Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Pole claims entertaining IBF heavyweight #2 spot eliminator victory
Tomasz Adamek claimed a close split decision over Steve Cunningham on the judges scorecards for the second time in his career to put himself into contention for another world title chance.
The two-weight world champion, who defeated Cunningham previously in 2008, seemingly edged the closer rounds with the officials to come out on top at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Both fighters refused to take a backward step in what was one of the most enthralling heavyweight contests of recent times and there would be no complaints if a third instalment was announced in the near future.
The judges carded 116-112, 115-112 for Adamek, with a third handing Cunningham a 115-113, which coincided with my card, although neither fighter deserved to lose after giving their all for the full twelve rounds.
The result had originally been announced as a draw with legendary announcer Michael Buffer being forced to correct his first announcement as he mistakenly read out the 115-112 card for Adamek as 115-115 even.
Adamek, 36, could now be set for a full IBF title eliminator with unbeaten Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev if the rankings are anything to go by, although Cunningham, also 36, will obviously hope for another chance at defeating the Pole following yet another close contest.