by James Slater – Former IBF cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek of Poland, 39-1(27) has big plans. Now campaigning as a heavyweight, the 33-year-old, who stopped countryman Andrew Golota inside five-rounds in his debut at the new weight back in October, has his eyes on top contender Chris Arreola and reigning heavyweight champions the Klitschko brothers.
It’s no secret how “Goral” and his team are looking ahead to a fight with Arreola in April (RingTV.com has an article up now, reporting how the fight is in negotiations), yet this is before the 34-1(18) tough guy has even won his next fight – taking place tomorrow against former Olympian and natural heavyweight Jason “Big Six” Estrada.. All the big plans Adamek has depend on his being able to defeat Estrada in Newark, New Jersey in just over 24-hours time.
Estrada, 16-2(4) has very much become the forgotten man in tomorrow’s fight. All talk surrounds Adamek, and whether or not the former light-heavyweight (where he also held a title) and cruiserweight can add excitement to the heavyweights. This overconfidence (if Adamek is overlooking Estrada) could well prove to be a mistake.
For although Adamek is the favourite to win tomorrow and then most likely walk into his big fight with the Mexican/American slugger known as “The Nightmare,” tomorrow’s fight is no gimme for the Polish warrior. Estrada, though no big puncher, has excellent skills, fast hands and reflexes, he has way more experience at heavyweight and he is also the younger man by four years. Is it not possible that Estrada, who looks to have worked himself into the best shape of his pro career (at least judging by the recent photos I’ve seen; we’ll know more via the official weigh-in) could outbox the smaller man and win a decision?
Estrada told this writer a while back how he actually feels he may stop Adamek, suggesting part of the reason for this is the number of tough and ageing fights the once-beaten Pole has had. While that would be a big shock, an Estrada points win, while also an upset, would not be a stunner. And the man from Rhode Island really would be spoiling a lot of exciting plans if he did get the win tomorrow night!
Estrada may not have done too much at pro level (yet?) but we must not forget his quite superb amateur pedigree. Having literally hundreds of amateur fights, in a number of different countries and against all manner of talent, Estrada learnt his trade well. A letdown at the Olympics in 2004, the heavyweight contender has yet to fulfil his potential in the paid ranks also. Could the Adamek fight result in the perforamnce where he does so?
Set for 12-rounds, with the IBF international title at stake, tomorrow’s clash looks sure to be interesting. Adamek will almost certainly pressure Estrada from the opening bell, while “Big Six” will likely box and move (unless he stuns us all in a major way and goes toe-to-toe with Adamek, looking for that KO he told me he feels he could get), looking to frustrate and outclass his rival. I expect the early rounds to belong to Adamek, while the middle rounds will see Estrada up on his toes winning his share of points.
How the later rounds go could well be crucial. Will Estrada be able to keep his classy, fast-handed boxing going, or will Adamek’s relentless pressure get him the win? Though many will probably disagree with me, I see a distance fight tomorrow. My pick is for Adamek to prevail by decision, but in no way do I see an easy fight for him. If, however, Adamek – who, like Estrada, also has a good amateur background – HAS overlooked his second heavyweight opponent, there could be an upset.