I know it’s been a while after the Vitali-Adamek bout, but I’m an ardent supporter and when my fighter loses, the pain takes time to heal, man. I said the day before Vitali-Adamek that I’m afraid “Dr. Ironfist” will win. And that was indeed the case, unfortunately.

Before Vitali-Adamek, I had the impression the Pole was capable of more than he showed in the ring, even though he was very game anyway against the much bigger and stronger Vitali Klitschko (and didn’t run like David Haye ran against Wlad). I was in the minority that believed in Adamek’s chances, but with good reason, though. The Pole defeated a talented and dangerous Chris Arreola, an unpredictable Jason Estrada, and a big Michael Grant—who definitely wasn’t anywhere near a Klitschko—but still had the imposing size. Adamek’s biggest advantage was supposed to be his quickness—a killer fast pace marked by the unleashing of rapid fire jabs—and everyone knew that that would be essentially his only chance. However, he did none of that. In previous fights he became known for his quickness, something that wasn’t all too evident versus Grant or McBride because both big men didn’t move fast for long, which made Adamek fight at a steady pace. He and his trainer Roger Bloodworth had to have known that Vitali was obviously going to be quicker than any of the past heavyweight opponents. So what happened, why didn’t Tomasz execute his game-plan? Why didn’t he throw rapid fire punches and out-hustle Klitschko all around the ring, and fight closer, more inside? The HBO commentary team likely pointed to part of the answer during the network’s live telecast of the bout, when either Lampley or Kellerman said that there’s some nervous energy from Adamek. I noticed this too, but it’s understandable, because after all, Adamek was fighting as the hometown hero—with all of Poland on his shoulders—which was pressure inducing. What’s the other part of the answer? That would be: enormous physical size disadvantage.  

So what now? According to Polish sources, “Góral” will be back in March here in the States. The first two bouts or so will be “back in the ring” type of fights, before the competition steps up again. When that moment arrives, manager Ziggy Rozalski should push hard for his fighter to face Alexander Povetkin, because although the Pole wouldn’t be the favorite in that contest either, he’d still have a much better chance than he did versus “Dr. Ironfist.” And you just have to take your best shots out there. Forget the Klitschkos—no other heavyweight in the world can beat them right now—instead go after the guys you can beat and wait until one of the Ukrainian giants retires (which is only a fight or two away for Vitali). It’s too bad the flopper David Haye hung up his gloves, because he’s someone Adamek could have fought. That also would be a tough fight for Tomasz, but not impossible—and big money would have been involved—as the two would have likely squared off somewhere in Europe such as Poland, Germany, or the U.K.

My biggest dream is yet to come true. In the meantime, I’m still waiting for the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world….