Boxing News Boxing News
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
