Tomasz Adamek is proving to be a capable heavyweight boxer. The former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion will return to the ring in August in what has to be viewed as a step back in terms of competition. Adamek will face Michael Grant on August 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
Tomasz Adamek began his heavyweight career with an all-Polish showdown with Andrew Golota. Next was US Olympian Jason Estrada, followed by his latest win over top 10 heavyweight Chris Arreola. Adamek won all three fights but is taking a big step back against Michael Grant. It does, however, make sense from a familiarity standpoint. Adamek wants to fight a Klitschko so fighting a tall boxer like Grant would help him prepare. That is, however, what sparring is for. Adamek could not yet secure a fight with the Klitschko Brothers or David Haye so staying busy with a bigger heavyweight makes sense.
Michael Grant was a heavyweight contender in the late 1990’s-early 2000’s. He was heavily hyped and undefeated prior to his April 2000 bout with Lennox Lewis. Grant was knocked down four times in that fight leading to a second round KO for Lewis. Grant was knocked down by the first punch in his first fight since losing to Lennox Lewis, a loss to Jameel McCline, and claimed to have suffered a broken ankle. His desire and will to be a fighter have been questioned ever since. Grant has fought mostly journeymen since then and will be 38 years old when he fights Adamek in August.
