By Daniel Mcglinchey: Heavyweight Tyson Fury (21-0, 15 KO’s) knocked out Steve Cunningham (25-6, 12 KO’s) in brutal fashion on Saturday in the 7th round.
This was a below par performance by Tyson Fury’s standards, and I think it mainly came down to the absence of the man who transformed his career his Uncle/Trainer Peter Fury, who had visa problems stopping him from entering the US. at the last minute.
Tyson seemed to go out there and plant his feet, drop his hands and fight with his heart rather than control the ring, use his jab and fight with his head much like he did against Kevin Johnson (28-3, 13 KO’s).
In my eyes Tyson won the first round fairly comfortably but lost concentration by taunting and talking to Steve and ultimately In round 2 Tyson was caught with a wild right and hit the canvas, unaffected he collected himself and rose back to his feet.
Rounds 3 and 4, I would also award to Steve Cunningham. Round 5 seen a turn of events as Fury started to have some success landing combinations to a notably tired Steve Cunningham, and much more of the same in round 6 with Steve struggling to adapt to a war as he is used to running around the ring throwing jabs.
The inevitable happened in round 7; Steve clinging on for dear life, taking punishment and throwing basically nothing back. Fury trapped Steve in the corner stopping him running around the ring. Ultimately, Tyson lined up a shot in Rocky Marciano fashion and smashed a hard right hook into Cunningham’s jaw leading to Steve collapsing to the floor and being unable to make the count.
Tyson commented after the fight “The game plan went out the kitchen window. I took that guy into a dog fight and he couldn’t hack it in there with a real man.”
Peter Fury has made the following statements since the bout ‘Steve caught Tyson on a bad night. For what Tyson is capable of that was 2/10 performance, he did not stick to the game plan.
For me Tyson Fury is a much better boxer with far more skills than he showed on April 20th but what I did like was Tyson’s grit and determination to get the job done.
Post fight Steve Cunningham said “Whatever man, he beat me.” But he is now reportedly appealing his first ever Knockout loss, I think he is probably doing this because his pride is hurt and he is slightly bitter.
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