Would Steve Cunningham Give Wladimir Problems?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by ludwig, May 21, 2011.


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  1. ludwig

    ludwig Boxing Addict Full Member

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    We often hear complaints about the dearth of legitimate challengers to the Klitschkoes...but what about Steve Cunningham?

    Cunningham has the frame for a heavyweight--6'3 with a freakish 82' reach, which is 1' longer than Wlad's, and 4' longer than Haye's. He's got as much experience in big fights as any potential challenger out there--and he's a proven champ.

    I guess the most obvious reason to be skeptical is Cunningham was knocked down (flash knockdowns, yes, but knockdowns all the same) by Adamek. And his punching power is unlikely to trouble Wladimir.

    However, if Cunningham bulked up to 215 a la Adamek, then perhaps he could improve his punch resistance and punching power, while still retaining speed and skills.

    I think there's a good chance this fight will happen eventually but I wonder if it will happen while Cunningham and Wlad are still in their primes.
     
    ludwig, May 21, 2011
    ludwig, May 21, 2011
    #1
  2. Kojiro

    Kojiro Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Of course it's a good reason to be skeptical. If Adamek can put you on your ass 3 times Wladimir will murder you.

    Besides I don't think Cunningham really has the style to bother Wladimir. He's successful at cruiser due to his huge reach advantage but it wouldn't be nearly enough for Wlad.
     
    Kojiro, May 21, 2011
    Kojiro, May 21, 2011
    #2
  3. Vysotsky

    Vysotsky Boxing Junkie banned

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    Cunn has little power and below average chin at CW he would be murdered at HW.
     
    Vysotsky, May 21, 2011
    Vysotsky, May 21, 2011
    #3
  4. PowerHoock

    PowerHoock Well-Known Member Full Member

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    well he does have the same height and weight as prime Ali, other than that, nothing
     
    PowerHoock, May 21, 2011
    PowerHoock, May 21, 2011
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  5. REatb6869

    REatb6869 Active Member Full Member

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    The better question is, would Cunningham give Lebedev, Huck, Wlodarczyk or Green problems.
     
    REatb6869, May 21, 2011
    REatb6869, May 21, 2011
    #5
  6. REatb6869

    REatb6869 Active Member Full Member

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    And yes, I know he beat Huck and split with Wlodarczyk.

    But my point is he is in the mix at 200 but would be beat handily by Wlad or Vitali.
     
    REatb6869, May 21, 2011
    REatb6869, May 21, 2011
    #6
  7. SportsLeader

    SportsLeader Chilling Full Member

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    Well he's already beaten Huck and Wlodarczyk, and based on Lebedev's showing against Jones today, I'd comfortably pick USS over him. I think he'd edge Green out in a close fight with his workrate.

    To answer the TS's question - No, I don't think Cunningham would trouble Wlad. He doesn't have the power, or the style to do so. In essence, he can't really outbox Wlad due to size constraints, and he can't knock him out either because he's not a puncher. He would give hell to most other heavyweights though.
     
    SportsLeader, May 21, 2011
    SportsLeader, May 21, 2011
    #7
  8. Steenalized

    Steenalized Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    With his chin and lack of power he'd get torched by a Klitschko, Adamek would still beat him, Haye could more than likely beat him too. Maybe he could outbox an Eddie Chambers.
     
    Steenalized, May 21, 2011
    Steenalized, May 21, 2011
    #8
  9. paulfv

    paulfv Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Wlad would batter Cunningham. It would not be competitive.
     
    paulfv, May 21, 2011
    paulfv, May 21, 2011
    #9
  10. Cobbler

    Cobbler Shoemaker To The Stars Full Member

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    'Bulk up' to 215? Cunningham has come to CW fights at 193, he'd still be making CW comfortably if the limit was still 190.

    The only thing he'd be at 215lbs is fatter and slower.

    Cunningham has physical disadvantages in every area and is feather fisted with a questionable chin even at cruiser. That's like the perfect recipe to not give Wlad problems.
     
    Cobbler, May 21, 2011
    Cobbler, May 21, 2011
    #10
  11. jordan1

    jordan1 Juan Lopez #1 Full Member

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    No way.
     
    jordan1, May 21, 2011
    jordan1, May 21, 2011
    #11
  12. MichiganWarrior

    MichiganWarrior Still Slick! Still Black! Full Member

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    Adamek barely beat him the 1st time, got outboxed the vast majority of the fight. Cunningham clowns him in a rematch. :deal
     
    MichiganWarrior, May 21, 2011
    MichiganWarrior, May 21, 2011
    #12
  13. REatb6869

    REatb6869 Active Member Full Member

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    "Well he's already beaten Huck and Wlodarczyk."

    Wlodarczyk also beat him and Huck has improved.

    1. Huck
    2. Green
    3. Lebedev
    4. Cunningham
    5. Wlodarczyk
     
    REatb6869, May 21, 2011
    REatb6869, May 21, 2011
    #13
  14. Kalasinn

    Kalasinn ♧ OG Kally ♤ Full Member

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    No, he won't be as good a Heavy as Haye... or even Adamek for that matter.
     
    Kalasinn, May 21, 2011
    Kalasinn, May 21, 2011
    #14
  15. PowerHoock

    PowerHoock Well-Known Member Full Member

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    cruiser Haye would murder him
     
    PowerHoock, May 21, 2011
    PowerHoock, May 21, 2011
    #15
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