The Tomasz Adamek Express is well on it’s way to the ultimate destination – a world heavyweight title opportunity – but next February 6 it will have to make a potentially dangerous stop in Newark, NJ to box 10 rounds with Jason “Big Six” Estrada.
Estrada is a 2004 US Olympian with a decent record of 16-2 with 4 KO’s. The man called “Big Six” stands 6-ft, 1-in tall and usually weighs in at around a paunchy 250 pounds. Not known for his punch power, Estrada does possess quality boxing skills which were dstinguished enough to garner three U.S. amateur super heavyweight titles. His two most notable pro wins came against Lance Whitaker and Zuri Lawrence.
While most ring observers feel this should be a routine, stay-busy assignment for the two-time world champion Admek from Poland, Connecticut Hall of Fame trainer and TV commentator John Scully feels the Providence, RI based Estrada is capable of providing problems or Adamek. “Jason has a lot of speed and agility for a big man and probably his biggest asset is that he is very wiling to test himself against anyone,” says Scully, who first saw Estrada box as a 12-year-old on the New England amateur circuit. “I think he’s an easy guy to make fights for because he doesn’t seem to be one who turns any opponents down.”
Estrada lost his seventh pro fight to the touted Travis Walker in 2004. And earlier this year Estrada was competitive with IBF #1 contender and former Olympic champ Alexander Povetkin, though he was defeated on points in Germany. “I think Jason probably needs to not rely on his speed and style so much as a pro as it is a very different game than the amateurs,” says Scully. “Even if he isn’t a huge puncher he could still probably be more successful if he settles down and is more consistent with his punches.”
Scully sees one battleplan the 29-year-old Estrada can employ to possibly score the major upset. “If he stays off the ropes and uses his jab more and mixes in some more ill-intentioned shots as opposed to just trying to land for points I think he could give Adamek many more problems than many are expecting him to.”
Adamek, the former WBC Light Heavyweight and IBF Cruiserweight champ, sports a 37-1 (27 KO’s) record. It will be Adamek’s second fight in the heavyweight division – his first was a sharp and impressive KO win over countryman Andrew Golota in Lodz, Poland.