Vitali Klitsckho v Thomas Adamek

I know this is a bit early but I wanted to write a short article on this. Let me start of my saying I think Vitali is the most under rated heavweight in the past 30 years. I have no doubt Vitali could have held his own against any of the top heavyweights over the past 30 years.

I think a few things have conspired against him for getting more respect then he deserves. 1) He is not American 2) His retirement against Chris Byrd. Danny Williams fought on with exact the same injury a few years later. Vitali was so far ahead and he has such a good boxing brain, I think he could have survived for 4 rounds. After all Danny Williams did. Listen the injury was painful but boxers find the heart to fight on in these circumstances and I think if he had that fight again he would have fought on (I'm sure many of you will disagree with here, that's fine). 3) Losing to Lennox Lewis. Here Vitali had the heart to continue but the fight was stopped due to a bad cut. This would have been Vitali's crowning glory. Lewis had been training for Kirk Johnson and looked like he made the same mistake that he made against Rahman and McCall (i.e. took the fighters too lightly). Then Vitali steps in on 6 weeks notice. In my opinion Vitali wins this fight, if it wasn't stopped. Lewis was gassed in the 6th. 4) Injuries, he lost out on so many title wins because of injuries. 5) Lack of depth in the heavyweight division...

Adamek is a solid fighter but not in Vitali's league (at his best). Adamek is a better more technical fighter then Haye. But like Haye he is a blown up Cruiserweight. Yet I will be playing Adamek in this fight. When the Adamek decision prop comes up, I will be playing it. It should be +350. Adamek can't KO Vitali. He is not a big puncher and Vitali has a rock solid chin. So why Adamek, when I feel Vitali is a far superior fighter?

1) Adamek is fighting at home. He will come to the ring in the best shape of his life. I have seen fighters defy all odds backed by a partisan crowd. Nigel Benn wasn't given a prayer against Gerald McClellan and pulled off the tragic upset. The only night Ricky Hatton could ever have beaten Kostya Tszyu was that night in Manchester. I could list a number of fights where the hometown underdog fights like a man possessed. Poland is a unique setting for a fight. These guys are going to be AMPED for this fight. If Adamek loses he will put up a performance and that's all you want when backing a dog..

2) Vitali is approaching 40. Now the guy is an awesome athlete, but when you weigh 250-260 it is HARD to keep that elite level the older you get. We didn't see much against Solis so maybe Vitali has slipped up a little physically. Yes I am clutching at straws but it is something to consider..

3) Focus. Vitali was heavily involved in the Wlad v Haye buildup. Adamek would have been just focusing on a fight thats only 8 weeks away. Now you have to add the tragic news that Vitali's father has passed away. I am just wondering how much this is going to effect this focus?

I think Adamek is going to fight a smarter fight then Haye. Lots of lateral movement for 12 rounds. Picking his shots, fast combinations. I think he will sneak a few close rounds here and there and maybe squeek out a close hometown decision. I just think considering all the variables, I think I will get a great run for my money @+350..

Great writeup (per usual Mack).  I agree and with another point---with the world seeing how bad Haye was against a K, that really is going to skew the bettors in that direction and create great value on Adamek.

If there is any value against a Klitschko, it's here.

I read that the stadium is near the German border and they are expecting a lot of support for both fighters.  I've read that in a few places.

Great write up Mack. Adamek has great fans for sure. They will be there and be wild. He is also tough to hit as he moves his head after throwing combinations just enough and then ties up. Especially with a bigger guy. The only thing I was thinking is will he get gassed. To fight the way he does and he will be clenching alot takes alot out of you. Especially vs a bigger guy.  Maybe he will go late. I think Vitali has trouble getting in clean shots unless adamek tires. GL

Save your $, Mack.  You're being bamboozled by venue.  For where the fight is being held this is basically a 50-50 event.  Adamek has ZERO power at heavyweight.  His punches will not no impact at all on Vitali.  Vitali will walk thru anything he throws.  Michael Grant gave Adamek a tough time.  What do you think Vitali is gonna do to him?

Adamek isnt a heavyweight.  Against the best heavyweight - that will show.   Vitali wins comfortably.  He's too big and too strong.  A Klitschko is not gonna get shafted on the cards on the border of Germany.

Haye at least had the pop to keep Wlad relatively honest, AND Wlad has the suspect chin.  Vitali has the best chin in the game, and Adamek cant punch at heavyweight.  What is Adamek gonna do here?  He's not exactly Floyd Mayweather in boxing acumen.  He's never fought anyone like this.