Former IBF Cruiserweight King Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, who lost his crown by close split decision to Poland’s Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek after their “fight of the year” nominated battle in December ‘08, praises Ola ‘Kryptonite’ Afolabi for his stunning ninth round knockout of former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo ‘Big Mac’ Maccarinelli on the 14th March to take the vacant interim-WBO title.

‘USS’ Cunningham, who had offered to be Maccarinelli’s opponent for this fight after Detroit’s Johnathon Banks pulled out of the bout in February to face current cruiserweight top dog Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, was clearly impressed by Afolabi’s win as he said. “What a great win for Ola, I wish him the best against Ramirez. Being a World Champion is something that every boxer aspires to do, but a very select few actually get that title.

I was blessed to hold the IBF Cruiserweight title for two years and I’m going to get it back and then go after the other belts and prove that I am the best Cruiserweight in the world. I have my work cut out for me, but I
am ready.

I’m sticking with my plan “Two time in ’09”

The IBF World Cruiserweight Title eliminator bout between former IBF cruiserweight champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, and former WBC champion, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, will be held in St Louis, Missouri later
this year. The winner earns the right to face current IBF Champion Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek later in 2009.

Promoter Don King is expected to announce the venue and the date for Cunningham Vs. Braithwaite in the near future.

Price the pro promises to be a different animal

When an Olympic bronze medallist assures you that he’ll be even better as a professional, it’s time to sit up and take note. Those are the very sentiments of 2008 Beijing medallist David Price, the talented heavyweight from Liverpool set to turn pro on March 28 at the Echo Arena.

Though claiming an Olympic bronze, Commonwealth gold, three Senior ABA titles and numerous multi-nation titles to his name, Price believes the best is still yet to come.

“I’m a much better fighter now than I was in the Olympics,” states Price, who faces David Ingleby on March 28. “I think if I’d have boxed with my pro style in the amateurs I’d have been even more successful.

“I’m just an all-round better fighter now. My feet are planted more and I’m throwing with bad intentions. My defence is also a lot better now, as I’m not looking to jump around and score points. I’m tucking my chin down and making moves for a reason and not just for the sake of it.”

Having adjusted his style to suit the pro game, Price is reaping the benefits. He’s shared impressive sparring sessions with leading domestic heavyweights and is also starting to fight his kind of fight.

“My aggression is starting to come out now I’m a pro,” says the 25-year-old. “I’m not just a boxer looking to score points and keep people at range with my jab. I’m planting my feet and doing damage. I’m 6’8 and 18-stone – fighting the way I did as an amateur wasn’t natural for a man of my size.

“It now feels as if this is the natural way for me to fight. I think I only boxed the way I did as an amateur because it was necessary for me to do so. The computer scoring system makes you develop a style that can only be used in the amateur game. I’m now boxing how I should have boxed years ago. I feel a lot more at home as a pro.”

Content with the switch and eager to kick off his pro career in style on March 28, Price admits he’s never been happier.

“I haven’t enjoyed boxing this much since I very first started as a young kid,” he reveals. “Turning pro has just revitalised me completely. I now look forward to going to the gym and learning things all over again. I love every minute of training. I’m just a different person altogether right now.”

On March 28 at the Echo Arena, Price will fully unveil his brand new arsenal. The bronze medallist from Beijing will be even better. In a bonus for fight fans, Price is also set to display his repertoire over six rounds, rather then the customary debutant’s four.

“Adam (Booth) and Dave (Coldwell) put the idea to me and I was keen to do the six rounds,” explains Price. “To be honest, without sounding big-headed, I’m not expecting my first fight to go the distance anyway. With the power I’ve been generating in sparring and in the gym, I don’t see many opponents lasting the full six rounds on my debut.”

Shortly after his pro debut on March 28, Price will hook up with David Haye ahead of ‘The Hayemaker’s assault on the world heavyweight titles. It’s the kind of link-up that has made Price the envy of every other fledgling heavyweight prospect.

“I’m relishing the chance to work with David,” enthuses Price. “I may not be as active as some other young heavyweights in my first year, but I guarantee I’ll be doing better work behind closed doors than they will, in terms of training and sparring. By the time I get to 10 pro bouts it will feel like I’ve had 20, because of the experience I’ve gained from working with David and his sparring partners.

“A lot of people are going to be surprised by what they see from me in the pros.”

*** Olympic bronze medallist David Price’s eagerly awaited professional debut forms part of the undercard to HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ on March 28 at Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Headlining the show will be the all-Liverpool British title showdown between Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley.

*** To purchase tickets to HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ visit www.accliverpool.com or call 0844 8000 400.

*** HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ will be screened live and exclusively on Setanta Sports.

NAPA: I’M WORLD CLASS

IAN NAPA believes he is now making up for lost time after wasting his early professional years.

The East London stylist fights on his doorstep at Newham Leisure Centre on March 20 when he makes the first defence of his European bantamweight title against Frenchman Malik Bouziane (10-1)

Napa, 30, delivered a career best performance in October when he grabbed the Euro crown from Carmelo Ballone.

It was Napa’s fifth straight win and proved that he is finally showing the promise expected when he turned professional almost 11 years ago.

Napa (18-6) said: “I mixed with the wrong crowd when I was younger and I have learned from my mistakes. I’ve learned the value of dedication,

“Every fighter on the planet dreams of a world title fight and I will prove myself when I get a chance. I am world class.

“Bouziane is a big test for me and if I want to be taken seriously at the highest level I need to show my best form when we meet.”

A second title fight on bill sees Bristol star Lee Haskins (18-2) defend his British super-flyweight title against Nottingham’s Jason Booth (31-5)

Other fights on an impressive undercard include British featherweight title contender Akaash Bhatia (13-0), heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo (3-0) and flyweight Ashley Sexton (4-0).

Tickets are still available priced £35 and £80 from 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com