Team RSR Fight Picks: Tomasz Adamek Vs Michael Grant
Compiled by Brian Wilbur
This Saturday, heavyweight contenders Tomasz Adamek and Michael Grant will square off in a bit of an oddity bout. The size difference between Grant and Adamek will be very apparent. Grant, whose nickname is “Big”, stands 6’7” and weighs around 260 pounds. Adamek, a former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champ, stands just over 6’1” and weighs 215 soaking wet. The match will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Despite sporting a much smaller frame, Tomasz is the more highly regarded pugilist of the two. He is 3-0 against heavyweight competition since moving up from cruiserweight last year, including a decision win over top-ranked Chris Arreola. Meanwhile, Grant’s time in the spotlight came in the late 1990’s. After his disastrous title shot against Lennox Lewis in 2000, Grant lost his only two major fights by knockout and has had long stretches of inactivity or facing poor opposition. Ten years past since his heyday, the 38-year-old Grant is attempting to finally live up to the hype.
Ringside Report’s team of writers offer their expert predictions:
Gary “Digital” Williams
I’m leaning towards Adamek. I know Grant is a natural heavyweight, but Adamek has the power to get the job done. Adamek by late-round knockout.
Joe Wilson
This is going to be a good fight in the early rounds. There will be big bombs landed by both fighters. Grant stands a chance of winning if he keeps the right distance while punching. But, I believe Adamek has trained to fight Grant inside and up close smothering his punches. If so, I have Adamek winning by TKO in 9 rounds.
Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett
Adamek by late round TKO.
Geno McGahee
Adamek by close decision, in the range of 115-113. His movement will be the difference.
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Though Grant is the much bigger guy, I think he has really nothing left in the tank so Adamek walks away with a wide UD.
Gina Caliboso
Tomasz Adamek is truly a heavyweight contender. In his last outing, he defeated Chris Arreola over 12 rounds. Against Grant, Adamek must set the tone of the fight from round one. Michael Grant was absent for most of 2009 and when he finally fought this year, he came away with a 1st round TKO. Grant may experience some ring rust. Prediction: Adamek over Grant – 12 round unanimous decision.
Brian Wilbur
Grant has not showed me anything significant that makes me believe that he can beat a legitimate contender since he pulled off the miracle comeback against Andrew Golota in 1999. The small size of Adamek won’t be a factor since the undersized Dominick Guinn had no problems hitting and hurting Michael back in 2003. Tomasz should win this one by KO and I’d be shocked if this went past 7 rounds. Despite viewing this as a mismatch, I have to admit that I am still curious to see what Michael Grant has to offer.
Final Tally
Tomasz Adamek – 7
Michael Grant – 0