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December 17, 2008 18:35:49
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South Bergen Sports Roundup
By James Dombrowski
Sports Columnist
(Dec. 18, 2008) — “Polska, Polska, Polska” echoed through the rotunda of the Prudential Center last week as Polish native and current Jersey City resident Tomasz Adamek (36-1) pounded former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham (21-2) on his way to gaining Cunningham’s “Title Belt.” Adamek quickly gained control of the fight, scoring knockdowns in the second, fourth and eighth rounds.
Cunningham withstood the barrage of punches delivered by Tomasz, but Adamek’s chin, which was as strong as the rock for which the arena is named, was only in trouble once. One judge scored the fight 114-112 for Cunningham, giving Adamek a split decision.
Adamek was gracious after the fight and congratulated Cunnigham as a worthy opponent. When asked if he would consider moving up to Heavyweight, he was quick to explain, “I will fight whoever TV gets me.” The Jersey City resident and Polish native had the crowd of more than 5,000 cheering him on.
Kathy Duva, chief executive officer of Main Events, was asked to compare the pro-Adamek crowd to past crowds in New Jersey cheering on Arturo Gatti.
“There will never be another Arturo Gatti, but I welcome the comparisons,” explained Duva. “I like having Tomasz fighting for Main Events, and we plan on keeping him around.”
The new-look Nets (12-11) will be home Friday, Dec. 19, and look forward to greeting Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks. It will be Kidd’s first appearance in New Jersey since the swap of Kidd for Devon Harris. Harris has quickly become a fan favorite, and his 24 points per game are sixth best in the NBA
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