Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s hopes of facing Enzo Maccarinelli in Manchester, England on the 14th March were dashed when promoter, Frank Warren, wrote in his weekly column in the British newspaper, The Sun, that Maccarinelli will now face interim-champion, Victor Ramirez, for the vacant WBO title..
On being told the news ‘USS’ Cunningham, the former IBF cruiserweight champion who recently lost his title to Thomas ‘Goral’ Adamek in one of the greatest fights of 2008, said: “Man, I thought this would be a great time to fight Enzo. We tried to put that fight together last summer, but it never happened. I’m ready to dust of my passport, but that’ll have to wait for now.
Oh man, It’s a shame. I think it would have been a seriously great fight and I’ve wanted to fight in Britain for a long time. Shoot, I don’t have any luck getting it on with British fighters. Haye moved to the heavyweights last year and now this chance to face Enzo is shot. You know, one day I will get to fight in Britain or face Enzo. I’m sure it’ll happen.
I wish Enzo and Victor Ramirez the best. I’m sure it’ll be a great fight. I didn’t get to see Victor beat Alexander Alexeev, but heard it was a good fight. I’m sure it’ll be a banger, they’re both heavy hitters.”
Hopefully it will not be too long before Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham finds his next opponent so that boxing fans will get the chance to watch one of the world’s most exciting boxers in action again.
Haughian confident despite “Pazmanian Devil” backing for Walsh
Billy Walsh and Stephen Haughian will finally get it on for the Irish Welterweight title at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on February 7th. Haughian has been eyeing a crack at the undefeated Corkman’s title ever since he won it 12 months ago and now he’s got his wish.
“To be fighting so close to home is a dream come true and to fight for the Irish title is the icing on the cake,” said the Lurgan man. Haughian’s only up close and personal look at Walsh came when he appeared on the Leesider’s undercard in Cork two years ago and he says he saw enough night to know he can win.
“He’s the kind of guy that just comes out swinging,” said Haughian. “He doesn’t take a backward step so it should be a good fight. He’s a decent right hand and a good left hook and I’m sure he’ll start fast but I’m confident and my preparations couldn’t have gone any better so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”
Walsh is also quietly confident ahead of the first defence of his title and former two weight World Champ Vinny Pazienza has already made it known that he’s a fan of the Cork man.
Pazienza, who was known as the “Pazmanian Devil” during his fighting days is familiar with Walsh from his time in the U.S. The Rhode Island native enjoyed a glorious career that included an amazing comeback from a broken neck suffered in a car accident.
Since retiring in 2004 Pazienza has concentrated on TV work and he likes what he’s seen of Walsh. “I like Billy, he’s just a naturally tough guy who comes out banging. He’s got some boxing skills but he’s a tough SOB to go with it.
“He looks really good, has tons of ability and has a lot of amateur experience too. He’s known as ‘Billy Boy’ but I think they should change his nickname to ‘Hammerin’ Billy Walsh because he throws tons of punches and is heavy handed.”
One welterweight who won’t be on the card is Neil Sinclair. The Belfast puncher has suffered a recurrence of a niggling back injury that also caused him some problems last year and has been forced to withdraw from the Craigavon card.
Two weight Irish champ, Andy Murray from Cavan heads the undercard as he looks to stretch his unbeaten professional run to 14 straight fights
Belfast’s Kevin “Sweet Pea” O’Hara is also in action along with unbeaten light welterweight Michael Kelly and popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart.
Tickets priced £30, £40 and £60 are available from: Stephen Haughian 07595672699
Karpency eyes first belt!
On Friday January 30th at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia, 23 year old, Tommy Karpency (15-1-1 10kos) is scheduled to face Cory Phelps (13-4-1 7kos) over ten rounds for the vacant WBA Fedecentro Light Heavyweight Title. Promoted by Simons’ Promotions, the five bout card also features hot super middleweight prospect, Jimmy Lubash (12-1 6kos) in the eight round co-feature. Lubash will meet durable journeyman James North in a West Virginia State elimination match. Both Karpency and Lubash are managed by Pat Nelson and promoted by Steve Simons. The remainder of the undercard will be made up of four rounders. Andrew Snow (1-0) will battle Doug Bowling (0-0) in a cruiserweight rematch of their November 15th fight which ended in a no contest while journeymen Eric Burke (6-20) and Chris Overbey (8-10) tangle in a welterweight bout. Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased by contacting Simons’ Promotions at (304) 290-0291. The first bout hits the bell at 8PM.