Recent cruiserweight title challenger Troy Ross (23-2, 16 KO’s) is coming to the United States this weekend for a hearing with the IBF regarding the controversial conclusion of his fight with champion Steve Cunningham (23-2, 12 KO’s) earlier this month.
“Immediately after the fight everyone was saying ‘rematch’, but Steve Cunningham feels he deserves the title and he doesn’t have to grant me a rematch”, Ross told 8countnews.com over the phone Tuesday, “Therefore we had to file an appeal with the IBF.”
The hearing will be held at the IBF’s home base in New Jersey this Saturday. Ross hopes that the hearing will result in a mandated rematch between him and Cunningham.
During their fight earlier this month, the fight was stopped between the fourth and fifth rounds due to a cut on the right eyelid of Ross. Ross, who had knocked Cunningham down with a straight right hand in the final round of the fight, says the cut on his eyelid was caused by a thumb from Cunningham and not a legal punch.
“It was a thumb and (Cunningham) knows it. I can’t believe he’s celebrating his title win as if it’s legitimate.”
Ross says the cut is healing perfectly and he should be able to resume regular training within four weeks.
“The bottom of my eyelid ripped and I needed stitches, by my vision has actually improved from what the eye specialist told me. There will be no permanent effect on my vision whatsoever.” Ross said.
For now, Ross just hopes that his request for a rematch is granted and he can get back in the ring with Cunningham to do it again.
“My game plan was working perfectly and I could see he had no answers. With two or three rounds, I think I would’ve gotten him out of there.”
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