[Mandanda]

Over at the Scene..

Tomasz Adamek's co-promoter emphasized Wednesday that the popular Polish contender wants to participate in the IBF's proposed four-man elimination tournament to determine the sanctioning organization's new mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko.

The IBF intends to match Adamek (46-2, 28 KOs) against Russian Alexander Ustinov (27-0, 21 KOs) and Cuban Odlanier Solis (18-1, 12 KOs) against Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev (16-0, 8 KOs). The winners would meet for the right to become the IBF's No. 1 heavyweight contender for Klitschko (58-3, 51 KOs).

Kathy Duva - whose company, Main Events, co-promotes Adamek and Solis - said both boxers have agreed to partake in the tournament. Duva added that as of Wednesday night, Ustinov and Pulev had not committed to it.

If Ustinov agrees to participate, Duva would like to match him against Adamek on Sept. 8 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., in the main event of an independent pay-per-view telecast.

Adamek was expected to oppose faded former contender James Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs, 2 NC) on Sept. 8, but Duva and the 43-year-old Toney's representatives ultimately couldn't come to contractual terms to make that fight.

"Once the IBF sent us an e-mail on Monday," Duva said, "telling us that they were ordering Adamek to be in an eliminator, we figured, 'Well, we haven't made a deal [with Toney]. Obviously, this isn't going anywhere and we have to move on.'

"So that's what we decided. Now we are exploring [the tournament]. I don't know how that's going to turn out, but I don't have any intention of talking about who he's fighting next until I know for sure. And that's why I don't make statements until contracts have been signed."

Representatives for Ustinov and Pulev have until Thursday to commit to the IBF's four-fighter tournament.

 

[Michael]

This sounds great, we'll finally get a deserving challenger for Wladimir out of it and some interesting fights. It'll be good to see how Adamek deals with Ustinov's size. Solis-Pulev is a really solid 50-50 match to.

 

[nahkis]

Sounds class

Some good HW clashes recently

 

[O59]

I like this. I hope Solis gets through, all he needs to do is get in shape.

 

[Captain Freedom]

On paper looks quality. Winner of that has to be guaranteed a shot. Hope it gets rid of Ustinov as well not a fan of him.

 

[Boxed Ears]

I am surprised, because, in this era, all Adamek had to do was wait. He's coming off a win, no matter what you think of the decision, over a very well-regarded heavyweight contender, he brings a very considerable name and fan-base, and Wlad had already discussed him as a potential opponent. If he goes through with the tournament, he should get a medal. :yep Solis, with a motivation to be great could be a well-oiled machine with terrific pedigree and talent. Instead, I'm here wondering if he'll even show up willing to give more than 70% to win the tournament, or ultimately end up showing up at the tourney at all.

 

[Flea Man]

If Solis turns up in shape he'll win. And against Vitali in a rematch if he isn't a blob.

 

[Vano-irons]

I agree with Flea. Solis walks this if he doesn't turn up like a slob again.

The HW scene has started to rejuvenate. Great for boxing

 

[Boxed Ears]

I've heard, had to hear via third party, in my Spanishlessness(sic), that Solis was quoted as saying he doesn't even like boxing anymore and only does it for a paycheck. We've got guys who are forty, club fighters, not a tenth of the skill, not 1/100 of the background, plugging away for love of the sport, working as janitors on the side, knowing if they were ever going anywhere, they'd be there, not caring that there's nothing of practical value in it for them, just wanting to be a part of it all. We are not lacking for irony in our sport.

 

[Robney]

I like this. I hope Solis gets through, all he needs to do is get in shape.

:lol:
But what are the chances at that?

 

[Roe]

Hopefully the winner of this IBF heavyweight elimination tournament actually fights Wlad this time, rather the mess that Povetkin left a few years ago after beating a few good names.

 

[Meast]

Sounds great, hope it comes off.

And agreed on Solis, if, and a big if, he comes in shape, he should breeze this.

 

[DrMo]

Ustinov is diabolical, I think Adamek will beat him on points.

Pulev-Solis is a very interesting fight, though I wouldnt be at all surprised if Solis doesnt turn up in shape & gets beaten

 

[Libertarian]

I hate Ustinov too. Crap style and crap.... full stop.

If Michael Sprott had bothered training he'd have beat him relatively comfortably IMO.

 

[Post Box]

Both Solis and Adamek should beat both of their opponents convincingly, not as impressed with Pulev as some people and Ustinov is wank.

Adamek vs Solis is a good fight but as long as Solis is in decent shape he should win.

 

[Marvelous Marv]

Good fights, these.

 

[O59]

I hope nothing goes wrong though, would be a shame if somebody pulled out.

 

[Ilesey]

I'm slightly non plussed by it if I'm being honest.

I don't rate Adamek as a heavyweight and Solis' lack of dedication really irks me given his undoubted skill. Ustinov and Pulev are a bit, well, meh.

I like the concept and the idea that there will be a challenger that has rightfully earned a shot at the IBF belt. If this does come off I hope Solis knuckles down, gets himself in good shape and wins this thing convincingly. Then, we can really look forward to Solis - Klitschko.

 

[JamieC]

I'm slightly non plussed by it if I'm being honest.

I don't rate Adamek as a heavyweight and Solis' lack of dedication really irks me given his undoubted skill. Ustinov and Pulev are a bit, well, meh.

I like the concept and the idea that there will be a challenger that has rightfully earned a shot at the IBF belt. If this does come off I hope Solis knuckles down, gets himself in good shape and wins this thing convincingly. Then, we can really look forward to Solis - Klitschko.

Solis will school whichever Klitscko is put in front of him just like he did before his frame overpowered his own knee :deal

 

[Macca L20]

Solis is the most talented by far but i wouldn't be surprised to see Pulev beat Ustinov in the final. I don't rate Adamek as
a heavyweight.