Langford v Cunningham off
Craig Cunningham’s British title match has been called off as champion Tommy Langford (18-0-0, 6 Ko’s) has opted to face Brooklyn-based Georgian Avtandil Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) for the WBO Interim World Middleweight Championship at the Leicester Arena on Saturday 22nd April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.
Undefeated Langford holds the British, Commonwealth and WBO Inter-Continental
Middleweight belts and is said to be determined to announce himself on the world stage by adding the WBO Interim title to his growing collection.
This is a major blow for Cunningham and his team who were looking to challenge for his forth consecutive title after winning 2 Midlands area titles at 2 different weights and beating 20 to 1 odds on favorite Ogogo for the WBC International Middleweight title.
I contacted Craig to get his view on the fight being called off, Craig informed me “I'm gutted the fights called off. I understand Langford fighting for a world title because that is all of our dreams but it should have been handled better. We knew there was something else in the pipe line so a bit of info or a yes or no answer would have been nice”. I asked Craig about him now fighting on the Tommy Owen Promotions show on the 18th March at the Holte Suite, Villa Park about why he has chose to fight on a small hall show who he is fighting and is it for any of his title? The 3 times champ told me
“Fighting on the 18th on a TOP show is just to get back fighting because if I wait till May which is the next Matchroom show that will be 7 months out the ring and I want to stay busy”. Craig 28 continued “At 3 weeks notice I'm not going to be fighting for any titles and as far as opponents are concerned that is down to my team to find someone at such short notice, now I’m just having to focus on the next fight”. Cunningham ended by saying “I'd like to thank my team, fans and sponsors Team Des Fitness, NK Fencing, ALNutrition, Rite-Fix and optimum Physio”.
I also contacted Craig’s manager/ trainer Jon Pegg about his fight on the 18th about who he was fighting and if it was for a title? Jon told me “Its for nothing mate just going to be a stay active fight on 18th”. I also asked Jon if Craig would still get a shot at the British later in the year? Jon informed me “Nope he's just been pushed to back of cue”.
Dexter's Thoughts
I'm gutted for Craig and his team that he will not be getting his British title shot, I can understand why Langford would want to go for the interim WBO title but in my eyes if you have made a deal to fight some one you should honor it. Isn't this the same thing Chris Eubank Jr did to Langford when they were supposed to fight for the British title but Jr opted to give up the belt and fight for the WBC interim Middleweight title? Wasn't Eubank Jr slated for doing this and said to be scared of taking Langford on? Seems the same to me but at least Jr gave up the title so other fighters could contest it, Craig will now have to wait to see what Matchroom offer him in May. Hopefully he gets his shot at the British title or maybe a European title as this is the stage Cunningham is at now in his career. As for Craig now fighting on the TOP Show on the 18th to stay active, I think this is great as it will give fans the chance to see him and also give him a warm up before his next big fight. I myself can't wait to see Craig in action. The Birmingham Boxing Column will be looking forward to the 18th March.