Szpilka ahead of Adamek fight: Fans will see me from a different side

- Many people expected insulting remarks to be made during the press conference. Instead, you spoke about Tomasz Adamek with respect.
Artur Szpilka: Of course. After all, he was a world champion and did a great deal for Polish boxing. So I see no reason to insult him. You cannot even compare him with Krzysztof Zimnoch. Krzysztof got under my skin, and I was unable to simply move on from it. That chapter is closed, though. The matter has died down, and I do not want it to become a big story again.

- In January, you suffered your first professional defeat, losing to Bryant Jennings. Will you face an even more difficult task on November 8?
AS: It is difficult to give a definite answer. Roy Jones Jr. had a competitive fight and even trailed against Paweł Głażewski. Earlier, in Moscow, he came close to knocking out Denis Lebedev. The course of a fight is largely determined by the opponent's style. Adamek is more technically advanced than Jennings, but Bryant was a very awkward opponent. He has long arms, a tight guard and excellent conditioning. In theory, he boxes in a straightforward manner, yet he regularly defeats one opponent after another.

- What does Adamek lack compared with his 2010 fight against Chris Arreola, regarded as his best performance in the heavyweight division?
AS: He is certainly no longer the same fighter he once was. He was phenomenal at cruiserweight. Today, he lacks his former speed and determination. He remains dangerous, though. He thinks a lot in the ring and sees everything. He knows how to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes, especially one who attacks with his hands down.

- Will you remember not to fight that way?
AS: I still sometimes drop my hands, but I am doing everything I can to eliminate that mistake. My performance really could surprise the fans. I do not intend to reveal exactly what I will do, but I want to fight in a completely different way than before.

- You did not want the bout to be scheduled for twelve rounds?
AS: I preferred ten rounds. My trainer felt the same way. I am not underestimating Tomek. Twelve rounds are his territory. He has had many such fights, while I have not had a single one. I said that if Adamek insisted, it would not be a problem, but in my opinion it would not be a sensible decision.

Interviewed by: Przemysław Osiak, przegladsportowy.pl