Steve Cunningham Upbeat Ahead of Adamek Rematch

Photo credits: phillyboxinghistory.com

PHILADELPHIA - Former two-time IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham, 25-4, 12 KOs, held an open workout for the media at the Rock Ministries Gym, in the Kensington Section of Philadelphia. Cunningham was putting the finishing touches on his training preparations for an upcoming bout with rival Tomasz Adamek, 47-2, 29 KOs. The pair staged a classic clash for the cruiserweight title back in 2008, but now have invaded the heavyweight division.

The two heavyweights meet in a 12-round bout for Adamek's IBF North American Heavyweight Title, Saturday, December 22nd, at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. The fight will be shown live by NBC, a rarity for network TV these days. In fact, this will be the first boxing match on broadcast television in almost 20 years. The broadcast will begin at 4PM ET.

Cunningham, along with his trainer Brother Naazim Richardson, went through a light workout and then addressed the boxing press.

STEVE CUNNINGHAM:
"Camp has been great. I feel strong. I've been working with solid heavyweights like Chazz Witherspoon. I wanted this rematch for a long time, especially right after the first fight, but it didn't happen. My career went on, his career went on, and now our paths cross again. I'm excited. I'm looking at this like it's the first time we're fighting. I'm not looking for revenge. That's not in me. I'm just looking to win this fight and win it spectacularly. I'm just ready to fight. The time for talking is done."

Cunningham and Richardson Photo credits: phillyboxinghistory.com

BROTHER NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Steve's Trainer:
 "I'm feeling great. I'm feeling really confident, and very comfortable. Steve is sharp. Usually going into each fight, there's something that I'm a little uneasy with. But I really don't have that going into this fight. I think we're in a good place."

Brother Naazim Richardson Photo credits: phillyboxinghistory.com

LIVVY CUNNINGHAM, Steve's Manager and Wife:
"What comes along with this fight is huge. It's like a red carpet rollout to the top of the heavyweight division. Basically it's a chance to jump to the top of the IBF rankings. We're participating in the heavyweight box-off, which puts us in the #2 spot and gives us the ability to step right into an eliminator. As a manager, I couldn't have planned it any better than that. I love the fight because it's not just a fight; it's a strategic move to fulfill a goal we have, and that's to become world heavyweight champion. " 

ABOUT DECEMBER 22 FIGHT:

December 22nd at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania features Tomasz Adamek vs. Steve Cunningham in the main event and Tor Hamer vs. Vyacheslav Glazkov in the co-feature. The undercard will be announced shortly. The main event and co-feature will be broadcast on NBC network TV beginning 4PM EST. The card is presented by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions in association with Peltz Boxing, DiBella Entertainment and Pushka.

To purchase the remaining tickets while they last, contact the Sands Bethlehem Event Center box office 610-297-7414, Main Events 973-200-7050 and Peltz Boxing 215-765-0922, Ticketmaster, http://www.ticketmaster.com/Tomasz-Adamek-vs-Steve-Cunningham-tickets/artist/1794999 , and Ticketmaster Sales: during regular hours 800-745-3000, Ticketmaster Express: automated phone line for self-service ticket sales, even after hours, 866-448-7849.

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