Cunningham Looking to Get Back in the Ring ASAP and Stay There Following the End of His Promotional Contract with DKP
Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is a promotional free agent following the conclusion of his eight year promotional contract with Don King Productions. ‘USS’ Cunningham and his wife, and manager, Livvy, are currently considering various options ahead of his forthcoming challenge for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight title against Canada’s Troy Ross.
US Navy veteran ‘USS’ Cunningham, who returned from camp, in Big Bear, California, last week following the cancellation of the 26th March title fight with Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey, spoke briefly about his time with Don King Productions . “It has been eight that I’ve been under contract with DKP, and a lot has happened, in those eight years I have become a world champion and have traveled all over the world, from South Africa to Europe. I am thankful to Don for the opportunities that he has given me and I wish him and his company nothing but the best in the future.”
He then went on to speak about his future plans. “As for my future, I’m excited, I am looking forward to finding a situation where I will be able to be more active in the ring and get more television exposure. I have been through a lot recently but I think one thing that has come out if it that was positive is that there has been a strong public interest in seeing me fight. It didn’t work out this time, but Lord willing, I will get another shot to fight on TV soon.”
‘USS’ Cunningham held the IBF World Cruiserweight title from 26th May 2007, after defeating Poland’s Krzysztof ‘Diablo’ Wlodarczyk, and defended the title twice, the first, which he won by a twelfth round stoppage, on the 29th December 2007 against Marco ‘Kapt’n’ Huck. Just over one year later, ‘USS’ Cunningham, lost a close split decision to Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek following their ‘Fight of the Year’ nominated battle at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on the 11th December 2008.
Team Cunningham and Troy Ross’ management have 30 days to come to an agreement for Cunningham vs. Ross for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight title otherwise the IBF will order a purse bid.
