WHEREAS, Cunningham is a Philadelphia native and a member of the Germantown High School Class of 1994 with ongoing ties to the City through his trainer, Naazim Richardson whose boxing camp known as Concrete Jungle got its start in Germantown's Happy Hollow Playground; and
WHEREAS, On October 18, 2014 at South Philadelphia's 2300 Arena, boxer, Steve Cunningham won a decisive victory over the previously undefeated heavyweight Natu The Truth Visinia; and
WHEREAS, Although Visinia outweighed Cunningham by 73 pounds, the fight was called for Cunningham due to multiple cuts on Visinia's face and mouth after only seven rounds; and
WHEREAS, Cunningham, who typically fights as a cruiserweight, has fought his most recent opponents in a heavyweight weight class. Despite advice that he should not fight, he continues to do so to help cover medical expenses for his daughter as she awaits a heart transplant; and
WHEREAS, Even though many counseled Cunningham to pull out of this most recent fight, his determination and ultimate victory can be attributed to the love for and inspiration from his nine year old daughter Kennedy who is suffering from a congenital heart ailment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the council of the city of philadelphia hereby congratulates and honors heavyweight boxer, Philadelphia native, and Germantown High School graduate, Steve USS Cunningham on his recent boxing victory at the 2300 Arena.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Steve Cunningham as evidence of the high esteem in which he is held by this legislative body. We especially send our prayers to Steve and his whole family during these challenging times as they await a successful outcome in his daughter Kennedy's fight for life.
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