In what was billed as the Polish fight of the century, reigning cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek (39-1, 27 KO’s) scored two knockdowns en route to a 5th round stoppage over former title challenger Andrew Golota (41-8, 33 KO’s) in his heavyweight debut. The bout filled the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland and was televised nationally on Polsat.
Adamek, while undersized, used superior handspeed to outland and outgun Golota from the get go. In the first round, Adamek landed a left jab followed by an overhand right flush on the nose of Golota. Adamek then nudged Golota to the canvas. However, referee Bill Clancy ruled it an official knockdown.
Adamek maintained control during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds. In the 5th, Adamek battered a bloody Golota with an assortment of punches scoring a clean knockdown with a hooking shot. A follow up attack that was not met with resistance from Golota caused the fight to be waved off.
Previously Adamek had relinquished an alphabet title he held at cruiserweight in order to make the Golota fight happen. He still is the Ring Magazine cruiserweight champ and his universally recognized as the best 200 pounder in the world. He has expressed desire to both fight at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Golota, a former 4 time heavyweight title challenger, has not been an elite fighter in years. However, he’s always found a way to work himself into significant fights. He’s now lost two straight.
