By John F. McKenna (McJack): It is pretty clear to boxing fans in Germany and the Ukraine that WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 39 KO’s) does not get the recognition he truly deserves in the west. Vitali will face former cruiserweight and light heavyweight champion Tomasz Adamek (44-1, 28 KO’s) in Wroclaw, Poland at a newly constructed soccer stadium on September 10.

Adamek moved up to the heavyweight ranks in 2009 and in ordinary times at 6’2”, 220 pounds he would be a decent sized heavyweight contender. But there’s the rub, these are not ordinary times. Vitali “Dr. Ironfist” Klitschko is no ordinary heavyweight and no ordinary heavyweight champion. At 6’7 ½” and 250 pounds he is massive.

“Goral” as his fans call Adamek is known for having a tough chin. Tomasz fought his way to a title shot with Vitali by winning all six of his matches at heavyweight and will as they say “go out on his shield” rather than put up the kind of pitiful performance David Haye did against Vitali’s brother Vladimir on July 2.

Let’s take at look at the challenge Adamek has when he enters the ring against Vitali on September 10. There is more to it than just the fact that Klitschko is 6’7 ½”, although that certainly helps. Other fighters have been as massive as Vitali, but no one has ever been able to use their massive size as efficiently as he does. He uses his left hand, which he usually holds down at his side as a range finder. Further he stands upright and leans slightly backward to make him appear even taller than he is. In essence he is extremely difficult to get to.

Klitschko punishes his opponents with his left jab. When an opponent attempts to move in on him he makes them pay for it with a short chopping left hook. He sometimes follows the left hook with a sweeping right hand if the opponent is still in range.

Vitali has also added a left hook off of his jab when at long range. His power is such that he is able to throw arm punches with maximum effectiveness. He can hurt an opponent without leaning in to his punches, minimizing a possible counter.

No one disputes the fact that Vitali is awkward but he uses his awkwardness to his own advantage. It is difficult for an opponent to get into a rhythm and thus time Klitschko’s punches. In addition, Vitali has a chin of granite. He has never been down and never even been hurt or wobbled. Klitschko’s KO percentage is as good as any previous heavyweight champion.

In short, Tomasz Adamek has a huge task in front of him just to survive against Vitali Klitschko.