Reversal of Fortune: Adamek scores split decision over Cunningham in wild affair
By Chris Robinson
The first time I caught a live look at Tomasz Adamek was in October of 2006 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Then the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion of the world, Adamek successfully defended his belt against rugged Australian Paul Briggs in a heavily anticipated rematch.
I already knew that Adamek was a true competitor with ample heart, but seeing him go toe to toe with Briggs live and in living color really made me appreciate just how much dedication he had for the sport. The crowd at the Allstate Arena was heavily Polish and being in the middle of their chaotic cheers for Adamek only added to the suspense and intrigue of his fight.
While his second victory over Briggs was impressive, Adamek would end up losing his belt a mere four months later to undefeated upstart Chad Dawson. In that bout Adamek was thoroughly outclassed, despite scoring a knockdown in the tenth round, and his visit back to the drawing board was one that was surrounded with several question marks.
Surprisingly, Adamek's next move was one that saw him venture north to the Cruiserweight division. Sometimes boxing is all about starting over again and the move was one that has come with much success for Adamek. Wins over Luis Pineda and Josip Jalusic gave Adamek hope and paved the way to a meaningful showdown with former undisputed Cruiserweight champion O'Neil Bell in April of this year in Katowice, Poland.
Adamek gave yet another good account of himself in that bout; registering an 8th round knockout after Bell refused to rise from his stool following the seventh round. Bell had shown tremendous courage in previous fights and for him to call it a night in such fashion was either testament to Adamek's ability in his new weight class or perhaps Bell's regression as a fighter. Either way it marked another huge moment in Adamek's career.
All of the above mentioned is what has lead Adamek to where he was tonight: At the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, standing face to face with IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham in a pivotal match in both men's career. Cunningham had claimed the belt with a majority decision over another Polish fighter, Krysztof Wlodarczy, in May 2007 and his showdown with Adamek seemed to be both intriguing and evenly matched.
Neither man would disappoint tonight, as Adamek scored a twelve round split decision in a wild, give and take battle. Adamek was ahead 116-110 and 115-112 on two cards while Cunningham tallied a 114-112 mark on Clark Sammartino's card. The bout was one that was filled with momentum shifts, knockdowns, back and forth rallies, and true professional grit.
In the early going Cunningham controlled the distance with his height and superior jab and got off to a faster start. At the end of the second round, however, the Philadelphia native Cunningham staged a furious assault in the fourth round, only to be dropped yet again near the closing moments of the stanza. Through six rounds it appeared that Adamek was ahead due to his knockdowns and the drama only continued to build.
Cunningham had success staying on the outside and working off of his jab and his right hand was finding a home all night. The only problem was that Adamek's chin held up to everything and he remained relentless throughout. Cunningham began making a comeback in rounds six and seven but danger lied just around the corner for him.
In the eight round Adamek would deliver another huge knockdown and Cunningham seemed to be in severe trouble. While fighting on what looked to be shaky legs for the remainder of the round, Cunningham still showed amazing heart and continued firing back at all costs.
Over the last four rounds Cunningham applied much pressure and poured out everything he had. He wasn't able to hurt Adamek but his late fight rally had many wondering exactly who was to come out on top. The decision seemed to be up in the air but when the words “And the New” were called out, it meant pure elation for Adamek and his team.
With the win Adamek claims the IBF Cruiserweight belt and ups his record to 36-1 with 24 knockouts. Cunningham drops to 21-2 with 11 early round stoppages. Afterwards both men seemed grateful and humble and the future remains very relevant for each. They are both 32 years old and have plenty of fight in them. In his own words, Cunningham stated before he left the ring “ll be back.”
For Adamek this victory is one that is of true vindication. After his loss to Dawson many were unsure were his career was going to go. Through true perseverance, a change in weight classes, and his faith in himself, Tomasz Adamek is a champion yet again and his story is far from over.
> BOXING SCHEDULE > ROY JONES JR. TORNADO FUNDRAISER > FIGHT LIFE MAGAZINE 
