Michael Grant is expected to sign a contract today for a September showdown against top five heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek. The bout will be staged in Atlantic City and could launch the winner into a world title opportunity against one of the Klitschko brothers or David Haye in 2011.
33-year-old Adamek (41-1, 27 KO’s), has impressively won his three heavyweight contests, most notably the 12-round majority decision win over the favored Chris Arreola in April. Grant (46-3, 34 KO’s), who was once the leading American heavyweight contender a decade ago, will be 38 in September. Grant has won eight bouts in a row, including a first-round TKO on May 7 against 277-pound Kevin Burnett in Huntington, New York. That win earned respect because Burnett was previously touted by some ring observers as a potential prospect based on the eight tough rounds the Floridian gave top contender Odlanier Solis on ESPN2 in January 2009.
The 6-ft., 7-in Grant, who has a reach of 86 inches and weighed in a solid 257 for the Burnett bout, is famous to heavyweight boxing fans for his 1999 TKO 10 win over Andrew Golota in Atlantic City, as well as early stoppage losses to Lennox Lewis (KO 2) and Jameel McCline (TKO 1). Grant’s only other defeat was by TKO 7 to Dominic Guinn in 2003. Except for an inactive period from June 2005 through June 2007, Grant has stayed in shape and maintained dedication to the the goal of winning a world title.
Grant will pose an interesting challenge for Adamek for several reasons. A lot of pundits question how the 6-ft, 1 1/2-in Adamek can deal with the size of the Klitschkos, this fight may offer some answers. Also, the talented Grant knows this could be his last opportunity to make a big move in the sport and will surely be highly motivated to make a statement. Adamek has overcome three diverse styles (Golota, Estrada, Adamek) in his three heavyweight bouts, now Grant will be a fourth, completely different puzzle to solve.
