Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is a promotional free agent following the conclusion of his eight year promotional contract with Don King Productions. ‘USS’ Cunningham and his wife, and manager, Livvy, are currently considering various options ahead of his forthcoming challenge for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight title against Canada’s Troy Ross..
US Navy veteran ‘USS’ Cunningham, who returned from camp, in Big Bear, California, last week following the cancellation of the 26th March title fight with Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey, spoke briefly about his time with Don King Productions . “It has been eight that I’ve been under contract with DKP, and a lot has happened, in those eight years I have become a world champion and have traveled all over the world, from South Africa to Europe. I am thankful to Don for the opportunities that he has given me and I wish him and his company nothing but the best in the future.”
He then went on to speak about his future plans. “As for my future, I’m excited, I am looking forward to finding a situation where I will be able to be more active in the ring and get more television exposure. I have been through a lot recently but I think one thing that has come out if it that was positive is that there has been a strong public interest in seeing me fight. It didn’t work out this time, but Lord willing, I will get another shot to fight on TV soon.”
‘USS’ Cunningham held the IBF World Cruiserweight title from 26th May 2007, after defeating Poland’s Krzysztof ‘Diablo’ Wlodarczyk, and defended the title twice, the first, which he won by a twelfth round stoppage, on the 29th December 2007 against Marco ‘Kapt’n’ Huck. Just over one year later, ‘USS’ Cunningham, lost a close split decision to Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek following their ‘Fight of the Year’ nominated battle at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on the 11th December 2008.
Team Cunningham and Troy Ross’ management have 30 days to come to an agreement for Cunningham vs. Ross for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight title otherwise the IBF will order a purse bid.
For further news and updates on Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham please visit his web site www.usscunningham.com
BRADLEY BLANKENSHIP TURNS PRO THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE RIO CASINO
LAS VEGAS, NV (March 28, 2010) This Friday night, April 2nd, former UNLV amateur boxer and standout Sierra Vista High School running back Bradley Blankenship will make his professional debut at HOMETOWN HEROES at the RIO CASINO in Las Vegas.
HOMETOWN HEROES, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing, featuring numerous terrific young prospects and Las Vegas fan favorites, is presented by Guilty Boxing in association with TKO Boxing Promotions.
The 20 year old Blankenship will battle Tucson, Arizona’s, Abraham Espinoza, 0-1, in a scheduled four round bout.
Last November, Blankenship announced his decision to turn professional, signing with Las Vegas based TKO Boxing Promotions and retaining award winning manager Cameron Dunkin to guide his career. Blankenship trains in Las Vegas with Kenny Adams who has worked with numerous world champions.
Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, “Bradley was a very accomplished amateur, having won the Nevada State Golden Gloves and was ranked #3 in the country by USA Boxing. We’re very excited to bring our HOMETOWN HEROES series to the Rio Casino and have the opportunity to feature Bradley at this event.”
Other sensational prospects and Las Vegas fan favorites featured at HOMETOWN HEROES include undefeated lightweight Sharif “THE LION WARRIOR” Bogere, junior lightweight Lonnie Smith, super middleweight Eddie Salas, lightweight Terence Crawford, welterweight Michael Finney, lightweight Fidel Maldonado Jr., and bantamweight Robert Rodriguez.
Advance tickets for HOMETOWN HEROES, priced at $100, $50 and $30, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com., 1-800-745-3000) and the RIO CASINO box office (www.riolasvegas.com., 1-888-746-7784).
The RIO CASINO is located at 3700 W. Flamingo Road in Las Vegas. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6pm with the first bell scheduled for 6:30pm.
RILEY ADDED TO FRIDAY’S CARD AT MOHEGAN SUN
Star Boxing’s light heavyweight prospect Yathomas Riley (7-0, 5KO) has been added to this Friday’s Star Boxing promoted card at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT. Headlining the card, which is being broadcast live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fight” series, is Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) defending his USBA welterweight championship against “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO).
The 2006 PAL and National Golden Gloves champion Riley is scheduled to meet Walter Foster (4-1-1, 4KO) in a six round light heavyweight contest. It will be Riley’s third appearance at Mohegan Sun since turning pro there in 2008.
“This is going to be my breakout year,” stated Riley. “I am focused and I am hungry and ready to start making my move in the light heavyweight division. I know I have what it takes to be champion, and now is my time to start showing it.”
Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. ESPN will begin their live coverage at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.