TOTOWA, NJ – IBF #3 cruiserweight contender Tomasz Adamek secured a world title opportunity today by stopping IBF #7 contender O’ Neil Bell at Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Adamek floored Bell in the opening round and then schooled the former undisputed world cruiserweight champion for the next six rounds, forcing Bell to retire on his stool prior to round eight (TKO 7).
Adamek’s victory earned him the IBF’s #1 mandatory position. Both IBF champion Steve Cunningham and Adamek are mandated to battle each other in their next bouts.
Ike and Steve Cunningham
At the time of the stoppage all three judges had Adamek ahead on the scorecards (69-63, 68-64, and 67-65). After surrendering following the completion of round seven, Bell complained of “dizziness” and said he “felt ill”.
“Bell was the most dangerous opponent I’ve faced,” said Adamek. “I trained hard and showed what I can do. This was my best performance. I am looking forward to the title fight.”
Both IBF champion Steve Cunningham and Adamek are mandated to battle each other in their next bouts.
APRIL 19 IN KATOWICE, POLAND ADAMEK-BELL IN IBF CRUISERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR
TOTOWA, NJ– Two of the world’s top cruiserweights will vie for the IBF’s #1 mandatory position on April 19, 2008, when Tomasz Adamek (IBF #3) and O’ Neil Bell (IBF #7) battle in a 12 round IBF eliminator, it was jointly announced today by Main Events, Ziggy Promotions, Warriors Boxing, and KnockOut Promotion.
Adamek (33-1, 22 KO’s) has stopped 15 opponents within the first three rounds. The 31-year-old Zywiec, Poland native captured the vacant WBC light heavyweight championship on May 21, 2005, when he decisioned Paul Briggs (W 12). He defended the title twice before losing to Chad Dawson on Feb 3, 2007 (L 12). Since moving to cruiserweight he is 2-0, 1 KO. Adamek is also recognized as the IBO Cruiserweight Champion.
Bell (26-2, 24 KO’s) is the former undisputed cruiserweight champion. The 33-year-old Atlanta, Georgian by way of Jamaica captured the undisputed crown on January 7, 2006, when he stopped defending champion Jean-Marc Mormeck (KO 10). Bell surrendered the undisputed title in his last bout on March 17, 2007, when he lost a decision in the rematch against Mormeck (L 12). Prior to the loss Bell had won 25 consecutive bouts.
“I am very excited about returning to my Polish homeland for this fight against Bell,” said Adamek. “Bell is a very good fighter, but I need to win this bout to get another title shot. I won’t let anyone stand in my way.”
“I look forward to this fight being the first step for me in recapturing the belts that rightfully are mine,” said Bell."
For more info contact; Donald Tremblay Main Events
