Boxing Update: Steve Cunningham vs. Wayne Braithwaite?

© Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Former cruiserweight king Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is close to securing Guyana’s Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite as a comeback opponent in his quest to regain the IBF crown he lost to Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek last December.

Cunningham had been hoping to secure a quick rematch with Adamek after their December 11 “Fight of the Year” nominated classic, but after the announcement that Adamek was to face Johnathon Banks on February 27, the Philadelphia native started to look elsewhere.

When the news came through that an opportunity to face former WBC Champion Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite was available Cunningham could barely hide his joy.

“I am really looking forward to this fight,” said Cunningham. “This is a fight that I expected to happen a few years ago. Wayne is a tough, strong guy. He was a great champ and I expect this to be a great fight.

“So far, my promoter has said that no networks are interested in this fight and that is disappointing. Wayne is an exciting fighter, former world champion, and with me coming off of my last fight with Adamek and all the attention that got, I know the American fans would want to see this fight.

“This fight is very important to me, as it will put me back in line as mandatory challenger for Adamek, assuming he gets past Banks, which I hope
he does. I’m going to be champ again and I want to take my title back from Adamek.”

Cunningham’s proposed opponent, Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite, became WBC champion after stopping Vincenzo Cantatore in the tenth round
on October 11, 2002 in Italy.

After successfully defending his title three times, he faced WBA champ Jean-Marc Mormeck in an unification match in March 2005. After twelve hard fought rounds, Mormeck emerged victorious.

In 2007, Braithwaite traveled to Cardiff, Wales to challenge Enzo Maccarinelli for his WBO title. Again, after twelve action packed rounds, ‘Big Truck’ was on the losing side of a points decision.

On paper, Cunningham vs. Braithwaite has “classic” and “thriller” stamped all over it. Two magnificent former champions locked in battle to regain their coveted number one status.

Given that Braithwaite is a hard punching southpaw with an impressive knockout record and Cunningham is an athletic fighter with fast hands and a high punch rate, those elements can only lead to an exciting all-action contest, if not an all out war.

It is quite likely that this fight could be even more exciting than the thrilling Cunningham vs. Adamek contest.

It is expected that the date and location of Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham vs. Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite will be announced shortly.