UNBEATEN middleweight boxer Grant Cunningham made it seven straight wins as he moved closer to a first title fight this week.
The Stafford professional saw off the challenge of Lincoln’s Mitch Mitchell with a unanimous points decision at Walsall Town Hall.
Cunningham stepped up to six rounds for the first time in his two-year career and did an excellent job, having Mitchell on his knees in the fifth with a left hook to the body.
“I was pleased as I haven’t boxed since October and that was my first six- rounder,” said the 28-year-old.
“I had to be patient, and it’s a shame I couldn’t get him out early, but the main thing is I’m progressing and learning.”
The quality punches certainly came from the Stafford fighter, who could well be in line for a Midlands title fight later this year.
However, Cunningham revealed he will have to make a complete recovery from a hand injury that has troubled him since his last fight against Trowbridge’s Dan Blackwell, before taking in his next fight and that may not be until April
“The problem is with my right hand and it is soft tissue damage. I felt it again after the opening round against Mitchell,” said Cunningham
“From then on I had to fight with virtually one hand, so considering all things the fight went very well. The hand was certainly swollen after the fight.”
For the next four to six weeks, Cunningham will rest the hand but will continue his fitness programme. He has already ruled himself out of a fight date in March.
As regards a possible title fight, Cunningham said: “It is something I want in the future, but we’ll not make a decision too soon. When I do get such a fight I’ll be ready.”
