Since the convincing victory over former WBC champ Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, at the IBF Cruiserweight title eliminator at Sunrise, Florida on the 11th July, there has been surprisingly little news coming out of Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s camp. This silence appears to have set the rumour mill spinning into overtime with many highly respected boxing publications and websites around the world publishing reports that former Cruiserweight King ‘USS’ Cunningham had injured his hand during the fight against Guyana’s ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite and would not be ready for the proposed International Boxing Federation title showdown with Adamek at the Prudential Center in Newark this coming October..
‘USS’ Cunningham, who had in fact taken a well deserved extended holiday in Las Vegas with his family following the magnificent victory, became aware of the rumours after receiving calls from concerned friends and journalists regarding the reported injury on his return to training, under the guidance of “Trainer of the Year” Naazim Richardson at the James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia, a few weeks ago.
Speaking for the first time on the alleged injury ‘USS’ Cunningham said. “I feel great coming off of my fight with Braithwaite. I’ve heard there are rumors that I am injured from the fight and that’s simply not true. I’ve been back in the gym for three weeks now and I feel great! I’m at 100%, I am ready, willing and able to fight anyone in my path!”
The published rumours, which were accredited to being from a highly respected boxing insider, threw doubt that the mouthwatering prospect of a rematch with Adamek, to whom ‘USS’ Cunningham lost his coveted crown, by a close split decision, after the monumental “Fight of the Year” nominated battle royale back in December ‘08.
Around the same time as the rumours started to emerge so did reports that Adamek was to face fellow Polish hero Andzej Golota on October 10th, fueling further doubt on the rematch happening this year, if at all, as this would mean a move to Heavyweight for Adamek.
The former Navy man, whilst not quite extinguishing the flames of doubt over the rematch happening, did hint that his next fight may indeed still be for the coveted IBF belt, he had so proudly worn until that fateful December night, by saying, “My team and I are in the process of determining what’s next for me. I’m in line for the title and I expect to be fighting for the belt very soon. We should have some big announcements soon. Two time, in ’09”
Aztec Empire Boxing Launches Promotional Company!
On September 17, 2009, El Portal Club in southeast Houston, Texas, will be the site for Aztec Empire Promotion’s professional boxing inaugural show. The event, which is billed as “The New Generation/La Nueva Generacion”, will be headlined for the vacant Texas Super Featherweight Title by one of Houston’s most promising young fighters in recent memory: Eleazar Renteria (8-0) going up against tough Angel Rodriguez (3-3-2). The co-main event and undercard will feature local favorites Adrian “The Wizard” Lopez (9-3), dangerous Angel “El Gallo” Herrera (5-3), Nelson Ramos (2-0), Uko Isidien (1-0), pro debut Rafael “El Pipiripau” Munoz and San Antonio’s Jairo Martinez (3-0), these local and area young up-and-coming prospects are sure to provide a night of explosive boxing. Tickets are priced at $20 general admission and $65 VIP ringside. Location to purchase tickets will be at Aztec Empire Boxing Gym, 201 Adams Street, Houston, TX 77011 or by calling 832-206-4984.
Larry Hernandez, who is the owner of the Aztec Empire Boxing Gym and Founder of Aztec Empire Promotions, said, “I’ve done all of the legwork regarding the local boxing market and I know that the time is right to launch our promotional company. Boxing fans love great, tough, action packed fights and that is what Aztec Empire Promotions will give the fans without exception.”
Hernandez continued, “I truly believe that Houston possess some of the world’s most talented young fighters and boxing’s best fans. Aztec Empire Promotions will harness the two in order to create a strong base for our local talent to be ready to move to the next levels in boxing. I’m very proud and excited about September 17 and look forward to giving back to my community and the great city of Houston and want to thank everyone for their continued support.”
PS Ringside tickets are expected to sell out well in advance. Visit the site below to get yours today!
www.aztecempirepromotions.com