Grano Ready for Heavyweight Breakthrough Facing Adamek – NBCSN 8/3 Fight Night

UNCASVILLE, CT – Heavyweight Tony Grano, 20-3-1, 16 KOs, has been trying to punch his way through the heavyweight division since 2005, but the boxer has yet to secure the signature win needed to truly make his mark. Grano has battled and beaten a number of solid heavyweights and took home a few minor belts, but nothing that Grano has accomplished thus far has led to the breakthrough he so desires.

Grano could take a big step toward his goal on August 3rd when he encounters the biggest challenge of his career, former two-division world champion Tomasz Adamek, 48-2, 29 KOs. The 10-round fight is part of the triple header to be nationally televised by NBC Sports Network as part of their Fight Night boxing series.

The other bouts on the broadcast, from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, are middleweight Curtis Stevens against Saul Roman, and cruiserweight Eddie Chambers versus Thabiso Mchunu. The three 10-rounders begin at 10:30 PM ET.

A win over Adamek on Fight Night is exactly the feat Grano needs to make his name and open the door for an even bigger opportunity. Adamek not only has two world titles to his credit, he has been a major player in the heavyweight division since moving up almost four years ago, with his gutsy title challenge against Vitali Klitschko in 2011 being his only loss in the division. So if Grano can pull the upset next month against this top contender, his options – and potential paydays – will be better than ever before.

Grano’s heavy hands are his best weapon – in his previous four starts, three wins ended in knockouts, while he lost the fourth on points to Eric Molina in April . Tony won the NABF belt with a 4th round KO of DaVarryl Williamson last summer, and halted Brian Minto in three rounds before that. Other recent knockout victims include Dominique Alexander and Travis Kauffman.

Of course, Adamek is a tough customer with a granite chin, but Grano will also hold an uncommon home-state advantage over the Polish-born and New Jersey-based contender. Perhaps Tony’s proven punching power and hometown crowd can give him the edge he needs to shock the former champ.

Every fighter waits for that perfect opportunity to prove what he’s made of. For Tony Grano, that chance finally comes against Tomasz Adamek on August 3rd.