Klitschko: Unlike Haye, Adamek a fighter
Ukrainian heavyweight boxers Wladimir Klitschko (R) and his brother Vitali Klitschko give a press conference in Moscow. (July 8, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko was in a jolly mood Tuesday at HBO headquarters in Manhattan as he and challenger Tomasz Adamek met with reporters to discuss their Sept. 10 title fight in Wroclaw, Poland. Who could blame Klitschko? It was his 40th birthday, and he's still going strong on a 10-bout winning streak since his last loss to Lennox Lewis eight years ago.
"It's good for Tomasz that today is my birthday," Klitschko said. "He gets to fight an old boxer."
It almost seemed as if Klitschko was preparing his act for the Borscht Belt, not worrying about defending his title belt. His mood might have been related to younger brother Wladimir's lopsided unanimous decision over England's David Haye earlier this month, adding the WBA belt to his IBF and WBO titles.
"People ask me, 'Who is stronger? Tomasz Adamek or David Haye?' " Klitschko said in his thick Ukrainian accent. "No question, David Haye is much stronger than Tomasz Adamek by talking. He is unbeatable by talking. By boxing skills, Tomasz is much better.
"I'm sure the fight will be much more interesting against Tomasz Adamek. David Haye doesn't want to fight. He's running away. For Tomasz Adamek, it's good motivation to be the world champion . . . Tomasz is a fighter."
Adamek, a native of Poland who often fights at Prudential Center for Main Events, emphasized his determination to put on a show. "I give everything in my fights for my fans," Adamek said. "I have guts and heart. I want to win because this is my dream.
"I'm never talking too much like David Haye. He was one year talking, and then he doesn't show in the ring."
Not only will Adamek (44-1, 28 KOs) show up, but he's likely to have a huge advantage in fan support over Klitschko (42-2, 39 KOs). Of course, Klitschko has a huge size advantage at 6-71/2 and about 247 pounds compared with Adamek, who is six inches shorter and likely to give away 30 pounds. "I am sorry you were born light," Klitschko said with mock concern for his opponent.
Adamek shot back, "I remember a story in the Bible about David and Goliath."
"This will be a real battle," Klitschko said. "Are you ready to battle?"
"Oh yeah," Adamek said. "I am from Poland."
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