Adamek-Walker Preview
On September 8th in Newark, New Jersey, local fan favourite originally from Poland Tomasz Adamek (46-2) defends his minor but tangible IBF North American title against Travis Walker (39-7-1). Possibly more important is the fact that this is the IBF #2 eliminator, Adamek no doubt towards the top of the list for those worthy of a title shot but of course there is any harm in continuing to win.
Adamek is already a 2-weight world champion and a Heavyweight challenger. Prior to his move to the big men he had great success at both 175lb and 190lb, winning titles and beating top names at both, P4P listed Chad Dawson his only loss.
After moving up to Heavyweight a few years ago his transition has not been difficult, he has beaten a number of contenders and lost a disappointing TKO loss to Vitali Klitschko. Besides that however he has had success and secured his place as arguably the best Heavyweight today without a world title belt. His key successes at Heavyweight have come against Arreola, Grant and most recently Eddie Chambers.
Stylistically Adamek has adapted to cater for the move up in weight. His forward-thinking approach at 175 and 190lb has changed to a more in and out attack with short flurries to avoid staying in range of big punches for too long. This has been very effective as he has noticed his game plan should be more aiming for points decisions than previously. He rushes is with short flurries, using his hand speed to get the better of exchanges, only to drift out of range and out of harm’s way.
This need not give a wrong impression of Adamek, he is physically and psychologically very tough and resilient. He is one of those fighters who genuinely has no issue with taking one to give one, although he has made changes to preserve himself against the big men. At 35 he shows signs of damage but steps in the ring prepared to do a hard shift if required.
Like practically all fighters over the years who have moved up in weight, Moorer, Haye, Holyfield and even back in the days of Fitzsimmons, Adamek uses his speed to gain a considerable edge over his larger opponents. He continues mix up his attacks as always, working effectively both to the head and the body, possibly even more so at Heavyweight but it always was part of his repertoire.
Walker comes in a clear underdog and with a last chance to hit the big time with an impressive upset. It is no secret that he is a step down for Adamek, although everybody does deserve a tune-up, also it is better to remain busy than risk going stale.
The ‘freight train’ has seven losses already and has failed in any step up in class to guys who could reasonably be considered top 20 opposition. These have come against the likes of Pulev, Chagaev and Banks. He is barely a known name in the American Heavyweight scene and is not a legitimate contender for a world title on this day.
I personally struggle to see what Walker can do to both keep Adamek off him, never mind devise a way to keep him. If it wasn’t for Adamek’s chin I would consider the possibility of a KO as Walker has 31 wins out of 39 coming inside the distance. I am not ruling this out but I do not see it likely.
To conclude, Walker is certainly an opponent Adamek should not have an issue getting out of there by the middle rounds. I do not see a quick stoppage simply due to the size difference but I see Walker being broken down and ended around the 5-8 round.
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