The Politics of Steve USS Cunningham
Editorial By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham may be in the gym, training, and also training young up and coming fighters. Steve Cunningham, the former world cruiserweight champion, might like to have one or two more fights. Like Randall Bailey, the politics of boxing have allowed them only a rare television fight to showcase an and coming fighter. Meanwhile, Steve stays busy at his USS Fight Academy Pittsburgh Boxing Gym and Fitness Center.
At what point does a fighter get used like a business just for his name? Cunningham fought Andrew Tabiti and Vyacheslav Glaskov brilliantly with his jab “Jabbing their brains out, and they still gave him rounds (the other guy).” Even the promoter told him you’re older, you are a two-time world champion, and they are just going to use you for your record. Retire.” Cunningham wants to go out on his terms. Unfortunately, the terms have not happened.
Steve, 29-1-1 with 13 knockouts, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, fought the best during his 17 year career at cruiserweight and heavyweight. In this reporter’s view, there may be a few fighters left in the tank for Steve, for financial advantage but to career disadvantage. The big money is at heavyweight, and Steve has already fought Tyson Fury, who he dropped but lost to when he hailed to put him away.
With Las Vegas and the big paydays a distant memory, Steve’s final opportunities probably are with the rising heavyweights of Europe, or maybe a heavyweight contender at Barclays, give or take a few minor tune-ups over here. Given the level of his fighting ability and seriousness, Steve is unlikely to fall for the trap of serving as a last minute opponent without sufficient preparations. Others may be reluctant to fight him. Whatever the case, Steve Cunningham seems like to return in 2019 and 2020, but who is anybody’s guess. Knowing Steve, who wants to go out a winner, he undoubtedly will train to do just that, which is perhaps the key reason nobody wants to fight Steve in a neutral and fair situation. Steve is a distinguished world champion, and should not be cashed out in his final events.
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