Adamek vs. Walker: Goral Is Still in Klitschkos' Shadow Despite Thrilling Win
Tomasz "Goral" Adamek's fights are never boring. His fifth-round TKO win over Travis Walker on Saturday was no exception. But despite his fan-pleasing style and sparkling record (47-2, 29 KO), Adamek is still stuck behind the Klitschko wall.
He has had his shot at one half of the Klitschko brotherhood. Viali Klitschko battered him to pulp in October 2011. The 10th-round-TKO loss was only the second defeat in Goral's career, and it was the only time he's ever been stopped.
Adamek leads a sub-division of heavyweights that must find success beneath the Klitschko's lofty presence. I'm not sure either group will ever get the respect they deserve because of this dynamic.
Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are seen as the dominant heavyweights in a weak era. Fighters like Adamek are a part of the lesser group of heavyweights who can't seriously challenge for supremacy in the division.
Imagine how popular a fighter like Adamek would be if the Klitschkos weren't on the scene. He's rough, tumble, has knockout power, an amazing chin and resolve. He's like a more skilled, heavyweight version of the late Arturo Gatti. Yet, in this era, he's just a solid light heavyweight who ballooned up to heavyweight to lose to the Klitschkos.
It's true that Adamek hasn't had a shot at Wladimir up to now. And it's possible that he could perform better against the younger Klitschko.
However, the time of viewing Wladimir as the Klitschko brother who can be taken advantage of is over. He has learned how to effectively use his size advantage, and he fights with far more confidence than he did before.
He also hasn't lost a fight in eight years. Even if Adamek gets a shot at Wladimir, he isn't going to be the guy who breaks his streak.
Exciting but empty victories, like the one Adamek scored on Saturday, are the best he can do—at least until the brothers hang up the gloves.
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