by Johnny Walker
Two high profile heavyweight fights were announced today as Polish warrior Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Steve “USS” Cunningham agreed to terms for a rematch at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, on December 22, while Mexican-American Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola and Canadian Bermane Stiverne are set to tussle in Venezuela on December 15.
Adamek and Cunningham first fought back in 2008 as cruiserweights, with “Goral” earning a hard-fought split decision win.
Adamek was originally to have met Odlanier Solis on the same date, but apparently issues have arisen between the fighter–who recently backed out of a bout with unbeaten slugger Leif Larsen on a week’s notice–and his hyperbolic manager Ahmet Oner, leading to the contract for the Adamek fight not being signed by the deadline.
“This is a chance for Cunningham to have a rematch with me,” Adamek said in a press release.
“The first time we fought there was knockdown and it was a very exciting fight, the fans loved it. I think this is going to be a very exciting fight for our fans again.
“I am ready for a tough fight. I love a tough fight, because after every big fight I have more fans.
“I am looking forward to this fight with Cunningham. It has been my dream to be the champion of the world and this is important to me, I will be ready.”
Cunningham also expressed enthusiasm: “This is a fight my team and I have wanted since the first one,” he said.
“Adamek and I have been on two different paths, but in December our paths will collide again. I have respect for Adamek he has done great things in his career, but I’m confident I’ll get the victory. I’m looking forward to it, on December 22nd I’ll be the best Steve Cunningham anyone has seen yet!”
Meanwhile, top contenders Arreola and Stiverne are set to meet in the exotic location of Caracas, Venezuela on December 15.
“[The fight] is not yet finalized, including the paperwork side, but this information is true,” confirmed Stiverne’s manager Camille Estephan of Eye of the Tiger Management.
The winner of Arreola vs Stiverne will be final eliminator for a shot at the WBC crown currently held by Vitali Klitschko, who may or may not retire after the upcoming elections in Ukraine where he is a candidate and the leader of the UDAR party.
