Bad Left Hook - Fury vs Cunningham: Live results, preview, updates, round-by-round, and full coverageGlobal Boxing News and Commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47131/backingthepack-fave.png2013-04-22T16:25:56-04:00http://www.badlefthook.com/rss/stream/39935792013-04-22T16:25:56-04:002013-04-22T16:25:56-04:00Cunningham plans to appeal Fury loss
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<p>Steve Cunningham says he has plans to appeal his April 20 loss to Tyson Fury, citing several illegal tactics, including a forearm to the face that set up the finishing right hand shot from Fury.</p> <p>On his <a href="https://twitter.com/usscunningham" target="_blank">Twitter account</a> today, Steve "USS" Cunningham has been very vocal about his feelings regarding his <a href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/20/4246888/fury-vs-cunningham-results-tyson-knocks-out-steve-nbc-boxing-news" target="_blank">KO loss to Tyson Fury</a> this past Saturday, and noted that he does plan to appeal the loss with the New York State Athletic Commission.</p>
<p>Cunningham (25-6, 12 KO) is citing -- as many critics, pundits, fans, and people with eyes have done -- the illegal tactics used by Fury in the fight, in particular the left forearm to Cunningham's face that set up Fury's final blow, a big right hand that put Cunningham down for the count.</p>
<p>Though Cunningham, 36, was modest in the ring during his post-fight interview, he has apparently reviewed the tape and seen what many saw very clearly, and what Fury (21-0, 15 KO) did was without question illegal. So I do think Cunningham has a case here, but whether it's enough for the NYSAC to reverse a decision, declaring a no-contest, is another matter entirely. That could go either way.</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/22/4253782/steve-cunningham-plans-appeal-loss-tyson-fury-citing-illegal-tactics-forearm-nbc-boxing-newsScott Christ2013-04-20T17:48:17-04:002013-04-20T17:48:17-04:00Results: Fury knocks out Cunningham
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<p>Tyson Fury faced some adversity in his American debut, but came back to knock out Steve Cunningham in seven rounds.</p> <p>Tyson Fury started cocky, talking trash loudly, telling Steve Cunningham he "had nothing," and then shoving him after the first round. But in the second, the 24-year-old got a reality check, when Cunningham floored him on a massive overhand right. After that, the talking was over, and the fight was on.</p>
<p>In what would up a very entertaining and interesting battle, Fury eventually used his size and weight to wear down Cunningham, before knocking him out in the seventh round on a right hand that was set up in part by a shove with the left forearm.</p>
<p>Cunningham (25-6, 12 KO) noted the forearm, but didn't complain about it after the fight, saying, "He did what a big man's supposed to do to a little man."</p>
<p>Fury (21-0, 15 KO) gave Cunningham some respect after the fight, saying, "Cunningham put up a good fight but he lost to the better fighter on the night," and encouraging the crowd to cheer for the fight.</p>
<p>About the knockdown in the second, Fury remarked, "I got caught with a big swinging right hand. When you don't see them coming, you go down. But you get back up."</p>
<p>After the bout, Fury sang in the ring, to the delight or horror of boxing fans around the world, depending on what you think of Tyson Fury. Whatever you think, he showed some resolve today, and though his skills may have been exposed a good bit by Cunningham, he did his job and came out the winner. And a fight like this might be a benefit for him in the long run, though one wonders how he'll deal with someone like a Wladimir Klitschko, someone his own size that he can't lean on and wear down, whose right hands are a lot bigger than Steve Cunningham's.</p>
<p>On the undercard, Curtis Stevens improved to 24-3 (17) with a decision win over Derrick Findley (20-10, 13 KO). Scores were 78-74 twice, and 79-73.</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/20/4246888/fury-vs-cunningham-results-tyson-knocks-out-steve-nbc-boxing-newsScott Christ2013-04-20T13:30:03-04:002013-04-20T13:30:03-04:00Fury-Cunningham: Live results and discussion
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<p>Tyson Fury debuts in the States, facing veteran Steve Cunningham in New York, with Curtis Stevens taking on Derrick Findley in the co-feature.</p> <p>Today at 4:00 pm EDT on NBC in the U.S. and Channel 5 in the U.K., Tyson Fury makes his debut on American soil, facing former cruiserweight titlist Steve Cunningham in New York, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.</p>
<p>Fury (20-0, 14 KO) is the favorite, due to his being a massive heavyweight at 6'9", with a six-inch height and about a 40-pound weight advantage over Cunningham (25-5, 12 KO). The intrigue in the matchup comes from the fact that the 36-year-old Cunningham is without question the best overall fighter Fury, 24, has faced to date, and there is at least a chance we could see Fury "exposed' to some degree. That, or Fury will continue to improve, as he's done for the last few years, and stake his claim as a legitimate contender.</p>
<p>In the televised co-feature, middleweight banger Curtis Stevens (23-3, 17 KO) will face tough trial horse Derrick Findley (20-9, 13 KO) in an eight-round bout. Stevens demolished Elvin Ayala in 70 seconds his last time out, but Findley has never been stopped. That is Stevens' goal in this fight.</p>
<p>BLH will have live coverage, as part of our continuous three-card run today. Join us!</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/20/4246238/fury-vs-cunningham-live-results-fight-time-round-by-round-coverageScott Christ2013-04-20T12:45:41-04:002013-04-20T12:45:41-04:00Fury-Cunningham: Staff picks
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<p>Will Tyson Fury be too big, or will Steve Cunningham's veteran savvy and skills lead him to the upset? BLH staffers pick the winner.</p> <p><b>Scott Christ</b></p>
<p>Logic suggests that Cunningham, giving up six inches of height against Tyson Fury, will have a tough time doing much. But this logic suggests that Fury is going to know what to do against by far the most skilled fighter he's faced to date. Yes, Cunningham, at 6'3" and a lean 210 pounds, is the smaller man, but Fury has been hurt by the likes of Neven Pajkic and Nicolai Firtha. As much as Fury harps on his win over Kevin Johnson like it's some big deal, with some in the lovable UK press going along with that, Johnson doesn't throw punches. Cunningham will.</p>
<p>There's every reason to believe that Fury will stop Cunningham, or he'll simply be too big a man for Cunningham to handle. But I'm going with Cunningham, just because, as he proves evasive and clever enough to continually tag Fury and frustrate the big hothead en route to a decision win. <b>Cunningham by decision.</b></p>
<p><b>Tom Craze</b></p>
<p>While I think Tyson Fury is still a fighter with real limitations, it's hard to fault him too much when he keeps racking up the wins. Cunningham is a solid test for him - while not likely to present much of a physical challenge, he's by far the most intelligent boxer Fury's been in with.</p>
<p>Ultimately though, I think Fury's just too big, too strong. He'd be best advised to abandon the cautious, stand-off style we've seen from him in spurts thus far, and close the distance as much as he can. If he does, I think he walks Cunningham down and wears him down late. Fury TKO9</p>
<p><b>Kory Kitchen</b></p>
<p>If these guys were the same height I would probably pick Cunningham in a heartbeat. Of course, that is totally irrelevant so whatever. Fury is going to use his height and reach to its fullest advantage. He will pump out his jab and fire long right hands to keep Cunningham at bay. Cunningham is at his best when he can be in boxer mode (see his rematch with Tomasz Adamek).</p>
<p>But here will need to get close to the bigger man, and that doesn't fit his style. I just can't see him bobbing and weaving his way inside. Fury will control the pace and distance with his jab and land more right hands as the fight wears on. I think a few of them catch Cunningham late, hurt him badly, and end the night. Fury by late stoppage.</p>
<p><b>Dave Oakes</b></p>
<p>Cunningham was a very good fighter in his prime, unfortunately, his prime was around six years ago and at cruiserweight. He's still a decent operator but he's never been the biggest of cruiserweights, let alone a heavyweight. In my opinion, the size difference between himself and Fury will be too much.<br><br>Cunningham may prove to be awkward early, but as the fight goes on, his 36 year old legs will start to slow and he'll become a sitting target for Fury. Fury isn't a massive puncher but he does hit with authority, and Cunningham hasn't been a stranger to the canvas, although he's always shown tremendous heart by getting up and has never been stopped. <br><br>I can see Fury's jab being a vital tool, he's got a significant reach advantage over Cunningham and can control the fight if he can keep the American on the end of it. Cunningham is as brave as they come but I feel he'll struggle to make it to the final bell in this one. He's not got the power to discourage Fury and at some point the big Brit is going to start landing heavy punches, punches of an 18 stone heavyweight. I can see Cunningham being saved by his corner or the referee around the 9th round. <b>Fury by stoppage.</b></p>
<p><b>Final Tally: Tyson Fury 3, Steve Cunningham 1.</b></p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/20/4246010/fury-vs-cunningham-picks-predictions-preview-channel-5-nbc-boxing-newsBad Left Hook2013-04-17T12:05:18-04:002013-04-17T12:05:18-04:00Fury-Cunningham presser heats up in NYC
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<p>Tyson Fury and Steve Cunningham couldn't have come off more differently if they'd scripted today's press conference, as Fury talked trash, poked, and prodded, while Cunningham remained steely-eyed.</p> <p>Tyson Fury was his usual animated self today at Legends in New York, where he and Steve Cunningham met up for the final press conference ahead of Saturday's big fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, an IBF heavyweight eliminator to be broadcast live on NBC in the United States and Channel 5 in the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>Fury (20-0, 14 KO) talked enough trash that he not only visibly annoyed Cunningham (25-5, 12 KO), but even the exceptionally cool-headed Naazim Richardson, Cunningham's great trainer, who had earlier in the presser expressed his respect for Fury's skills.</p>
<p>"This young man down the table, Mr. Fury, is an outstanding young fighter. Very big, has an exceptional reach. I have a great deal of respect for him," Richardson said. On Cunningham, he added, "Steve Cunningham is an exceptional young man. He takes on extreme challenges. This is what motivates him, and this is what makes him special. You're special when you reach out and go beyond what people think you're capable of doing."</p>
<p>Fury's turn at the mic was relatively calm, though he did stand up, perhaps to make clear how incredibly tall he is at 6'9", and perhaps just because he likes the extra attention.</p>
<p>"I'm sure you've heard it all before, training camp went well, sparring went well, so I'm not gonna bore anyone with that. I'm gonna run you through the fight: 'Fury comes out jabbing! Cunningham running 'round the ring, and boom! Spark-out!' I am in New York. The Fury will be unleashed," he stated.</p>
<p>"Tyson Fury is Tyson Fury," Cunningham said. "He's a good fighter. We've watched his fights. Decent fighter. Tall, agile to be that big. It's a great challenge."</p>
<p>Cunningham, now 36, recounted his days at cruiserweight, when he traveled to face the top fighters in the division, with next to no media coverage at home. "There wasn't any prestige behind it. Nobody knew me."</p>
<p>With a big opportunity to make his mark and get into the title chase at heavyweight, he says he's fully prepared for the man he'll be facing.</p>
<p>"I'm gonna do it now with the lights on us. NBC on us, America, the world watching. I've been motivated," he said. "People have been asking me, Pulev next? Maybe Klitschko? I don't know anything about them. For two months, it's been nothing but Tyson Fury. Eat, sleep, and breathe Tyson Fury."</p>
<p>The real test of the patience of Cunningham and Richardson came after the "official" comments were made, when Main Events promoter Kathy Duva was ready to do a coin toss to determine who would have the second ringwalk. Fury objected to the idea, and off he went.</p>
<p>"There's only one star here," Fury said, "and it's not Steve Cunningham. He's an opponent. He's a stepping stone."</p>
<p>As Cunningham stared forward and tried to ignore Fury's needling, the big man from Manchester continued on, saying that while Cunningham is his "brother in Christ," "God has bigger plans for me than for Steve, obviously, because he's already been defeated."</p>
<p>There wound up being no coin toss, as Fury said he hadn't agreed to that, and expected he'd enter second as the A-side of the fight. The staredown, as you might imagine, was pretty intense, with Fury continuing to yammer on, and Cunningham staring daggers, even though he had to look up to do it.</p>
<p>"For me, Tyson Fury is already the best heavyweight on the planet," promoter Mick Hennessy had said earlier. "He just needs to prove it, and he will do, in front of a huge audience."</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/17/4234716/fury-vs-cunningham-final-presser-heats-up-in-nyc-quotes-boxing-news-nbcScott Christ2013-04-16T00:24:03-04:002013-04-16T00:24:03-04:00Fury two fights away from Wladimir, says promoter
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<p>Tyson Fury makes his U.S. debut on Saturday, and promoter Mick Hennessy says he is just two fights away from Wladimir Klitschko.</p> <p>They've said it before, but now there is a technical truth to the whole thing: Mick Hennessy, promoter of Tyson Fury, says his main star is now <a href="http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/202388.html" target="_blank">two fights away from a bout with world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko</a>. More important, Hennessy says he's already spoken with Kubrat Pulev's team, and their potential IBF eliminator should be easy to make for this summer, if Fury beats Steve Cunningham on Saturday:</p>
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<p>"Tyson is in a two-fight situation to get to Wladimir and then the fight has to be made or it goes to purse bids," Hennessy said. "We've spoken to Pulev's people and as soon as Tyson does the business over Cunningham we will make that fight, probably this summer.</p>
<p>"Tyson wants to fight one of the Klitschkos, but there was no movement with Vitali, he hasn't said who or when he is fighting next, so we are going after the other brother."</p>
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<p>Fury (20-0, 14 KO) and Cunningham (25-5, 12 KO) are meeting in an IBF semifinal eliminator, with the winner in theory facing Pulev (17-0, 9 KO). Pulev beat Alexander Ustinov last September to get here, while Tomasz Adamek scored a very controversial win over Cunningham in December. Adamek, who had signed up for the whole thing, then decided he didn't want to fight Pulev.</p>
<p>So now we have Fury-Cunningham, and it's good to hear that Hennessy has already made preliminary contact with Pulev's people. That might come off as arrogant or looking past Cunningham, but it's an important thing, to know that the fight can even be made. Especially if this time, Team Fury is serious about taking serious steps forward.</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/16/4229458/tyson-fury-two-fights-away-from-wladimir-klitschko-says-promoter-nbc-boxing-newsScott Christ