Adamek bows out of boxing as Szpilka triumphs

Tomasz Adamek (L) and Artur 'The Pin' Szplika at the Krakow Arena. Photo: PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk

The boxer, who turns 38 next month, lost on points in the ten round clash in front of a crowd of 17,000, with the three judges unanimous in backing Szpilka.

“I did what I could in this sport,” he said after leaving the ring.

“The years are flying by, time doesn't stand still.

“My time is up.

“I'd like to thank my fans for coming.

“Good luck to the younger generation,” he added.

Adamek, who began his professional boxing career in 1999, managed to become WBC Light Heavyweight Champion as well as IBF, IBO and The Ring Cruiserweight Champion.

Dubbed 'The Highlander (Goral) owing to his roots in the highland town of Zywiec, he made a bid to become an MEP in the elections to the European Parliament in May 2014 for the conservative United Poland party. However, the party failed to garner enough votes to cross the electoral threshold needed to enter parliament.

Meanwhile, Andrzej Soldra beat Dawid Kostecki, also at the Krakow Arena, and Maciej Sulecki knocked Grzegorz Proksa. (nh)