With relatively similar records and physical attributes, former World Light Heavyweight Champion Antonio Tarver and former Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham are meeting at what appears to be a crossroads fight with the prize being a possible chance at a world title in the heavyweight division. So how they stack up and who wins?
Tarver is the older fighter (46) and the less active fighter, having only fought once a year since 2008. He also has the advantage in power having scored 22 knockouts in 31 fights. “The Magicman” weighed in at 217 lbs. which gives him the edge in size. And Tarver has fought some of the biggest names in boxing and brings a wealth of experience to this fight.
Cunningham is 29 years old and has campaigned most of his career at cruiserweight. He is coming off a controversial loss to Glazkov, a fight that most observers thought he should have won, and prior to that he has won fights against heavyweights Mansour and Visinia in 2014. Cunnigham is always in shape and has great stamina. He barely made the heavyweight limit and is clearly the smaller man. But don’t count “USS” out just yet. He is known for having a big heart and giving 100% even when facing adversity.
Won wins? Well…I let you make your picks. I think this fight will come down to who wants it more. Tune in!
Tarver and Cunningham meet in a must-win 12-round bout Friday night (Spike TV, 9 ET) in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
