Who will win in Krakow: Adamek’s experience or Szpilka’s youth?
Ahead of Saturday’s bout between Tomasz Adamek and Artur Szpilka, we asked Przemysław Saleta, one of Poland’s most respected television boxing experts, to compare the two fighters. The former European heavyweight champion’s ratings may come as a surprise. “The Highlander” received an average score of 7.0, while “Szpila” got 6.9. Is this a prediction of a superb and closely fought spectacle? Many experts see the former world light-heavyweight and cruiserweight champion as a clear favorite.
“I should point out that I am not assessing Adamek at the best stage of his career, but as he is today, after his last few fights. After the bout with Vitali Klitschko. I do not think he can be better than this. His age and his trainer are factors,” Saleta argues. “I am also assessing Szpilka on the basis of his last fight, but I believe he will show a much better side on November 8. He is younger, and the fight with Bryant Jennings exposed his weaknesses and showed him what he should work on. That is why he is the favorite for me,” he concludes.
Who knows boxing?
Adamek accuses Saleta of a lack of objectivity.
“I suppose he wants to make some money. If he got back into the ring, he probably would, and I think that is what this is about. There is absolutely no chance I would fight him,” the boxer from Gilowice said in an interview with “PS.”
Bookmakers are backing Adamek to win. The odds on his victory range from 1.4 to 1.6, while Szpilka’s range from 2.4 to 2.6. Is Saleta really going too far? “Artur is capable of winning, and I am not saying that because we are friends. Artur will win the first few rounds. The question is how he will cope in the second half of the fight,” wonders Grzegorz Proksa. Does the former European middleweight champion really not know what he is talking about?
“If someone claims that two boxers of a similar level will meet in Krakow, it means they do not know the sport. If Szpilka makes it to the sixth round, it will be a major achievement for him. In a generous mood, I can give him a ten percent chance,” assesses longtime world champion Dariusz Michalczewski.
A decision in the late rounds?
Those who watched Adamek during training in Gilowice say that he looks flawless physically and is also in decent shape in terms of speed. However, questions may be raised about his choice of sparring partners. Adamek brought in the average Jason Bergman from the United States, as well as Włodzimierz Letr, who has struggled in Polish rings. Szpilka, meanwhile, sparred with Nagy Aguilera, Zack Page and Marcin Rekowski.
“Sparring does not necessarily have to be decisive. Szpilka most often punches with his left hand. He mainly uses his right to maintain distance, or occasionally to throw a hook in combination. Tomek has such a vast knowledge of boxing that he will know perfectly well what to do,” assessed Andrzej Gmitruk, Adamek’s former trainer, on “Puncher,” broadcast by Polsat Sport.
The course of the fight, and perhaps its result as well, will depend to a large extent on the mentality of the 25-year-old Szpilka.
“Adamek will not drop below a certain level. Most depends on Szpilka. Several months of training have not changed him enough for him to make a huge improvement. The key will be how he handles the pressure compared with the fight against Jennings,” Gmitruk explains. Andrzej Wasilewski and Proksa believe similarly.
“If Artur’s head lets him down, Adamek may have an easy task. The situation will be different if Szpilka controls his emotions and does not charge into the fight recklessly,” emphasizes “Szpila’s” promoter.
“Tomek is certainly not as fast as he was before the fight with Andrzej Gołota, but he remains my favorite. However, I believe the bout could be very close, with the outcome decided in its final phase,” Janusz Pindera predicted on “Puncher.” Such a forecast is probably the best encouragement to listen for news from Krakow Arena on Saturday night.
PRZEMYSŁAW SALETA ASSESSES ADAMEK AND SZPILKA:
TOMASZ ADAMEK:
1. Physical attributes – 6
2. Physical strength – 6
3. Punching power – 5
4. Punching speed – 7
5. Technique – 9
6. Footwork – 6
7. Conditioning – 6
8. Mental strength – 10
9. Chin – 9
10. Defense – 6
Average rating: 7.0
ARTUR SZPILKA:
1. Physical attributes – 8
2. Physical strength – 7
3. Punching power – 8
4. Punching speed – 8
5. Technique – 7
6. Footwork – 7
7. Conditioning – 5
8. Mental strength – 7
9. Chin – 7
10. Defense – 5
Average rating: 6.9
Przemysław Saleta’s comment: I should point out that I am not assessing Adamek at the best stage of his career, but as he is today, after his last few fights and the bout with Vitali Klitschko. I do not think he can be better than this. His age and his trainer are factors. I am also assessing Szpilka on the basis of his last fight, but I believe he will be much better on November 8. He is younger, and the fight with Bryant Jennings showed his weaknesses and indicated what he should work on. That is why he is the favorite for me.
Przemysław Osiak, przegladsportowy.pl
