Craig Cunningham wants the belt for keeps
Craig Cunningham won't be giving up the Midlands middleweight title without a fight despite his plans to drop down a division after his first defence next month.
Cunningham's wretched 17 months trying to become a fighting champion should finally come to an end on Saturday May 21,
He's held the belt since December 2014 and has been thwarted in his plans to defend the strap twice, win it outright and then move on.
He was due to defend against Halesowen's Lennox Clarke last September, until the latter pulled out injured.
He then lined up Mike Byles but withdrew on fight week hurt himself, with Byles doing the same before their re-arranged date.
But the 28-year-old Brummie, who lives in Oldbury and represented Warley Boxing Club as an amateur, has now been paired with a new opponent.
Dudley's own Ryan Aston - going after Midlands honours for the third time and second at the weight - awaits in a 10-round main event.
They headline promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson's 'Resurgence' bill at Dudley Town Hall, in a 'battle of the southpaws' between two skilled left-handers.
Cunningham has lost just once over 15 contests and that was in a Prizefighter situation, outpointed after three rounds with Tom Doran.
He's looking to campaign at light middle after this, but plans to beat Aston and then come back up a weight when a second challenger comes forward.
He wants the area crown on his mantlepiece for keeps, before he goes after bigger belts, and feels like he's been ducked at middle.
He said: "Not many people have known the sort of bad luck like I've had with this Midlands title. I wouldn't call myself an 'avoided fighter,' but look at the evidence.
"I've had the belt for 17 months and not one fighter has made it through the ropes to challenge me. I've heard a lot of talk, but it's never come off.
"Everyone seems to be going up and down the weights, too, rather than meeting me in the ring at middle. It's been frustrating. I was on about giving the belt up, it was getting that bad.
"All I've ever wanted to is to defend and then move on to better things. But, if I win this, I won't be giving it up.
"It's my title and there's no reason why I should relinquish it. If you want it, make an application then come and beat me for it.
"I'll be going down to light middle after this fight win, lose or draw. There has always seemed to be better fights for me there.
"It's the belt that has actually held me back for doing it, but I can't hang around for forever. There's things I want to achieve in the game."
Cunningham has been backed by sponsors Team Des Fitness, Kingstanding Self-Drive and Rite Fix in the run up to fight night.
Tickets, priced at £40, £50 stage and £70 stage all with waitress drinks service, are available from the promoter on 07976 283 157. The Town Hall can be contacted on 01384 815 577.
