Adamek wins title from Cunningham in a classic
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!!!
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