Episode 3 – 45 minutes of Philly Boxing. Long interview with Steve “USS” Cunningham who vents his frustrations over the cancellation of this IBF Cruiserweight title fight.
Talk about it on the forum
http://phillykeith.com/fightforum/index.php?topic=1105.0
“Champ again in 2010″ will have to wait a bit longer to come to life for Team Cunningham as this fight scheduled for March 26 was scrapped at the last minute due to a dispute between promoter Don King and ESPN. His Hairness says ESPN wanted rights and options for rematches or the winners next fight. The network says King tried to change the terms of ESPN standard agreements involving money, sponsorship and more. Typical he said – she said BS and the fans are out of a card that was supposed to broadcast two world title fights…
Talk about it on the forum http://phillykeith.com/fightforum/index.php?topic=1105.0
“Champ again in 2010″ is the new year motto of Team Cunningham. They get a chance to fulfill this quest in front of a live national audience as ESPN will air the IBF Cruiserweight title fight between Steve “USS’ Cunningham (22-2, 1ko’s) and Matt Godfrey (20-1, 10ko’s). This Friday Night Fights main event bout will take place at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise Florida on March 26th.
A title fight has been a long time coming for Team Cunningham as they were dipped, dodged and flat out avoided by former champ Tomasz Adamek, who relinquished the belt rather than grant a rematch of their tight encounter from December 2008.
Since that fight USS has only boxed once – a 12 round unanimous decision win over sturdy veteran Wayne Braithwaite in Florida. Perseverance has prevailed and Cunningham is now in the drivers seat with an opportunity to be champion with recognition as the top Cruiserweight in the world.
Godfrey has been groomed to be a champ since the beginning. He was a top amateur and then moved carefully through the ranks since turning pro in 2004. There have been a few speed bumps along the way but he was able to stay in position to land a fight of this magnitude. You may be familiar with Godfrey as he fought in this town last year winning a 12 round snooze against Shawn Hawk.
It will be interesting to see how this fight plays out in the ring as both are more traditional boxers instead of action initiating sluggers. If anything – Cunningham has more experience in the pro ranks against the higher echelon of competition. Word around the ring is that he has been training in Big Bear California with Nazeem Richardson to prepare for this fight. Good luck to Team USS – More on this fight to come soon!
Talk about it here on the forum http://phillykeith.com/fightforum/index.php?topic=706.0 Now comes the good part, Tomasz Adamek must finally grant Team Cunningham’s ongoing request for a rematch for forfeit the title, plain and simple. Adamek, who also successfully defended his title on July 11th in Newark, has run out of quality options at the Cruiserweight level. If he continues to duck USS, it can no longer be viewed as smart business, it must be viewed as a lack of heart. If Adamek is a true champion, he will accept the challenge and treat the his legion of fans to a follow up of a 2008 classic. 
Early reports out of the sunshine state say that Philly Cruiserweight Steve “USS” Cunningham convincingly won a 12 round unanimous decision over hard punching Wayne Braithwaite to become the mandatory challenger to Tomas Adamek’s IBF Cruiserweight title. Official scores were Scores were 119-109, 118-110, 117-111, an tally that usually mean a fairly dominant performance.
While the sanctioning bodies have no ordered a rematch, they have given the Southwest Philly native and former naval officer the opportunity to get his rematch the old fashioned way, by winning an eliminator bout against another highly rated contender. So to get his gloves on the Polish sensation, Cunningham (21-2, 11ko’s) must first get past Wayne “Big Truck” Braitwaite (23-3, 19ko’s) on July 11th in Sunrise, Florida for a scheduled 12 rounder to determine who will officially become the IBF’s #1 contender and mandatory challenger. This assignment is no easy one by any means as the 6 foot tall Ghana man has gone deep rounds with some of the divisions best, though never mustering up enough offense to come home with a W.
Like the old saying goes “you can run but you can’t hide”. If USS gets the win here like I think he will, Adamek will have lock horns with Cunningham or forfeit his belt. Let’s hope these two follow up their initial fight which got strong 2008 Fight of the Year consideration. Time will tell but first we must stay focused on the topic at hand. Cunningham will have to overcome ring rust as he hasn’t fought since that night in Newark. To formulate the proper game plan, word on the street is that Team USS has hired the very highly regarded Naazim Richardson to serve as his trainer.
Unfortunately, the big-wigs at Showtime will not air this fight on TV even thought it is on the undercard of a televised show. If any sort of internet stream becomes available, I will let you know.
photo by Mike “Teek” McGuigan
It has been a while since I put together a Philly top 10 list and in that time it is still pretty obvious who is #1 in the town, that would be B-Hop. But in the past year there has been a lot of activity amongst the rank and file who made moves to get to the top. Some succeeded, some failed, some have rebounded and others are on their way.
This time around I give you two lists. First is a national Philly top 10 pound for pound which gives my ranking to those from this area who are either champions, within title contention or TV fighters. These guys are all over the world and are known industry names.
The next list is themed “21 & Under” ranking the Philly pros with 21 pro fights or less. These fights can take place anywhere in the world. This list tracks the activity of the young pros who seem to be on their way to making big moves in the boxing circuit within the next few years. These rankings are based on pro performance and potential, not solely on amateur career.
This was done as a replacement for the local top 10 list that ranked boxers competing within city limits. There was just not enough activity to compile one. Take a look and feel free to send any feedback to me via email.
http://phillykeith.com/nationaltop10April09.htm
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com
Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene
Philly boxing 2008… overall it was another good year but in the same breath it has to mentioned that there was a significant drop off in the amount of action as only 17 professionally sanctioned cards happened in this year. Most nights were solid though we did have a few duds and also a few memorable barn burners. Through my eyes, there was no clear cut fight of the year winner in 2008 so I will not designate one particular match. Instead, I will highlight some of the best performances of the year. As always, it is open to discussion, feel free to comment if you agree, disagree, omissions etc. At some point in 2009, www.phillyboxinghistory.com will give out the Briscoe Awards which will recognize one fight as the best of ’08. Visit the site and cast a vote there if you wish.
Without further ado, I give you the Philly Keith Sports 2008 nominees for Fight of the Year!
Rasheem Brown vs. Jameel Wilson – 4/18/08 @ The National Guard Armory
This 10 round Super Middleweight fight capped off the most action packed boxing card in Philly for the year 2008. The state title was on the line and the then newly signed Rasheem Brown was thought to be put in prime position for a career push after recently returning from a lengthy layoff. Wilson on the other hand did not come to lay down. Brown started strong and it looked to be an easy night but Wilson came alive taking the middle rounds and both men went toe to toe down the stretch to cap off a non stop action bout. The only disappointment in this one came outside of the ring, as 3 blind judges scored only one round for Wilson on the offical cards while everyone in press row agreed that this fight was even money that could have gone either way. Regardless of the outcome, this fight proved once again that when you match two Philly fighters against each other, the fans are always in for a treat!
Ryan Belasco vs. Victor Vasquez 5/11/08 @ The New Alhambra
Coming into this fight, Delaware’s Ryan Belasco was looking to erase the stink of three consecutive sub par performances and Philly’s Victor Vasquez was taking his first real test against an area known fighter with a record above .500. While most thought it was a solid fight when it was announced, few expected to be treated to such an action packed rumble. It was give and take with Belasco carrying a slight lead as he was able to effectively box the non stop Vasquez. Belasco’s non stop jabbing caused Vasquez left eye to swell like a ballon, leaving the referee no option but to stop the fight and the commission no choice but to order a 6 month medical suspension. Vasquez is back, medically cleared to fight and wants a rematch “sooner, rather than later”. I have a feeling that Russell Peltz will be putting this together very soon.
Gee Cullmer vs. Jameel Wilson @ The Legendary Blue Horizon 9/16/08
When this one was signed, you just knew it would be a close fight. At the time, Gee recently pulled out a few tight majority decision wins while Wilson was on the wrong end of a quite a few razor thin decisions. In this one, Gee put on a boxing clinic early, Wilson showed his grit in the middle and final rounds were tooth and nail. Fittingly, this fight could have gone either way and ended in a majority decision for Cullmer who after the fight earned the designation of PA’s #1 Super Middleweight contender slot by the state athletic commission. Click the link to watch this fight in its entirety on Go Fight Live.
Mario Mina vs. Pedro Calla @ The Legendary Blue Horizon 4/11/08
Two fighters who learned their craft half a world away came to Philadelphia to make their pro debut and in the process put on a 4 round Blue Horizon classic. Mina of Ecquador was said to be a former amateur star and Peru’s Pedro Calla was no slouch either. This was a wild, two way leatherfest that ended with Calla splattered across the canvas mid way through the final round, much to the delight of the fans, who gave both men a standing ovation when the dust finally settled. Watch this fight in its entirety on Go Fight Live
On a national level, recognition goes to Steve “USS” Cunningham, who may have lost his IBF Cruiserweight title, but in the same breath won over millions of fight fans for his show of heart against Tomasz Adamek live on Versus. Cunningham won a lions share of the rounds but was also knocked down 3 times in this non stop slug fest between two of the worlds best. A rematch just has to be in order. The TV demand and money will be there you can be assured of that. The only liability here is if Adamek decided to hide.
Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik
Last but certainly not least, recognition has to be given to Philly’s main representative in the sport of boxing, Bernard Hopkins for his one sided spanking of Kelly Pavlik over 12 rounds in a fight where next to no one was giving him a shot in hell to win. Once again, people were saying he was too old or he was slowing down just as they did before his fight against Antonio Tarver and even before that in his fight against Felix Trinidad. On this night, B-Hop reminded the world that it is a terrible mistake to under estimate the Germantown native.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com
Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene
On Dec, 11, 2008 in Newark, NJ Steve “USS” Cunningham (22-2, 11ko’s) and Poland’s Tomasz Adamek (36-1, 24ko’s), showed the world what a title fight should be like as both men let it fly for 12 rounds in this IBF Cruiserweight title contest which will get strong fight of the year consideration. Each round was was give and take but a strong Cunningham rally down the stretch was not enough to overcome three early knockdowns which were the difference on two of the officials scorecards that named Adamek the new IBF champion.
Fighting in the pro Polska land of Newark New Jersey, both men refused to lose, trading heavy leather from all areas of the ring. Cunningham was the busier man throughout, Adamek was more effective with his shots, but more importantly showed he had a chin made of wrought iron as he absorbed some big overhand rights without being hurt too bad.
Cunningham boxed effectively early using the ring and throwing jabs at a distance which win his the entire first round and most of round two. Adamek, like a jackal, stole the 2nd round at the very last second with a crisp short right that put Cunningham to the canvas. Cunningham rebounded to take round three and was truly domination round 4, rocking Adamek with a variety of punches. Out of nowhere, Adamek turned the tables and changed what was looking to he a 10 – 8 for USS to a 10 – 9 in his favor by scoring another knockdown with the right hand.
It was a two way rumble from here on out with Adamek coming forward and USS moving around the ring and picking spots to exchange with his tough challenger. Adamek scored another knockdown in the 8th and it was looking like the show would close soon after but USS sucked it up and fought on, and arguably won the rest of the rounds fighting the fight Adamek wanted which is a toe to toe battle.
It went to the scorecards, the first one read 114 – 112 in favor of Cunningham but the two Jersey judges saw it 116 – 110 & 115 – 113 in favor of Tomasz Adamek who is now the new IBF Cruiserweight champion.
Even in a loss, USS showed the world he is a top notch competitor who belongs with the best by turning in one of the action packed televised fights in 2008. Rest assured he will be back and many across the globe have one thought in mind…REMATCH!!!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com
Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene
Philly’s lone world boxing champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (22-1, 11ko’s) will defend his IBF Cruiserweight title against Poland’s Tomasz Adamek (35-1, 24ko’s), the IBF’s #1 contender, in Newark, NJ on Thursday December 11th. The card will be a dual promotion put together by Main Events and Don King Productions and will be televised around the world on the Versus network. For those who don’t know, Cunningham puts the W in world champion. Fearless of foreign lands, he has traveled the globe to win and successfully defend the strap. Despite his on going success, his talents have been all but ignored by the major networks until now. In Cunningham’s last outing, he traveled to Germany and knocked out hometown #1 contender Marco Huck in the 12th round with a vicious uppercut, leaving no chance of getting shafted on the scorecards.
Adamek, a former champion in the 175lb division has been campaigning as a Cruiserweight for a year now. After a few warm-up bouts, he went on to make former Cruiserweight champ O’Neill Bell look like a shot fighter when Bell quit on the stool after 8 rounds in their title elimination match. His big splash in the States came a few years back after two classics with Australian Paul Briggs. His lone loss comes against Light Heavyweight champ Chad Dawson.
Though Newark is close enough to Cunningham’s home of Philadelphia, he plays the role of outsider again as the Polish fight fans come in flocks and have no problem making he trip from North Jersey and NYC to support their guy.
The winner of this fight will certainly be recognized as “the man” in the Cruiserweight division. Adamek has been in a few classics in his day and USS is one of the hardest working fighters in the business. Newark isn’t too far away, buy a ticket and support our local fighter by calling 201-507-8900
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com
Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene
There was a PPV worthy sparring session at Joe Hands Gym in South Philly earlier this week as IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham and Heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon lent each other a helping hand as each man prepares for significant fights which will come in the near future. The individual fights are detailed below but for this occasion, the battle tested Philly Hall of Famer Charles “The Hatchet” Brewer made the trip to watch the fighters get themselves in top physical form for their big nights. Click here to read the recap and look at the pictures sent in by the former Super Middleweight champion of the world.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com
Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene
