In preparation for his April 24th fight against Chris Arreola, (28-1, 25 KOs). Tomasz Adamek, (40-1, 27 KO’s), is in Houston, training with Ronnie Shields. Shields, no stranger to making cruiserweights into heavyweight champions, was a key part of the training staff that guided Evander Holyfield to his heavyweight titles.
Shields had this to say about his first weeks of training Tomasz, “I like Tomasz. I am very impressed with his work ethic. When it comes to training Tomasz is determined to give you his all, 100% of the time.” When asked if he could compare Adamek to Holyfield in any way, Shields said the similarity was not in boxing style, but in the way they both like to work hard.
“Right now we are working with mitts, shadow boxing, and heavy bag. I have watched him shadowbox and have learned a lot, now we know what we have to tweak. It’s already working and I am really pleased. Having all these weeks to train will make a big difference.” Shields added “Adamek is a believer of winning fights first in his head, then with his fists. Exactly my way of thinking, my kind of fighter. What Arreola expects and what he will actually get are two very different things. I think we are going to surprise him a lot. If he thinks this is going to be an easy fight he is wrong!”
Adamek spoke highly of Shields, “I like Ronnie, he has become my friend. He’s a quiet man. He is always watching, watching. I can tell he is focused only on me. Everyday he teaches me more. I was used to fighting European style, now I am learning more US style. More movement, more combinations.” Adamek summed it up by saying, “It is very hot in Houston, but I feel coming to training camp with Ronnie was the right choice for me. Each day I feel better, stronger. I feel a difference.”
Shields is laying the groundwork. Roger Bloodworth, who helped train Adamek in his last fight, is currently in camp with David Tua. He will join the Adamek camp after the Tua fight. Shields and Bloodworth have worked together close to 20 years. They have co-trained Eddie Hopson, Andrew Golota, David Tua and Pernell Whitaker. They have set up an intense training schedule with the help of conditioning coach, Brian Caldwell.
Adamek’s former trainer, Andrew Gmitruk, was advised by his doctor to give up training because of a health concern. Adamek spoke of Gmitruk, “I have a long relationship with Andrej. He taught me so much about boxing. I am sad that he had to stop training me, but his health is the most important thing.”
Kathy Duva is ecstatic about the new training team, “We are so pleased to have assembled this incredible team to train Tomasz. I feel this is a winning combination. I am happy to reunite with old friends like Ronnie, Brian and Roger. Each is a top notch professional and all of their records speak for themselves.” Duva added, “Main Events has had a lot of success over the past 25 years with all of three of them. Either working alone or in various combinations, with a number of our fighters, going all the way back to former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield.” Duva said, “I have no doubt that Tomasz will follow in Evander's footsteps to become only the third cruiserweight champion to move up and win the heavyweight crown. This achievement would make him a three time world champion by the way, and the first man ever to achieve a Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Crown Trifecta.”
But first this team will work together to ensure that Adamek will be successful as he entertains the fans in his first HBO appearance. The fight will take place on April 24 when Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events in association with Ziggy Promotions present “RING OF FIRE” on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (11:15 PM ET/PT) at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. The scheduled 12-round main event will be for the NABO and IBF Heavyweight International Championship.
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