Recently deposed IBF cruiserweight champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham speaks out for the first time since the epic battle at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on December 11, which saw Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek from Jersey City, NJ. capture the IBF crown by a contentious split decision.

After receiving the highest accolades from luminaries in the sport and media for his performance during the action packed bout, which is being hailed by all sectors of the media as ‘The Fight Of The Year’, Cunningham spoke shortly after the return to his home town of Philadelphia.

“I want to congratulate Adamek on his victory," said Cunningham. "It was a tough fight, one that we were easily winning without the flash knockdowns. We feel that the work that was put in was enough to win the fight, but understand that the judges saw differently.

"I could be disappointed in the outcome of the fight, but these things happen in boxing. I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I believe that everything happens for a reason. I am proud of my performance, I think the fans saw a different side of me that they have not seen before.

"Despite being put down three times in the fight, I fought with everything I had in me; I was not going to quit or give Adamek an easy night. As a matter of fact, I won the fight but lost the decision and that’s not just my view, I’ve read most of the fight reports, I see that a lot of guys who know what they are talking about also think I had done enough to win or at least get a draw.

"I want the fans to know that I will be Champion again, I want the rematch as soon as Adamek would be willing to get back in the ring.”

As the fight was a mandatory defense there is no automatic rematch option in the contract. Tomasz Adamek and his team have made it clear that the
only way they would consider a rematch if there was “big money and serious television on the table”, something that Cunningham understands and accepts as Adamek is now the champion and it is his prerogative.

However, Steve feels that the he deserves the opportunity to win back his title and the fans deserve the opportunity to see him and Adamek in gladiatorial battle again.

If you think the same, call or write to HBO and Showtime and tell them.

For news on Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham go to www.usscunningham.com

Share/Save | (0) comments | Add your comments
Click to read more boxing articles by Boxing Press

Discuss in Boxing Forum

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• Boxing Preview: Steve Cunningham - Krzysztof Wlodarczyk

  Undefeated Philadelphian cruiserweight Steve Cunningham will be in Warsaw, Poland tonight, looking to win the vacant IBF title from local man Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. Cunningham, 19-0 (10), has been facing >
  
  

• Boxing Result: Steve Cunningham Beats Krzysztof Wlodarczyk In Rematch For IBF Cruiser Belt

  It was another close fight when IBF Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk rematched American opponent Steve Cunningham last night at the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland but this time it was >
  
  

• IBF Boxing Champ Steve Cunningham To Receive “Briscoe” Award In Philly

  Philadelphia’s only current boxing world champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, is to be presented with a “Briscoe” award for 2007 Fighter of the Year. The presentation of the award will be >
  
  

• Former IBF Boxing Champ Cunningham Congratulates Afolabi

  Former IBF Cruiserweight king Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham praised Ola ‘Kryptonite’ Afolabi for his stunning ninth round knockout of former WBO cruiserweight Champion Enzo ‘Big Mac’ Maccarinelli on Saturday to take >
  
  

• Steve Cunningham Cheers On Krzysztof Wlodarczyk In His New Challenge

  

  IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, was quick to praise the performance of his former championship opponent, Krzysztof ‘Diablo’ Wlodarczyk 41-2 (3KOs), who is taking part in the Polish >
  
  

• Wlodarczyk Hands Cunningham First Loss, Annexes IBF Cruiser Title

  Last night in Warsaw, Poland, hometown hero Krzysztof Wlodarczyk outpointed previously undefeated Philadelphian Steve Cunningham by split decision to take the vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title belt. The 25 year >
  
  

• IBF Boxing Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham Adds PR, Marketing Member To Team

  IBF Cruiserweight Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham announces today that he has added publicity and sports marketing specialist, Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, to his team as he prepares for his >
  
  

• Boxing Update: Cunningham vs. Godfrey For Vacant IBF Title

  Former IBF cruiserweight champ Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s dreams of regaining the IBF belt from the man that took his coveted title were shattered on Monday when Main Events boss Kathy >
  
  

• Boxing Info: Wlodarczyk to Cunningham “Let’s Settle the Score”

  Former world cruiserweight champion Krzysztof “Diablo’ Wlodarczyk is a warrior, and as such, accepting losses doesn’t come easy to him. The last man to beat him, current IBF cruiserweight >
  
  

• Boxing Update: Cunningham Praises Adamek’s Knockout Victory.

  

  © Wojciech Kubik Former IBF Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham was ringside at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Friday night supporting his former foe, current champ, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, >
  
  

---

Boxing News Tags: , Steve Cunningham, Tomasz Adamek