In preparation for their afternoon fights on September 8th at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, three Philadelphia fighters participated in an open media workout at the James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym in West Philly. Take a look at photos and fighter quotes from the training session right here.
Leading the way was two-time world cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, 24-4, 12 KOs, who will make his debut as a heavyweight on the September 8th card. Much attention has been paid to Cunningham’s weight since his 10-round fight with Jason Gavern, 21-10-4, 10 KOs, was announced.
Cunningham expects to fight at 208 pounds, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can make the adjustment to the heavyweight division and compete effectively against bigger opposition. Gavern should have at least a 20-pound weight advantage over Cunningham when the bell rings.
“Here we go back to the bible again,” Cunningham said. “David & Goliath. These are stories that I grew up on. That’s just my mind set. I’ve fought guys bigger than me before. It’s the same mindset. Win. Win at all costs, do your best, work hard, and let the chips fall where God wants to place them.”
“It’s still going to be the same Cunningham (at heavyweight),” he continued. ” I just know how to be me. I’m going to work hard. Work hard in training, and I’m going to give my all in the fight.”
Also on the Newark card is rising heavyweight sensation Bryant Jennings, 14-0, 6 KOs, who will fight a 10-rounder against Chris Koval, 25-9, 18 KOs. Jennings has been the toast of the heavyweight division over the past eight months, as he stepped in against increasingly tough competition and passed each test with flying colors. His last three victories have pushed Jennings up to the #8 spot in the IBF rankings. Jennings held court with the large gathering of press at the open workout.
“The media day is a good experience,” Jennings said. ” It keeps you on your toes. You get a chance to answer all their questions, say a couple things you always wanted to say. Look good. Show off. Everybody wants to know when I think I’ll be ready to fight one of the Klitschkos.” Jennings said that he’ll be ready as soon as the phone rings.
Undefeated Philadelphia lightweight Karl “Dynamite” Dargan, 10-0, 5 KOs, also worked out for the media today. His fight at Prudential Center against Jesse Carradine, 8-1-1, 4 KOs, will be Dargan’s first fight in more than a year.
“I think a little rust has got to come off, but once that rust comes off, it’s a done deal,” Dargan said of his anticipated return to the ring. The fighter said that a few things caused his long layoff, especially his inability to find a willing opponent. “A lot of these guys will fight Karl Dargan, but they won’t fight Dynamite.”
Carradine is one guy willing to step in with Dynamite Dargan. Their bout is set for 6 rounds. “Once I get into the ring and get used to the fighting atmosphere, there’s really nothing that nobody can do with me,” Dargan said. Carradine will try to disprove that.
Cunningham, Jennings, and Dargan, all fight September 8th in support of the main event, a 12-round IBF North American Heavyweight Championship fight between champion Tomasz Adamek, 46-2, 28 KOs, and Travis Walker, 39-7-1, 31 KOs.
Prudential Center doors will open at 1:30PM, first fight is 2:00PM. “Ironbound Throwdown” September 8th at Newark’s Prudential Center features Tomasz Adamek vs. Travis Walker. Tickets priced at $180 ringside, $105, and $55 are available through Ticketmaster: online at www.ticketmaster.com; Charge-by-phone: 1-800-745-3000; Ticketmaster Express 866-448-7849; and Ticketmaster ticket centers. Tickets are also available at Prudential Center’s Box Office and www.prucenter.com.
