Ross Gets Stopped Prior to the Fifth
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is once again the IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World, having regained the coveted title, at the Jahnsportforum, Neubrandenburg in Germany in Germany tonight, after the ringside doctor deeming Troy Ross unfit to continue before the start of the fifth round.
From the first bell Cunningham dominated the centre of the ring using his wickedly fast jabs to keep the shorter Ross at bay. Ross, a seriously tough southpaw, seemed willing to take a few punches in order to get in closer to let off some wicked bombs. Rounds two and three produced more of the same, although Ross was getting a little more success. The problem for Ross though was that his getting in more also meant he was taking more shots, causing noticeable swelling.
Round four produced both a serious problem for Ross, who received a thumb in the eye which tore open the lower eyelid, and a scare for the Cunningham team as they see their man reel backwards and down to the canvas. Thoughts of a repeat scenario to the Adamek fight were dispelled within minutes as prior to the start of the fifth the referee, Bill Clancy, sent Cunningham to a neutral corner and called for the ringside doctor to check out Ross’ damaged eye. The doctor had no choice but to stop the fight as it was clear that the Canadian’s eye injury was serious.
A jubilant Cunningham said, “Man, It’s great to be Champ again. Troy’s a great competitor, he came to win for sure. Cunningham then hinted at a possible rematch with fellow Sauerland Event stable mate WBC Champion, Marco ‘Kapt’n’ Huck as he went on to say, “I am really comfortable with my weight and want to defend my title again soon. I feel that I am a major force in the Cruiserweight division and want to unify the division.”
“Champ Again In ‘10” has been Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s catch phrase for the past six months, he has now achieved this.
Cunningham vs. Ross Photos
Cunningham vs. Ross Results
Steve Cunningham made a winning debut for Team Sauerland as he clinched the vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title thanks to a fifth-round TKO victory over Troy Ross. Cunningham controlled the center of the ring from the first second on, cleverly keeping his opponent at bay with his strong left jab. He landed a big left in the first round and not soon after Ross´ face was swollen. The pattern remained the same, with Cunningham dominating and landing good shots before Ross scored a knock-down with a big left in the fourth.
However, Cunningham responded with a powerful punch that badly cut Ross below his left eye. The ring doctor advised the referee to stop the fight after one second of the fifth round because of a vertically cut eyelid. Since the injury was caused by a punch, as the referee ruled, Cunningham won by TKO. After the fight, the supervisor confirmed the referee’s decision. Ross will undergo surgery today before flying home. “We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery,” Team Sauerland General Manager Chris Meyer said. “It was a high-class fight and we are thrilled to have added another champion to our line-up. Steve Cunningham is a great fighter with a great team.”
Cunningham thanked his entire team for their great support. “It is great to be a champion again,” he said. “We have worked so hard and I want to thank my whole team and of course Team Sauerland who made this possible. I knew Ross would cut easily and that he could not beat me. The plan was to keep touching him and hit him hard later on. I am very happy. My goal is to become the best cruiserweight in the history of boxing.”
