Former two-time IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham, 25-4, 12 KOs, held an open workout for the media at the Rock Ministries Gym, in the Kensington Section of Philadelphia. Cunningham was putting the finishing touches on his training preparations for an upcoming bout with rival Tomasz Adamek, 47-2, 29 KOs. The pair staged a classic clash for the cruiserweight title back in 2008, but now have invaded the heavyweight division.
The two heavyweights meet in a 12-round bout for Adamek’s IBF North American Heavyweight Title, Saturday, December 22nd, at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. The fight will be shown live by NBC, a rarity for network TV these days. In fact, this will be the first boxing match on broadcast television in almost 20 years. The broadcast will begin at 4PM ET.
Cunningham, along with his trainer Brother Naazim Richardson, went through a light workout and then addressed the boxing press.
STEVE CUNNINGHAM:
“Camp has been great. I feel strong. I’ve been working with solid heavyweights like Chazz Witherspoon. I wanted this rematch for a long time, especially right after the first fight, but it didn’t happen. My career went on, his career went on, and now our paths cross again. I’m excited. I’m looking at this like it’s the first time we’re fighting. I’m not looking for revenge. That’s not in me. I’m just looking to win this fight and win it spectacularly. I’m just ready to fight. The time for talking is done.”
BROTHER NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Steve’s Trainer:
“I’m feeling great. I’m feeling really confident, and very comfortable. Steve is sharp. Usually going into each fight, there’s something that I’m a little uneasy with. But I really don’t have that going into this fight. I think we’re in a good place.”
LIVVY CUNNINGHAM, Steve’s Manager and Wife:
“What comes along with this fight is huge. It’s like a red carpet rollout to the top of the heavyweight division. Basically it’s a chance to jump to the top of the IBF rankings. We’re participating in the heavyweight box-off, which puts us in the #2 spot and gives us the ability to step right into an eliminator. As a manager, I couldn’t have planned it any better than that. I love the fight because it’s not just a fight; it’s a strategic move to fulfill a goal we have, and that’s to become world heavyweight champion. “
