Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham to meet as heavyweights in August
Thursday 9 July 2015 18:04, UK
Veteran former world champions Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham will meet as heavyweights in New Jersey on August 14
Former WBC, WBA and IBF world light-heavyweight champion Tarver, known as 'Magic Man,' is now 46 but has not been beaten since losing back-to-back world title bouts to Chad Dawson in 2008 and 2009.
Since surrendering his IBF world cruiserweight to Yoann Pablo Hernandez in 2011, the 38-year-old Cunningham (28-7-0-KO13) has fared less well and has lost five of his last nine fights.
The USS Cunningham will be prepared for battle because this is an opportunity of a lifetime
Tarver said: "I take nothing away from Steve Cunningham, who is a proven veteran who is always in good shape. It's going to be a great fight.
Cunningham, whose only loss inside the distance came from Tyson Fury in April 2013.
And despite losing last time out, he is equally excited by the prospect, adding: "This is a fight I've wanted for a long time.
"Tarver is a big name in boxing and I'm looking forward to this shot. I do my talking in the ring. August 14, be prepared for a great fight.
"The USS Cunningham will be prepared for battle because this is an opportunity of a lifetime."
Tarver's most famous victory came back in 2004 when he shattered the air of invincibility surrounding world champion Roy Jones Jr with a second-round stoppage.
