Tyson Fury vs Steve Cunningham reportedly close for April 20

Tyson Fury might finally be ready to make his United States debut, as the 6'9" heavyweight prospect is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to face former cruiserweight champ Steve Cunningham at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 20. NBC would televise the afternoon fight.

Fury (20-0, 14 KO) has made a lot of noise since debuting in late 2008, and has in time improved as a fighter more take seriously as a prospect than they did early in his career. He's always had the media game down pat, but has turned himself into a better in-ring product, too.

The 24-year-old Fury went 3-0 in 2012, beating Martin Rogan, Vinny Maddalone, and Kevin Johnson. Cunningham (25-5, 12 KO) would be giving up a lot of size, but he's definitely a more talented fighter than anyone Fury has faced to date, and could present some issues with his boxing skill.

Cunningham returned to the States last year, signing with Main Events after a spell fighting for Sauerland Event in Europe. He beat Jason Gavern in September, then lost a very controversial split decision to Tomasz Adamek in December.

Cunningham, 36, will have a big chance to establish himself in the heavyweight division if this fight goes through. He gained a lot of respect for his performance against Adamek, but Fury is, physically speaking, a much bigger challenge.

Can Cunningham beat the youngster and derail Fury's rise?