Tomasz Adamek returns to ring on July 11

CHICAGO, IL (May 19, 2008) – IBF #1 ranked mandatory challenger Tomasz Adamek will return to the Windy City on July 11 when he headlines an exciting fight card at the Aragon Ballroom against veteran brawler Gary Gomez, it was jointly announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva and 8 Count Productions President Dominic Pesoli. ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” broadcast begins at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT.

“It was very important to Tomasz to fight once more prior to his showdown against Steve Cunningham,” said Duva. “What better place for him to fight than in Chicago where he was warmly welcomed by his Polish brethren the last two times he fought here?”

“We’re very happy to once again work with Kathy Duva and the Main Events team to co-promote this event,” said Pesoli. “Chicago fight fans will be thrilled to see former world champion Tomasz Adamek once again after his two ‘Fight of the Year’ wars he won over Paul Briggs in the last few years in Chicago.”

Adamek (34-1, 23 KO’s) earned the IBF’s #1 mandatory position in his last bout on April 19, 2008, when he schooled former undisputed world cruiserweight champion O’ Neal Bell for seven rounds before forcing Bell to retire on his stool prior to round eight (TKO 7). The 31-year-old Zywiec, Poland native has stopped 15 opponents within the first three rounds. He captured the vacant WBC light heavyweight championship on May 21, 2005, when he decisioned Paul Briggs (W 12). He defended the title twice before losing to Chad Dawson on Feb 3, 2007 (L 12). Since moving to cruiserweight he is 3-0, 2 KOs.

Gomez (18-9, 7 KO’s) lost a split decision to Jeremy Williams in his last bout on August 18, 2007, (L 8). Prior to the bout the 33-year-old Salt Lake City, UT native had gone 4-1-1 in his last six bouts. On July 21, 2005, Gomez lost a decision to Charles Davis in an unsuccessful attempt to win WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight championship (L 10). Gomez has never been stopped in his career.

Popular Polish middleweight Andrzej Fonfara, who now resides in Chicago, will compete in the eight round televised co-feature bout against an opponent to be determined shortly. Fonfara is 10-1, 3 KO’s.