NEWARK, New Jersey (AFP) — Former world light-heavyweight champion Tomasz Adamek of Poland will try to take his first world cruiserweight crown here in December against Steve Cunningham, promoters announced Wednesday.
US veteran Cunningham, a product of nearby Philadelphia who already has issues with Poland boxers, will defend his International Boxing Federation cruiserweight crown against New Jersey-based Adamek on December 11.
Cunningham, 21-1 with 11 knockouts, suffered his only loss in Poland two years ago to host-nation hero Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in a controversial split decision for the IBF title.
In a mandated rematch six months later and also in Poland, Cunningham won a majority decision, two judges seeing him a winner and the third ruling a draw.
Cunningham made his only title defense last December, stopping Germany's previously undefeated Marco Huck in Germany in the 12th round.
"I'm a true world champion. I've fought in South Africa, Germany and Poland twice," Cunningham said. "I'm more popular in Europe than I am in America right now but that's about to change."
Adamek, 35-1 with 24 knockouts, made his US debut in 2005, taking the vacant World Boxing Council light-heavyweight title over Australian Paul Briggs.
He lost that title in March of last year, suffering his only career defeat, by a unanimous decision to American Chad Dawson.
"It made me weak to make 175 pounds against Chad Dawson and I was still able to knock him down," Adamek said. "My right hand is bigger at cruiserweight. I'll be stronger and carry my punch to the limit."
Adamek then rose to the cruuserweight ranks and has won four fights since, most recently this past July when American Gary Gomez retired in the seventh round. Last May, Adamek stopped O'Neill Bell to secure his title chance.
"He's a world champion and I respect him but I will win," Adamek said. "Steve is quick and dynamic. It will be a great fight."
The fight will be the first world title bout in the New York suburb since Tony Zale knocked out Rocky Graziano for the middleweight crown here in 1948.
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