(DEC 8) Training camp is over for the reigning International Boxing Federation cruiserweight world champion, Steve 'USS' Cunningham, and he has now relocated to Newark, New Jersey for the final few days preparation for his title defense against Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek on Thursday, 11th December at The Prudential Center.

A few days before he made the short journey north, Steve was given a rousing farewell by the local boxing community who turned out in force to show their support for Philadelphia's only current world boxing champion. Steve and his wife/manager, Livvy, were clearly overwhelmed by the sea of well-wishers who had packed into the Fox and Hound sports bar on Thursday 4th December.

It wasn't just boxing fans that braved the cold and rain to meet their hero as many local luminaries also attended the event - including Banner Promotions president, Art Pelullo. Super scribe, Ken Hissner. Former junior middleweight world champion, Robert 'Bam Bam' Hines. Philadelphia boxing historian extraordinaire, John DiSanto. Former football superstar, Manny 'Bumper' Howard, Mr Philly boxing himself, Percy 'Buster' Custus. - to name check them all would take a page alone so I apologise to those I have not mentioned.

After Steve had spent some time chatting and signing autographs with his fans, King of Prussia's own soul sensation, Vanessa Lambre, sang an awesome a capella rendition of 'summertime' for Steve to kick the evening proceedings into full gear. When the clapping and cheering died down everyone took to their seats to watch a video of Steve's December 2007 title defense against Marco Huck.

After the screening Steve thanked everyone for coming out to support him then added. "I'm feeling really good, I feel blessed and that God's hand is on me again. You know, I feel like we're fighting overseas again. I mean, I know I'm fighting here at home, in my own country. But it's his home state. You know, they think it's going to be a factor with all the Polish people there. I've fought in Poland. You Know, so that don't mean anything. I feel great, man. I'm really looking forward to this and hope you'll all come to Newark and cheer me on. If you can't it's on Versus so don't forget to watch it."

The International Boxing Federation World Cruiserweight Championship Title Fight between Champion, Steve 'USS' Cunningham and challenger, Tomasz 'Goral' Adamek is co-promoted by Kathy Duva's Main Events and Don King Productions and takes place at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday December 11th 2008.

Tickets priced at $303, $153, $78, $53, $38 are on sale now and can be purchased at The Prudential Center box office or by calling TicketMaster on 201-507-8900.

Source:http://www.hotboxingnews.com/NEWS2008/news120808cunningham.htm