jose Medina (12-8, 5 KOs) — 156 lbs.

6 Rounds — Super Middleweights

Tarvis Simms (25-1-1, 11 KOs) — 167 lbs.

vs.

Willis Lockett (12-10-5, 5 KOs) — 167 lbs.

4 Rounds — Junior Lightweights

Angel Concepcion (3-0) — 177 lbs.

vs.

Lekan Byfield (Pro Debut) — 166.5 lbs.

4 Rounds — Heavyweights

Bryant Jennings (4-0, 2 KOs) — 223 lbs.

vs.

Randy Smith (Pro Debut) — 256.5 lbs.

——

The “Brick City Boxing Series” card will take place December 9th at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, and is promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Doors open at 6pm.

To keep up to date visit the Main Events Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Totowa-… and www.mainevents.com and www.starboxing.com

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 8PM EST / 5PM 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.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

Tomasz Adamek is set to make another appearance Thursday night at Newark’s Prudential Center. The Poland native, now fighting out of Jersey City, has made a second home at “The Rock”, and The Ring Magazine number four rated Heavyweight will bring his usual raucous crowd to pack the arena when he faces off against tough brawler Vinny Maddalone (33-6 24KO).

The Queens native will certainly have his hands full as he is the next target on Adamek’s path to possible future bouts with one of the Klitschko brothers. Already some murmuring around the boxing community about Vitali Klitschko’s camp talking with the Adamek camp about a potential 2011 date, Adamek is not one to take any opponent lightly and look towards the next one.

The task for Maddalone will include the 11,000 red and white clad fans, and a fast heavyweight who seems to never be in the same spot. Maddalone acknowledges this and will try to use a high pressure offense to force Adamek to do just that. Adamek’s boxing style is one where he moves in at the right time to let off combination’s and then back out, the heavy handed Maddalone figures his best shot at winning this bout is to land something big and force the champion to slow down and allow him to use a high pressure style to knock him out.

Is Maddalone excited for this bout? You bet he is, agreeing with most experts that Adamek is the more skilled and heralded fighter, this is his chance to really leave his mark on the sport. And he’ll be damned if he doesn’t go out in a brawl.

Adamek (42-1 27KO) will head into this fight doing what he does best, adapt to the style of the fighter brought against him and use his abilities to get the victory. Trainer Roger Bloodworth says it best about this contest “This fight is heart vs. heart. Two guys who are going to leave everything they have in the ring. Everyone watching this fight is in for a real treat.”

And with a win come Thursday night, Adamek is almost all but assured a shot at one of the Klitschkos.
Promoter Main Events also has lined up an undercard featuring highly touted prospect Sadam “World Kid” Ali, Patrick “The Machine” Majewski and “Marvelous” Tarvis Simms.

Ali (10-0 6KO) will try to continue to impress as he squares off against iron chinned journeyman Manuel Guzman (7-9 3KO) in an eight round welterweight contest. Guzman’s record is not impressive, but in his last bout knocked out Adrick Butler in the second round. Ali is riding a three fight knockout streak, alongside his perfect record, and will aim to maintain that.

Majewski (14-0 9KO), an undefeated Atlantic City based Pole, will also use the crowd to his favor as he faces off against knockout artist Eddie Caminero (7-3 7KO). Majewski got a late start to his pro career at the age of 26, but remains unbeaten and hopes to grab more high profile fights in the future. All of Caminero’s victories have come by way of knockout, the latest being in the fourth round, so he provides a tough challenge to Majewski, in a similar way that Maddalone will to Adamek in the main event.

Tarvis Simms (25-1 11KO) returns to action after a fourteen month layoff when he heads into the Prudential Center to fight Willis Lockett (12-10 5KO) in a six round super middleweight fight. Simms’ journey in boxing has been a roller coaster ride thus far. The 39 year old fighter also got a late start to his pro career at 26 following an excellent amateur career which saw him win the 1993 National Golden Gloves Championship, as well as earn a victory over future world champion Jermaine Taylor along the way.

Boxing politics interfered with Simms path to a world championship, which led to a lack of fights. But Simms remained undefeated until October 2009, when he dropped his first fight to title contender Allan Green by decision. However, a determined Simms returns after signing a multi-fight deal with Main Events, and even at his age, is concentrating on obtaining the goal of becoming world champion.
Other match ups on the card include Newark’s own Angel Concepcion (3-0) against Lekan Byfield, who will be making his professional debut at Light Heavyweight. Gabriel Rosado (14-5 8KO) will square off against Jose Medina (12-8 5KO), Rosado scored an impressive victory over former world champion Kassim Ouma earlier in his career.

Jersey City’s Raymond Biggs Jr. (9-0 6KO) will have his clean record challenged by Philip McCants (8-1-1 3KO) who is on a run of six straight victories himself. Also, Philadelphia’s Bryant Jennings (4-0 2KO) will face Randy Smith, who is also making his debut, in a four round heavyweight fight.
Those that can’t make it to the area can order the bout on pay per view for $29.95.

Tomorrow night, Newark New Jersey’s Prudential Center will once again transform into “Little Poland” as thousands of Polish fight fans will flock to 165 Mulberry Street to watch Tomasz Adamek square off against New York’s Vinny Maddalone.

But before the legions of Polish fans witness Adamek do battle with Maddalone, they’ll have the opportunity to cheer on another Polish-born, New Jersey-based boxer.

Welterweight prospect Patrick Majewski will look to add another win to his already perfect record when he faces off against Lawrence, Massachusetts’ Eddie “Thunder” Caminero in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Majewski (14-0, 9 KO) was born in Radom, Poland, but now resides in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where six of his fourteen professional bouts have taken place.

In his last bout in October, the Polish-transplant defeated New Mexico’s Joseph Gomez (17-3-1, 8 KO) by seventh round stoppage in Kissimmee, Florida.

Majewski first hurt Gomez with a devastating left hook in the fourth round. Three rounds later, Majewski hurt his counterpart again and didn’t let him off the hook. Referee Frank Gentile stepped in and saved Gomez from absorbing further punishment, stopping the bout at the 1:50 mark of round seven.

But even after an impressive performance against tough opposition, Majewski and his team knew there was plenty of room for improvement.

“I made many mistakes my last fight,” Majewski said. “So my trainers — we tried to work on the leg movement, more head movement, and of course, more speed.”

Majewski will have a chance to showcase his sharpened skills against Caminero in front of an expected crowd of over ten thousand fans.

Caminero (7-3, 7 KO), who practices his trade under the watchful eye of “Irish” Micky Ward, has proven he is a rugged competitor who can out-will and out-punch his opponents.

In his last two bouts, Caminero scored upset victories over two seperate opponents, who prior to the bouts, sported a combined record of 14-1.

Caminero’s most recent fight took place in August in Brooklyn, New York against crowd favorite, and previously unbeaten fighter, Joe Smith, Jr.

The Massachussets native served as nothing more than a moving heavy bag for Smith in the opening round, as Caminero found himself with his back against the ropes, standing on unsteady legs.

Caminero was able to gather himself and survive the round, however, and by the third round, he began a relentless campaign against Smith’s body, which visibly took its toll on the taller Smith.

With blood dribbling out his mouth and the fourth round about to come to a close, Smith signaled to his corner he could no longer continue. Earlier in the round, Smith suffered a broken jaw courtesy of the heavy-handed Caminero, who notched his second straight victory.

Majewski is well aware of Caminero’s stubbornness inside the ropes, but is confident that his preparation leading up to this fight will result in a victory tomorrow night.

“I know that he’s tough, but I’m tough too,” said Majewski. “I’ve been training hard for this fight and I’m going to bring my work into the ring.”

Tomorrow night will mark the third time Majewski will fight at the Prudential Center and the second time he will fight on the undercard of an Adamek-headlined event. He knows there will be thousands of fans decked out in Poland’s colors of red and white who will be cheering his name. He also knows he cannot let the crowd become a distraction against a heavy-handed opponent like Caminero.

“It is a big feeling [to fight in front of the Polish fans], I’m really excited to fight over there,” Majewski said. “But during the fight you really have to focus on your opponent — don’t really worry about the crowd or the fans.”

Majewski, who turns 31 later this month, knows that one loss may result in a significant setback to his career and doesn’t plan on letting Caminero play spoiler.

With regards to his approach towards his fight tomorrow night, Majewski said, “Focus on your opponent then worry about the fans. Then after the fight we can celebrate together.”

Thoughts on select fights from last week

Javier Fortuna vs. Victor Valenzuela

Last Wednesday at BB King’s in New York City, two unbeaten prospects crossed paths in a bout that was scheduled for eight rounds.

Passaic, New Jersey’s Victor “Viper” Valenzuela squared off against the Dominican Republic’s Javier Fortuna, who was making his American debut.

Before the fight, Valenzuela sported an 8-0 record, with only one of those wins coming by knockout, while Fortuna entered the bout 12-0 with 9 knockouts.

For that reason, I was confused as to why Valenzuela was willing to fight fire with fire from the opening bell. Fortuna and Valenzuela forewent any use of a jab and began trading wild power punches — an exchange that would clearly favor the heavier-handed Fortuna.

Ultimately, a minute into the first round, Fortuna KO’d Valenzuela in a Sergio Martinez-esque fashion. Valenzuela scarily collapsed and just like that Valenzuela’s “O” had to go. His record and confidence both took a hit as he fell to 8-1, 1 KO, while Fortuna shined in his American debut, improving to 13-0, 10 KOs.

Crazy part about the KO is the fact that Martinez’s trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento, is also Fortuna’s trainer. Further, like Martinez, he was discovered and brought to the United States by advisor Sampson Lewkowicz and is also signed to DiBella Entertainment.

—

Alex Perez vs. Doel Carrasquillo

That same night, I was also impressed by Newark, New Jersey’s Alex Perez, who
successfully navigated past tough journeyman Doel Carrasquillo in an eight round welterweight bout.

The fight marked the unbeaten Perez’s first bout since inking a deal with DiBella Entertainment.

Unlike Fortuna, Perez (13-0, 7 KO) didn’t blow his opponent out of the water. Rather, Perez was forced to outbox a veteran brawler for eight rounds — and did so with relative ease.

“I was pleased with everything that he did,” said Perez’s trainer and manager, Jose Rosario. “He finally showed me the things I wanted to see — and that was being smart and outboxing guys like the guy we fought today.”

Working behind a stiff right jab, Perez successfully kept the always-moving-forward Carasquillo at range, setting him up for combinations and devastating left hands.

By the second round, Carrasquillo’s face was already puffy, turning red in the process. Each time Perez hurt his Carrasquillo, the determined journeyman would talk taunt Perez and shrug it off as if he was unharmed (which was a lie, of course).

Perez’s only slip-up in this bout came in the fifth round when he tripped over Carrasquillo’s feet and got caught with a right hand that ultimately put him on the canvass.

“I slipped over his leg and they ruled it a knockdown,” said Perez. “It is what it is.”

Following a brief and unsuccessful appeal to referee Arthur Mercante Jr., Perez got right back up and immediately picked up where he left off, snapping his jab and throwing meaningful combinations.

Credit Carrasquillo (14-17-1, 12 KO) for his persistence as he brought non-stop pressure for twenty-four minutes. He was stubborn in his aggressiveness, constantly walking forward, getting peppered by stiff jabs and straight lefts along the way.

“I want to stiffen my jab up even more,” Perez said. “It will be key when I fight more guys like him who keep coming and keep coming.”

Carrasquillo’s pressure would make most boxer’s uncomfortable, but Perez seemed to embrace this type of fight early on — a credit to his trainer and his preparation.

“I saw Carrasquillo fight a couple times and I knew he was tough and was better than his record shows,” Rosario said. “He always fought tough fights and we knew he was dangerous so we prepared mentally and physically for him.”

Except for the flash knockdown, Perez controlled this fight from start to finish, a tribute to the 28 year-old’s maturity and versatility. Now that Perez has found a home under the DiBella Entertainment banner, there should be more regularity in his fight schedule, which is a plus for tri-state area fight fans.

Unbeaten middleweight Patrick Majewski of Atlantic City informed 15rounds that he will be take on Eddie Caminero as the co-feature to the heavyweight match up between former two division world champion Tomasz Adamek and Vinny Maddalone December 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark.

One of the most exciting up and coming fighters in New Jersey, Majewski, 14-0 (9 KO’s), is fresh off a 7th round stoppage of Joseph Gomez as part of an October 16 pay per view card in Florida. Majewski, who is of Polish descent, will be fighting at the Pru Center for the third time.

Caminero, 7-3 (3 KO’s), has won two straights against opponents with a combined 14-1 record. The Lowell, MA native most recently stopped unbeaten Joe Smith Jr. in August.

For more New Jersey boxing news, go to Gardenstatefightscene.com

The Polish National Anthem — Mazurek D?browskiego — recalls a time when Polish General Jan Henryk D?browski and thousands of his Polish soldiers marched alongside the great Napoleon Bonaparte aiding in his conquests. The patriotic hymn serves as a reminder to Poles that they will always fight for their existence and for their pride.

On Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, Tomasz “Goral” Adamek played the part of General D?browski as 10,972 Polish fans flocked to the Garden State’s largest city to be by their fighter’s side. Just moments before Adamek and his opponent, “Big” Michael Grant, made their way to ring, everyone in the arena outfitted in the red and white of Adamek’s homeland partook in what was possibly the loudest rendition of Mazurek D?browskiego ever heard on this side of the Atlantic.

Saturday night did not mark my first time at the Prudential Center, nor was it my first time at an Adamek fight — or should I say, event. But as I walked around the concourse, making my way to section 128, I noticed an extra “buzz” in the building. Maybe it was because Adamek had not fought in “Brick City” since February or maybe it was because his recent victory over Chris Arreola on HBO gave his already enthusiastic fan-base a little extra excitement. But whatever the reasons were, Adamek’s Polish fans were chanting and singing louder than remembered from the moment security patted them down and the ticket scanner admitted them entrance.

Having recently attended a big fight as part of the general populous and not as a member of the media — Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz II — I immediately picked up on one essential difference in the type of crowd Adamek draws as opposed to other prizefighters (besides the obvious fact that nearly all of Adamek’s supporters are of Polish descent). What I marveled at was how many of Saturday’s fight-goers came with their families. The crowd, which banded together to create rippling sea of red and white was made up of men, women, and children of all ages. It was clear that not all of the fans were bitten by the fistic bug – not that it is a requirement to attend a fight. However, the fans Adamek attracts are proud and loyal Polish fans who have been starved of a superior athlete for quite some time and are jumping at the chance to see one of the better boxers in their countries history.

“It is not often that they [Polish fans] have an event like this,” said Max Krysztopowicz, who made the trek up from Philadelphia to watch “Goral” fight. “This is them venting.”
Call it what you will — and perhaps Krysztopowicz is right — the Poles are a deprived people when it comes to success in the world of sports. The White Eagles (Polish national soccer team) have had no worthy accomplishments of late and the country has been lacking an international superstar since Pope John Paul II. Perhaps Adamek’s fights truly are a venting of sorts for Poles, but it is a venting that I encourage all fight fans to witness and enjoy first hand.

Everything is interesting about the make-up of an Adamek event — from the diversity of the fans, with regards to age and gender, to the merchandise being sold. For the few who entered the Prudential Center without some sort of Polish scarf draped around their shoulders, Main Events was selling a half red, half white, scarf with the words “TOMASZ ‘GORAL’” on one side and “ADAMEK” on the other for twenty-five dollars.

Eventually, after taking in the sights around the concourse of “The Rock”, I rode the escalator up one level and climbed the steps to section 128.
Perched high atop “The Rock” I nestled into my seat in the last row of the arena just moments before the opening bell of the night’s first bout. Admittedly, my seat wasn’t the best to view a fight, but luckily for me, watching the crowd throughout the night was equally as entertaining as some of the bouts — and for that, I arguably had the best seat in the house. From the time the first bell rang at 7:30 pm to the time just before the national anthems were played at 11:00 pm, I watched the arena under my feet transform into Lil’ Poland.
With booze flowing from taps to Polish lips all night long, the electric crowd was up on its feet waving the flag and flying the White Eagle high in the air. As the crowd restlessly awaited the main event, the DJ at “The Rock” — knowing his audience — played “Jeste? Szalona” by Boys — a hit Polish song circa 1997 that sent the crowd into a frenzy. At times, between the bouts, it felt more like I was at a club in Warsaw as opposed to a boxing event.

After Michael Grant received a steady stream of boos from the Adamek faithful, “Pamietaj” by Funky Polak — “Goral’s” entrance song and a song about Polish immigration to the United States blared through the arena’s speakers and out emerged Adamek.

Throughout the twelve round battle, fans cheered “Adamek! Adamek!” “Goral! “Goral!” and “Polska!” “Polska!”, not once taking a round off. When the final bell rang to conclude the entertaining fight, the fans erupted once more, chanting “Dzi?kuj?! Dzi?kuj?!” Translation: “Thank You!” “Thank You!”
The appreciation that Adamek’s fans show toward their fighter stretches beyond his accomplishments inside the ring. They appreciate what he has done for their homeland and they show it by flocking to Newark every time he steps into the ring to cheer him on.

Adamek’s fights at the Prudential Center are events. They are a five hour party with endless booze, music, and dancing. All five times he has fought at “The Rock”, the party has culminated with a referee raising “Goral’s” hand to recognize the Pole as the winner. A unanimous decision victory against Grant has put Adamek in a situation to continue to advance toward his goal of facing a titleholder. There is little doubt that a bout between him and David Haye would be entertaining and it is up for debate as to whether Adamek is ready for a meeting against a Klitschko brother. But rumors have it that “Goral’s” next bout may take place on November 6th in Atlantic City — a bout that if it did happen, would not be for a title. Either way, his win over Grant has put him one step closer to realizing his dream.

Adamek, not unlike General D?browski and Bonaparte, has set out on a conquest of his own. But instead of being rewarded with the takeover of precious territories, Adamek, a former world champion at light heavyweight and cruiserweight, hopes he will one day lay claim to a world heavyweight title for his efforts. While only time will tell whether “Goral” will realize his dream, one thing is for certain: Like D?browski, Adamek has legions of Polish followers that will march in lockstep with and support their Polish brethren whomever and wherever he fights next.

You can follow Kyle Kinder at Twitter.com/KyleKinder

Photos by Claudia Bocanegra

Former world Heavyweight title contender Michael Grant talks about his decision loss to Tomasz Adamek

Watch Michael Grant post fight press conference in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

15rounds.com Matt Yanofsky talks about Tomasz Adamek’s decision win over Michael Grant
click-to-listen

Tomasz Adamek once again thrilled his fans as heung on and a twelve round unanimous decision over Michael Grant in front of 10,972 rabid boxing fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Adaemk dominated the first five rounds as he was much too quick for Grant, who was pawing with his jab and was looking for only one shot. At the end of round six, Grant fionally got into the fight as he landed a big right hand that not only hurt Adamek but cut him around the right eye.

Adamek recovered and picked up where he started over the first five-plus rounds as he darted in and out and landed some quick two and three punch combinations for which Grant had no answer for. Adamek sufferd a cut around his left eye in round eight from an appear ant clash of heads. Grant began to bleed from the mouth in round nine. The action picked up in round eleven as the two fighters exchanged hard right hand.

Round twelve is where Adamek, turned into his predecessor of the king of New Jersey boxing, Arturo Gatti as it became high stakes drama as Grant landed a big right that rocked Adamek and the Polish star was hurt and had to hold on in the last ninety seconds just to get out of the fight because Grant showed the fire that he did not show for the first thirty-four minutes and jumped on Adamek.

Adamek was able to hold on for the 118-110, 118-110 and 117-111 victory to raise his record to 42-1. Grant is now 46-4.

One time hot prospect Joel Julio scored a ten round unanimous decision over Jamaal Davis in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Julio was very impressive as he battered Davis yet Davis showed an excellent chin as he was never in danger in going down despite taking heavy combinations from the Colombian power puncher.

Julio Cruised down the stretch as Davis had very little offense to hold off the hard charging Julio.

Julio, 152 lbs of Miami won by scores of 97-93; 98-92 and 99-93 and is now 36-4. Davis, 153 lbs of Philadelphia is 12-7

Sadam Ali scored an impressive fifth round stoppage over granite chinned Lenin Arroyo in a scheduled eight round Welterweight bout.

Ali dominated the bout as he boxed well and wobbled Arroyo a few times over the four rounds. Ali landed a perfect left to the head/left to the body combaintion that sent Arroyo down for referee Steve Smoger’s ten count at 2:46 of round five

Ali, 145 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 9-0 with five knockouts. Arroyo, 146 lbs of Miami via Costa Rica is 20-13-1.

Jeremy Bryan scored a stoppage after Daniel Mitchell did not come out for round two of their scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Mitchell was unable to continue on the advice of the ringside doctor.

Bryan, 139 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 14-1 with seven knockouts. Mitchell, 137 lbs of Pittsburgh is now 5-2-1.

Shemuel Pegan made a successful pro debut as he scored two knockdowns en route to a four round unanimous decision over Raul Rivera in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Pegan, 135 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 40-35; 40-34 and 40-34 to start 1-0. Rivera, 135 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-3.

Osnel Charles scored a first round knockdown en route to a four round unanimous decision over Hector Colladoi.

Scores were 39-37; 38-37; 38-37 for Charles, 137 1/2 lbs of Atlantic City and is now 4-2. Collado, 139 1/2 lbs of Union City, NJ is now 0-2-1.

Tyrone Luckey needed just fifty-four seconds to dispose of Larry Yanez in a battle of debuting Lightweights.

Just seconds in, Luckey dropped Yanez with a sharp left hook. Lucky wobbled Yanez several more times before referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout.

Luckey of Middletown, NJ is 1-0 with one stoppage. Yanez, 135 lbs of Miami is 0-1.