Former two time International Boxing Federation (IBF) Champion of the World, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, announced earlier today that he is now a promotional free agent, as well as stated that he is considering a move to the Heavyweight division.
Cunningham, whose second reign as Champion see him secure victories over Troy Ross and Enad Licina before controversially losing his crown, due to a dubious Technical Decision in favour of his opponent, Cuba’s Yoan Pablo Hernandez, in October 2011.
The IBF reacted instantly, ordering an immediate rematch, which took place on the 4th February, this time the bout went the distance, however the result went against the former Navy man.
Since the second Hernandez fight, Team Cunningham have been attempting to secure a meaningful Cruiserweight bout, preferably a title challenge, without any success.
On making the announcement Cunningham said, “I’m excited to be a free agent again and see what’s out there.
I feel like heavyweight is the right move for me right now, but I would still take the right cruiserweight fight.
I would love to fight in America again, but I’ll go wherever duty calls.”
IABA UPDATE (AIBA NOTIFICATION IN REGARDS TO JOE WARD)
The IABA have received final notification today from AIBA that boxer Joe Ward, (81kg) will not be competing in the 2012 London Olympics.
The AIBA notification states: “…following the Olympic Qualifying Guidelines approved by the IOC Executive Board, the next Best Boxer from the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships is supposed to be selected. Following the Competition Protocol list, we regrettably found out that your boxer does not meet the qualification to be the next Best Boxer in your continent.”
The IABA High Performance Head Coach Billy Walsh has stated that he is extremely disappointed with this decision.
SHOWTIME Sports® to Air Johnny Tapia Tribute at Top of June 23 Telecast
NEW YORK (June 19, 2012) – Before this Saturday’s welterweight clash featuring Victor Ortiz vs. Josesito Lopez, SHOWTIME Sports® will pay tribute to Johnny Tapia with a short-form piece airing on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Following Tapia’s nine appearances on SHOWTIME, the premium network’s archives contained multiple hours of intimate footage featuring New Mexico’s favorite fighter, some of which never before seen. In memory of the three-division champion’s captivating life journey, the tribute will chronicle Tapia’s exhilarating – as well as heartbreaking – underdog tale that endeared him to boxing fans worldwide.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.