WROCLAW, POLAND — Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KOs) made the eighth defense of his title on Saturday with a thorough, methodical 10th round stoppage of Tomasz Adamek (44-2, 28 KOs).
Klitschko imposed his size from the beginning and Adamek was never able to mount any substantial offense. Klitschko spent round one establishing distance and peppering Adamek with jabs. The Polish challenger’s attempts to rush in were nullified by Klitscko leaning back and countering with short, clubbing hooks and uppercuts. The first big punch of the fight also resulted in a missed knockdown; Klitschko measured Adamek with a straight right in round two that caused the challenger to fall into the ropes.
Tomasz Adamek’s face began to become disfigured and bloodied by the end of round five. The damage was the result of Adamek continuing to come in range of Vitali’s right hand. The WBC champion scored the first official knockdown in round six off a straight right that sent Adamak crashing into a turnbuckle. The end seemed imminent, but Adamek held and backpedaling enough to avoid the coup de grace shot.
After three more rounds of heavy right hands, Adamek was visibly laboring and resigned to his fate. Klitschko picked up his pressure and had Adamek shaken whenever a right hand landed. Adamek’s equilibrium was gone, causing every solid punch to have him stumbling across the ring. Adamek had capitulated all but verbally, and referee Massimo Barrovecchio gave him a few more chances before calling the bout off after several Klitschko rights pinned Adamek against the ropes.
Tomasz Adamek was the #1 contender for Klitschko’s WBC title. The remaining Top 5 is rounded out by Chris Arreola, Alexander Dimitrenko, Bermane Stiverne and Johnathon Banks.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 