Adamek says being shorter than Klitschkos can be advantage

The prevailing thought is that Tomasz Adamek will be at a stark disadvantage because of his relatively short stature (6-foot-1 1/2) when he fights one of the giant Klitschko brothers.

Adamek suggested it’s the other way around. And he used Vitali Klitschko’s three-minute fight against Odlanier Solis last Saturday as an illustration.

"The Solis fight was only three minutes, but two times he hit (Klitschko) very easy,” said Adamek, who fights Kevin McBride on April 9 in Newark, N.J. “I think, and (trainer) Roger (Bloodworth) said too: A short guy with a tall guy is never a good opponent because they are difficult. It is difficult to hit (the short guy) because he is down.

“(Nikolai) Valuev said the same thing after fighting (David) Haye. He said he never fought a guy like David. David was like me, we are quick and uncomfortable to fight."

He went on:  "People say I cannot beat the Klitschkos because I am too short, that I can't fight heavyweight. But when I started fighting heavyweight I beat (Chris) Arreola, and next (Michael) Grant, and every fight is better. I love <i>not</i> being the favorite because I want to make it a surprise and become the heavyweight champion.

"I think the worst opponent is a quick opponent because they can do anything. I am faster than a big heavyweight. My legs are very good. This is not the street, it is the ring. Whoever is the smartest will win. I will show my class on April 9^th and win."

Adamek is tentatively scheduled to fight Vitali Klitschko later this year. However, if Wladimir Klitschko is unable to fight Haye this summer, Vitali will take his place. Wladimir would then fight Adamek.