2009 Cruiserweight Report

by Dafs117

Let’s get real. The 200 pound division is a bitch of a division. A tease. Whenever the division finds a talented titleholder, he bottles it to heavyweight. That’s been the case for years. Recently, newly crowned Cruiserweight king Tomasz Adamek made the move up to heavyweight, leaving the division in desperate need for a new champion.

Bernard Hopkins has hinted many times of jumping up to cruiser and fight Adamek. It would’ve energized the division, and brought much needed attention to a competitive division. Nothing came in the end. The boxing public cried out for a rematch between Adamek and Steve Cunningham, but they thought different. When good match-ups are thrown out by the media and fans alike, the Cruisers ride the wave of good karma and let the cry die out.

The thing that grips most followers of the division, all 36 of them, is that anybody in the Top 50 could beat each other. This makes the division almost unpredictable. Also, the tailend of any top 10 Cruiserweight ratings can be made up of thousands of different combinations, and still be regarded as credible. You can make a case for any 200 pounder to be in the Top 10, seriously.

Who could succeed Adamek as the Cruiserweight King? At the head of the class is Philadelphian Steve Cunningham, one of few cruiserweights who have boxing ability not just power. He took Adamek the full twelve and may have won it if there was another set of judges involved.

Your Ad Here

Read more »

Where does Adamek go next?

by Dafs 117

Cruiserweight king Tomasz Adamek is coming off a crushing fifth round kayo victory over Polish icon Andrew Golota. In a new feature from the Boxing Tribune, we assess his current options and possible paths, judging fighters he should challenge, and the fighters he should definitely avoid.

Firstly, we estimate that Adamek’s long term goal is to eventually get a fight against a Klitschko. We then looked at who’s challenged Adamek, who’s in a position that Adamek would like to be and who Adamek needs to fight to kick off his heavyweight dream.

Headhunters:

Steve Cunningham: Leading the pack who has repeatedly voiced his cause for a rematch of their thriller last year, Steve Cunningham is the only real option at 200 pounds for Adamek. After knocking Cunningham down three times in their 12 round brawl, the Pole still only managed to scrape a split decision victory over the American. Cunningham out-boxed Adamek, similar to the way Chad Dawson did to claim the WBC light heavyweight title from Adamek, but the Pole convinced the judges that he was king at 200 pounds. If Adamek does decide to move down to cruiserweight, surely Cunningham is the only option. It’s a great bout with a lot of interest from fight fans. But if Adamek wants to enhance his reputation further, Steve Cunningham is not the guy to do it. Too much risk for so little award.

Steve Cunningham: AVOID

Eddie Chambers: After suffering a unanimous defeat to Alexander Povetkin over a year ago, Eddie Chambers has quickly regained his position as the top American heavyweight contender with stellar performances against Samuel Peter and Alexander Dimitrenko, both times winning decisions away from his hometown. As a boxer with a height advantage you would expect Eddie Chambers to outbox Tomasz Adamek early on but with Adamek’s pressure, Chambers will eventually lose the close rounds and surely it could make a compelling finish. With Chambers a name considered for a title shot by the WBO, he’s a name that Adamek should target soon if he wants the chance against a Klitschko.

Eddie Chambers: CHALLENGE

Alexander Povetkin: As he’s IBF’s top challenger, Tomasz Adamek would need to get past Alexander Povetkin to get his shot at Wladmir Klitschko in 2010. The Ukrainian throws about the same number of punches as Adamek over the course of the fight but Adamek is considered to be much quicker than Povetkin. Povetkin however will hold a slight advantage in the power stakes and with new trainer Teddy Atlas behind him, it will hard to see Adamek beating the Ukranian based on his recent performances. As Povetkin is considered to be the next best thing after the Klitschko’s, a victory would see Adamek probably be ranked as the third best heavyweight and set up a potential showdown with Wladmir Klitschko, the IBF heavyweight champion.

Alexander Povetkin: AVOID

Samuel Peter: Samuel Peter is trying to revitalize his career with Top Rank following a string of defeats that has seen him quickly fall down the pecking order with many leading organizations. The Nigerian Nightmare still possesses huge knockout power and will prove a stern test to Adamek’s discipline to not go and trade with the bulky Peter. I strongly feel that Adamek could easily tap dance around Sam Peter for 12 rounds and win a shutout decision. A big performance, with a stoppage victory, would probably see Adamek ranked in the top 10 at heavyweight. With Peter’s 30 pound weight advantage, Adamek would struggle to deal with Peter’s bombs if they can find their mark. Adamek would enhance his reputation with a victory over Peter, who is now surely past his monstrous prime.

Samuel Peter: CHALLENGE

Wladmir Klitschko: Don’t be stupid now Tomasz. Beating Andrew Golota hardly merits a title shot at Wladmir unless you’ve got the marketing brilliance and the mouth of David Haye. Adamek needs seasoning, experience and rounds at heavier weight against better class opponents before thinking about a Klitschko. However, the Klitschko’s aren’t stupid, and can see that Adamek is a long term threat. They’ll see that the sooner they face Adamek, the better and with the size advantage they will beat him so badly, we won’t see him at those heights again in the division. Why hasn’t Juan Carlos Gomez, another former Cruiserweight king, fought again after getting demolished by Vitali Klitschko? He hasn’t recovered, and frankly neither would Adamek.

Wladmir Klitschko: AVOID

The Boxing Tribune Pathway Too Success: You’ve got a year and a half to practice, probe and get yourself in the best possible mental condition for a battering against a Klitschko. We would start with a 10 round unanimous decision tap dance over Samuel Peter. Then move on to ranked contender Eddie Chambers and hopefully stun him into a close decision. By keeping busy in New Jersey against over the hill former contenders, Adamek would impress the bosses at K2 promotions and spot that Adamek is ready to get a beating. He gets his massive payday, gets pizza faced by jabs and notches a second defeat on his record.

Your Ad Here

Former Champ Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s ‘Fighting Obesity In Children’ Camp This Saturday

Press Release:

Former IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, and current #1 ranked IBF contender, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is keeping himself busy as he waits to reclaim the coveted Cruiserweight crown by hosting a free camp for the children of Philadelphia at Rock Ministry in Philadelphia on Saturday 17th October 2009.

‘USS’ Cunningham, who lost the IBF Cruiserweight title by a close split decision, after the magnificent December ‘08 ‘Fight Of The Year’ nominated battle with Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, created the camp to teach children the value of physical fitness and healthy nutrition, as well as provide them with the confidence and tools to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Taking a break from training, at the James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia, father of two, ‘USS’ Cunningham spoke briefly about obesity in children and the camp. "Back when I was young, we did not have all the technology and distractions available today, we played outside way more than kids do now and I believe that is one of the reason's childhood obesity is such a huge problem. It is estimated that there are roughly 9 million obese children in the US, all of which face obesity health related issues and complications, and that is really scary. I want to give the kids at my camp tips on how to balance their lives and live more healthy and hopefully avoid the health complications that come with being overweight from such a young age."

Joining ‘USS’ Cunningham, at the AngerWear and CurvSports sponsored camp, will be #1 ranked Heavyweight contender ‘Fast’ Eddie Chambers, former Philadelphia Eagle and radio personality Garry Cobb, Philadelphia Flyers’ Riley Cote, and President of TS Training and certified personal trainer Tanya Stroh.

Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s ‘Fighting Obesity In Children’ camp, for 13-18 year olds, will be on Saturday 17th October 2009 at Rock Ministry, 2755 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, from 10:00AM - 3:00PM (Registration and breakfast 9:00AM).

Your Ad Here

USA! USA! America's 10 Best Boxers!

We've already explored the topic of Britain's and Puerto Rico's best. In the works are features on the best Filipino and Mexican fighters.

However, on this July 4th, it's only fitting to write about America's best active fighters.

So, grill another burger and open another cold one while we delve into the topic of who, exactly, are America's Finest:

10) Steve Cunningham- This former Cruiserweight champ with quick hands and sharp reflexes would still be sporting the bragging rights of being "The World's Best Cruiser" if not for, literally, four or five punches from Tomasz Adamek last year. Cunningham is working his way back to a rematch and wants nothing more than to avenge this tough loss.

9) Andre Berto- The reigning WBC Welterweight titlist gets little respect in the media, but he was good enough to beat a very tough Luis Collazo as well as a large handful of tough contenders ranging from Jr. Welter slugger, Juan Urango, to tough ex-champ, Cosme Rivera.

8) Nate Campbell- The Galaxxy Warrior shocked the world last year by beating up and out-classing the highly-regarded Juan Diaz. He followed that up with a gutsy win over the awkward and talented, Ali Funeka. At 37 years of age, there aren't too many more fights in Campbell's reserves, but he'll have the chance at another career-defining bout against Timothy Bradley in August.

7) Kelly Pavlik- While still no.1 at Middleweight, Pavlik's star has fallen considerably following his embarrassing loss to Bernard Hopkins and the recent postponement of his fight with Sergio Mora. However, Pavlik is still the iron-fisted slugger who beat Jermain Taylor and Edison Miranda into submission and turned the tough Marco Antonio Rubio into a a mid-fight pacifist.

6) Timothy Bradley- Bradley is the man at Jr. Welterweight, whether Ring Magazine says so or not. He went over to the UK to take the title from the awkward Junior Witter, completely dismantled veteran Edner Cherry, and beat fellow 140 lb. champ, Kendall Holt, in a thriller. Now, on August 1st, he takes on former unified Lightweight champ, Nate Campbell, in another tough and dangerous fight to add to the case for making him no. 1 at 140.

5) Chad Dawson- Forget the fact that he had a couple of dull fights with Antonio Tarver and consider the fact that he just beat Tarver twice...decisively. In addition to the Tarver fights, Dawson also holds exciting wins over Eric Harding, Tomasz Adamek, and Glen Johnson. The rematch of the controversial Johnson fight has been signed to once and for all prove that Dawson indeed deserved the nod.

4) Bernard Hopkins- Coming off his schooling of Kelly Pavlik, B-Hop is looking for just the right fight with which to close out a spectacular career. Whoever he fights last needs to be aware that they are fighting one of the smartest, toughest men in the game and that they are in for a very long night. If Hopkins doesn't make it into the Hall of Fame as soon as he's eligible, they should just close the place down.

3) Shane Mosley- With wins over Antonio Margarito, Ricardo Mayorga and Luis Collazo as well as a close contest with Miguel Cotto, Mosley has re-established his claim as one of the few active fighters who could be tagged with the "Legend" label. He has been in hot pursuit of a bout with Manny Pacquiao, but that looks unlikely to happen.

2) Paul Williams- Williams has been given the nickname of "The Most Feared Man in Boxing" and it's hard to dispute. Most of the big names from 147 up to 160 simply refuse to even mention his name. Being an unusually tall and freakishly active southpaw has a lot to do with it...victories over Antonio Margarito and easy wins over tough veterans like Carlos Quintana, Verno Phillips and Winky Wright may also be a big factor in the fact that Williams' phone isn't ringing off the hook with fight offers.

1) Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Mayweather gets the top spot before he even officially makes his return from a 20 month "retirement." Mayweather may be the most gifted fighter of this generation and is doubly-blessed with one of the sharpest boxing minds in the sport. While getting gang-hated for having the nerve to talk about business decisions in boxing interviews, few can doubt that Mayweather is one awesome fighter.

Five to Watch

* Andre Ward- Olympic Gold Medalist who just outclassed Edison Miranda. He just may be the next big, American star.

* Andre Dirrell- In the same Super Middleweight division as Ward, Dirrell has a better resume at this point and has all the tools to beat anyone in and around the division.

* Rocky Juarez- No longer a prospect, but definitely someone with the skill and one-punch power to shock the world. He's blamed his recent tentative performances on an eye injury...He's a hundred percent healthy now...

* Chris Arreola- Arreola has two things lacking in the current crop of American Heavyweights: Massive power in either fist and the will to push ahead when things get rough.

* Daniel Jacobs- Still a baby in the sport, but few prospects have displayed the maturity and technique that Jacobs has shown so far against limited opposition.

So, there you have it! Cheer up America and light another bottle rocket. The world may be producing some great talents these days, but The USA is still capable of holding its own...

Your Ad Here