Troy Ross was clearly outboxing Cunningham. Right from the opening bell, Ross moved to his left and Cunningham couldn't land anything of significance. You might give Cunningham the second round, but after that, Cunningham couldn't land anything effective. The fight just started getting warmed up and Troy Ross knocked Cunningham down. It was as if Ross was drawing Cunningham to come forward into his power. If there should ever be a rematch, this is it! Even Marco Huck commented, "If it had gone another four rounds, Ross would have knocked Cunningham out"!
The fight was very good while it lasted, even, nobody dominating or anything like that. Cunningham is a real champ and very experienced If people think Ross would smoke him soon they surelly didn't watch his fight with Adamek. Ross has heavy hands, he could have won that fight and was unlucky to lose in that way. I hope he gets a second chance soon. Actually I believe he deserves being included in Sauerland's CW super six, which should begin in the second semester.
I completely agree with everything you said here. It is unfair to say that Ross was winning every round or was completely out boxing Steve. It was a good fight that looked like Ross had a very good chance of getting the KO. If you rewatch the replay I can't see how anyone being honest with themselves could see the fight any different then they way you've described it. There should be a rematch because other then a rematch with Adamek I can't see a better fight then this that can be made at cruserwieght. Those trying to push for other fights, can you with a straight face tell me that Ross was not on Cunningham's level or isn't deserving of another chance to fight for the title?
Yup thats why I felt so ripped off when this fight finished. Because it seemed like we are headed towards another one of those dropped down dragg'em out wars. Frankly, before the stoppage it looked to me like the fight was going to go one of two ways. Ross was either going to continue to be more and more effective at drawing Cunningham into his power shots. In which case hHuck is probably right it would have been stopped within four rounds. Or Cunningham would have been able to do just enough to hold on while grinding Ross down and eventually stopping Ross late. Which I could equally see happening as I don't think Ross has good stamina or durability. Eitherway I deffinitely felt pretty ripped off as a fight fan with the way this fight ended. If they move on to a cruiserweight super six instead of a rematch then Ross should be in it.