Newly crowned IBF Cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek electrified the boxing world with his “Fight of the Year” performance against Steve Cunningham two weeks ago in Newark, NJ. We spoke with the history-making Polish gladiator about his big win, who he wants next, and more…
Boxinginsider: Awesome performance vs. Cunningham, how did you feel about it?
Tomasz Adamek: “I’m very happy, very satisfied because I win. I got hit a couple of times but very pleased. I win my second world title.
Boxinginsider: Were there any surprises in the fight from Cunningham which you did not expect?
Tomasz Adamek: I was surprised he wasn’t attacking, he was always backing up, always on the defensive. I trained for him to be attacking but it was just the opposite.
Boxinginsider: Why do you think that was? Why do you think he fought like that?
Tomasz Adamek: I think he was afraid because I was a heavy hitter. And he was afraid to be in a brawl with me. That’s why he got knocked down three times because he was backing up.
Boxinginsider: What would you like to be your next opponent if you could pick?
Tomasz Adamek: I would like a second belt. I want to be a great cruiserweight champion. I am not satisfied with one belt, I want another whether it’s WBC, WBA. I don’t care who or what it is. I’m a warrior, I want to go for the belt, I don’t care who it is.
Boxinginsider: Bernard Hopkins has apparently made it known he would like to possibly fight you…
Tomasz Adamek: Yes, yes, I’m ready, I’m ready. For any opponent. Bring him on.
Boxinginsider: The support of the over 5,000 Polish fans in the Prudential Center that night was an awesome experience. Did they help your performance?
Tomasz Adamek: Without the fans’ support it wouldn’t be the same. It gave a great opportunity to see how many great Polish fans are out there supporting me.
Boxinginsider: What was the music you played on the ring entrance? It sounded awesome and got the fans excited.
Tomasz Adamek: My friend Frankie Pollock, Polish hip-hop. I know him five years ago.
Boxinginsider: And how did you celebrate this history making-triumph (Adamek is now the first Polish fighter to win two different world titles)?
Tomasz Adamek: I don’t drink anything but four or five glasses of wine with my friends. While we were celebrating I think about my next fight already [smiles].”
Adamek and family and friends will go skiing at Lake Placid, New York during the holidays.