|
|
||||
|
Heavyweight contender Steve “USS” Cunningham, 28-6, 13 KOs, held an open workout for the media at the Shuler Boxing Gym in West Philadelphia today, in advance of his 12-round IBF elimination fight with Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov, 19-0-1, 12 KOs, scheduled for March 14th. The two heavyweights clash on March 14th at the Bell Centre in Montreal with a #1 ranking and a mandatory shot at the IBF heavyweight title at stake. The fight will be broadcast live by HBO. Cunningham went through a brisk workout with trainer Brother Naazim Richardson and took questions from the media. Both fighter and trainer appeared focused on Glazkov, despite the fact that a potential bout with Wladimir Klitschko could come their way if they are successful in Montreal.
“I’m not worried about none of that,” Cunningham said. “I just got to get in there and handle this business. I’m coming to do what Steve Cunningham does. I come to kick butt. I come to win. I come to walk out of there with my hands raised. I’m excited to be fighting in Canada. It’s my first time, and the fans in Montreal are crazy for boxing. So I’m excited.” In addition to fighting above the boarder for the first time, this is also the first time Cunningham will appear on HBO. “I’m happy to get there,” Cunningham said. “It’s been 14 years in the making and now it’s time to perform.” Cunningham admitted that much is on the line against Glazkov. “The stakes of the fight are the ultimate stakes,” Cunningham said. “This is to get to the heavyweight title. This is the fight that will get you there. Every fight I’ve had has been the most important of my career, but this fight – with the stage that it’s on, the #1 heavyweight spot, (and the one) to get to the champion – this is the biggest fight of my career. So I want to capitalize on it. I want to make the best of it. Get in there and do what I’m supposed to do – 100%. Get in there and do what I know I can do, and not be so concerned about Glazkov. Just focus on me more. But the stakes? This is the upper echelon of stakes.”
Cunningham’s trainer weighed in on their opponent, and disagrees with the thought that perhaps Glazkov doesn’t have enough big fight experience. “Let me tell you this, I don’t underestimate Glazkov in any capacity,” said Brother Naazim Richardson. “Anyone that’s been to the Olympics is ready for the big stage. I think Glazkov is ready for it. I’m not underestimating him in any way, shape, or form. If he’s not the most dangerous, then he’s one of the most dangerous we ever faced. He’s a very talented kid. Steve has to be the best Steve Cunningham that he can be, because that’s enough for Glazkov. If Steve is at his best, he brings enough to the table to handle any big man.” Cunningham and Glazkov faceoff in the main supporting bout in Montreal next Saturday (March 14th) when light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev defends his title belts against Jean Pascal in the main event on HBO.
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
