With tomorrow, December 7th, being the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into the Second World War, US Navy veteran Steve “USS” Cunningham took time out from training camp to remember that historic day and to honor all those currently serving America in the United States military.
Cunningham spoke of honoring the troops, “Pearl harbor was 9/11 before 9/11… it shook our country to the core, but made us grow stronger. I have so much respect for the men and women who have in the past, and continue now, to serve our country.”
Cunningham served in the United Sates Navy between 1994 and 1998, and it was in the Navy that he began boxing and collecting amateur titles. During his service, Cunningham was stationed on two different aircraft carriers, the USS America and the USS Enterprise. His stint on the USS America included six months in Europe, which foreshadowed his European campaign as a professional boxer years later.
Cunningham, 25-6, 12 KOs, won both of his world cruiserweight championships in Europe, and between 2006 and 2012 fought a total of seven world title bouts overseas. These days, he’s been fighting closer to his hometown of Philadelphia, and will next see action on December 14th in Atlantic City. It will be the first time is his entire career that Cunningham has fought in the Jersey Shore boxing hub.
“It will be great to fight in Atlantic City, it’s so close to home and I know many of my fans from Philly will come to support me,” said Cunningham.
He added, “I am chomping at the bit to get back in the ring on December 14th and to let everyone know I am not going anywhere, I’m still here and still a threat in this division. My son Cruz turns 3 years old on that day and I plan to give him a victory for his birthday.”
That night, Cunningham faces Manuel Quezada, 29-7, 18 KOs, in an 8-round heavyweight bout at Resorts International Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The fight is part of a big card that features Amir Mansour, 19-0, 14 KOs, against Kelvin Price, 14-1, 6 KOs, in a 10-round heavyweight bout, and light heavyweights Ryan Coyne and Lionell Thompson in another 10-rounder. The two 10-round fights will be nationally televised on Fight Night, the live boxing series on NBC Sports Network, beginning 8PM ET. The Cunningham – Quezada fight or highlights will be shown if time permits.
