Steve Cunningham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steve Cunningham |
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Cunningham in 2023
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Steven Ormain Cunningham |
| Nickname(s) | USS |
| Rated at |
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| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Reach | 82 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | July 15, 1976 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 40 |
| Wins | 30 |
| Wins by KO | 13 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Draws | 1 |
Steven Ormain Cunningham (born July 15, 1976) is an American professional boxer. He is known for holding the IBF cruiserweight boxing title two times. He held it between 2007 and 2011.
His nickname is "USS". This nickname comes from his time serving in the U.S. Navy. He worked on large ships called aircraft carriers, specifically the USS America and USS Enterprise. He served in the Navy from 1994 to 1998.
Contents
Steve Cunningham's Early Life
Steve Cunningham grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was known as a tough fighter in his neighborhood. He started his boxing journey as an amateur while he was stationed at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. He served in the Navy from 1994 to 1998.
Amateur Boxing Career
Cunningham began boxing when he was 19 years old. As an amateur, he won a big award in 1998. He won the National Golden Gloves title in the 178-pound weight class. This was a major achievement before he became a professional boxer.
Professional Boxing Journey
Steve Cunningham started his professional boxing career in the year 2000. He had an amazing start, winning 19 fights in a row. One of these wins was against Guillermo Jones.
In November 2006, he fought Krzysztof Włodarczyk for the IBF Cruiserweight Title. He lost this fight by a close decision in Poland. However, Cunningham challenged Włodarczyk again in 2007. This time, he won the title! He then successfully defended his title against Marco Huck in Germany in December 2007.
Cunningham lost his IBF title to Tomasz Adamek in December 2008. It was a very close fight, and Cunningham was knocked down a few times.
Regaining the Title
On July 11, 2009, Cunningham fought Wayne Braithwaite and won easily. Then, in June 2010, he won back the IBF Cruiserweight title. He defeated Troy Ross in Germany. Cunningham defended his title again in Germany in February 2011 against Enad Licina.
Big Fights and Challenges
Cunningham vs. Fury
On April 20, 2013, Cunningham fought Tyson Fury, a very large British boxer. This fight was to decide who would get a chance at the IBF heavyweight title. Cunningham knocked Fury down in the second round. Even though Cunningham was ahead on points, Fury won the fight in the seventh round. Tyson Fury later said that Cunningham was the toughest opponent he had ever faced.
Cunningham vs. Glowacki
On April 16, 2016, Cunningham fought Krzysztof Glowacki for the WBO world cruiserweight belt. Glowacki knocked Cunningham down four times during the fight. Glowacki won the fight by a unanimous decision.
Cunningham vs. Tabiti
Cunningham fought Andrew Tabiti on August 26, 2017. Tabiti was a highly ranked cruiserweight boxer. Tabiti won the fight by a unanimous decision.
Cunningham vs. Mir
On April 17, 2021, Cunningham fought Frank Mir. Mir was a former champion in the UFC (mixed martial arts). This was Mir's first boxing match. Cunningham won the fight by a unanimous decision.
Outside of Boxing
Steve Cunningham has also used his fame to help others. He joined a group called Team Fight to Walk. This group works to raise awareness about stem cell research. This research is important for people with spinal cord injuries.
Cunningham is also a practicing Black Hebrew Israelite.
Professional Boxing Record Summary
| 40 fights | 30 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 13 | 1 |
| By decision | 17 | 8 |
| Draws | 1 | |
