IBF Boxing Champ Cunningham On Pavlik vs. Hopkins

© Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Philadelphia’s only current boxing world champion, cruiserweight ring king Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, took a little time out from preparing for his December 11, IBF title defense against Tomasz ‘Road Warrior’ Adamek to gives his verdict on this weekend’s big fight between young gun Kelly Pavlik and fellow Philly star Bernard ‘The Executioner’ Hopkins.

“It’s going to be a good fight,” said Cunningham. “No, a great fight. It’s an interesting match up. You’ve got the legendary Bernard Hopkins. Bernard’s done it all. This guy’s won so many championships over the years. He’s mixed it up with the biggest names in the business, Trinidad, Johnson, De la Hoya, Winky, Tarver, and beat them all. You know, in recent years the only guys to beat him are Jermain Taylor and Joe Calzaghe.

“You have to go all the way back to ‘93 for his previous loss to Roy Jones Jnr. Now he’s taking on this young guy, Pavlik, who’s been so dominant all his career. He’s undefeated. He’s good for sure after all he beat Taylor twice and already has two major belts.

“As for who’s going to win, this is one of those fights I can’t really pick a clear winner. I think it depends on which Hopkins turns up. Bernard’s a great fighter, highly skilled. He’s got all sorts of tricks. You see all types of Bernard turning up for fights. If the Bernard that fought and beat Tarver turns up then I would say that it’s going to be Hopkins fight.

“If the laid back Bernard turns up, you know like the one that fought Calzaghe, well I don’t think it will be enough. Don’t get me wrong it was a good fight. I just felt Bernard needed to do more.

“Pavlik’s got all the tools, he’s got the combinations, you know, the one, two, three and then the uppercuts. He’s a good fighter. He doesn’t let his opponents get comfortable. he pushes all the time, you have to be prepared for a hard fight when he’s in the ring.

“As I said it all depends on which Bernard turns up. I can’t call this fight for certain, so I’m going to stay neutral and just enjoy watching a great fight.”

Kelly Pavlik vs Bernard Hopkins takes place this coming Saturday at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

The IBF World Cruiserweight Championship title fight between Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and challenger, Tomasz ‘Polish Warrior’ Adamek is co-promoted by Main Events and Don King Productions, will take place at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday, December 11 2008.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at The Prudential Center box office or by calling TicketMaster on 201-507-8900.