Steve Cunningham is a boxer who has shared the ring with both of the man-mountains set to dance on October 24th, Dusseldorf, Germany. Cunningham has sparred with the 6′ 6″ Wladimir Klitschko, and fought the 6′ 9″ Tyson Fury in 2013. In that bout, Cunningham’s senses may have been blasted into cuckoo-land in the 7th, but it wasn’t before he knocked down Fury hard in the 2nd. Cunningham knows both men, and Fury that little bit better.
Standing at just 6′ 3″ himself, Cunningham – who is more of a blown-up Cruiserweight – really doesn’t get enough credit for how he handled the 254lb Fury that night. (but that’s going off topic…)
Knowing both fighter’s styles and strengths, Cunningham has said it would be unwise to count out underdog Fury:
“Fury is 6-9, has a good gas tank, he’s always got a chance,” Cunningham told RingTV.com. “I’ve been in camp with both, he works hard, he’s not just a loud-mouth…but he’s in against a tested, world champion. And, I have noticed, Wladimir does better against little guys…”
Given Fury’s size, reach, and pugilistic upbringing – thanks to his Gypsy heritage – it has to be said that a win is far from impossible for the Brit. Klitschko is susceptible to getting rocked and often ties up his opponents when they get anywhere close to his chest. Perhaps against Fury – who is 13 years his junior, standing 3″ taller – Klitschko will finally come unstuck.
Going in, 39-year-old Klitschko is 64-3, 53 knockouts, and 26-year-old Fury 24-0, 18 knockouts. Klitschko’s three defeats have all come by knockout, and that, you would expect, should make a big impact on Fury’s game plan.
Whoever you are picking in the HBO-televised bout, you can guarantee someone is going to hit the deck, and likely stay there. Such is the power both Heavyweights wield behind their punches. Who are you picking in Klitschko vs Fury? Let us know below!
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