Exclusive Boxing Interview: Tomasz Adamek

Saddoboxing had the opportunity to have an exclusive phone interview with undefeated Tomasz Adamek 31-0 (21) who will face Chad Dawson 23-0 (15) on “Super Saturday” to defend his WBC Light Heavyweight title. The championship fight will be the biggest fight ever in the greater Orlando area at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee , FL.

Click for larger image © Tom Casino Showtime Boxing

Adamek made his US television debut last year in a violent and exciting rematch against Paul Briggs. His 12 round decision made the Honorable Mention list of Ring magazines’ 2006 Fight of the Year and Round of the Year. Here is what he had to say about his latest win and his upcoming third title defense against Chad Dawson.

Saddoboxing: Before we begin the interview I would just like to congratulate you on your win last year against Paul Briggs. I felt it was one of the best fights of 2006.

Tomasz Adamek: “Thank you”.

SB: Speaking of the Briggs fight I believe your knockdown was the first of your career. How did you react to that?

TA: “It shows that you have to be careful at all times. He surprised me with the punch and I was not prepared for it”.

SB: Between the scoring of 10-8 in round one and loosing a point in the 9th round for low blows did you feel you were falling behind on the scorecards?

TA: “Not at all. I knew I was ahead in the figh”t.

SB: Did you feel at home fighting in Chicago since so many Polish fans came out to support you?

TA: “Yes, fighting in Chicago made me feel at home. I appreciate all the fans coming out to support me. I also look forward to many Polish fans coming out to support me in Kissimmee”.

SB: What did you do to celebrate your win over Briggs?

TA: “I am a catholic. When I win I thank God for giving me the strength for my victory”.

SB: How long of a break did you take after the fight before you started training for Dawson ?

TA: “I have been boxing for 17 years. All the time I train, I do not take time off from training”.

SB: Did you train through the holidays or take any breaks to spend time with family?

TA: “Only two days off during the holidays to spend with family”.

SB: How has your training been going with Buddy McGirt?

TA: “I enjoy training with Buddy McGirt. He respects me and I respect him. This is our second fight together”.

SB: Why did you add Buddy McGirt to your training team?

TA: “Unfortunately my trainer Andrew (Gmitruk) from Poland is not healthy. When you are fighting in America you need to have an American trainer. Boxing in America is different than European style”.

SB: Have you made any specific changes in your training regimen to prepare for Dawson being a southpaw fighter?

TA: “I have been working with all southpaw fighters during sparring”.

SB: Do you have any predictions for the fight?

TA: “I feel I can move mountains and I will win the fight”.

SB: You have said you would like to stay at light heavyweight for a while. Any one in particular you would like to face in the future?

TA: “I don’t think about that right now, the only thing I have in mind is Saturday’s fight and after that I will think about who I will fight next”.

SB: What specific goals would you like to accomplish in 2007?

TA: “I want to fight in 2007, I want to show a good performance and I want to show the people good boxing”.

SB: Do you have anything you would like to let your fans know?

TA: “I want to say hello to all my friends and all of the people cheering for me”.

SB: Thank you for your time and I wish you the best of luck on Saturday and in your career.

TA: “Thank you”.

Special thanks to Jerry Dabrowski for his help in translating and setting up the three-way phone interview.