ATLANTA – Frank Mir’s venture into the boxing world proved unsuccessful Saturday.
Mir, a former UFC heavyweight champion and interim titleholder, transitioned into the ring as a sizable underdog to a far more experienced foe in Steve Cunningham. It showed in the bout, as Cunningham displayed his seasoning to get the win by unanimous decision with scores of 60-54, 60-54, 58-56.
The heavyweight bout was part of the Triller Fight Club main card at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The event aired on pay-per-view.
After weighing in 70 pounds heavier than Cunningham on Friday, Mir attempted to put his size to use early in the fight. Cunningham was mobile, though, staying at range and attacking the body of Mir, who whiffed on big early punches.
Mir showed more comfort as the fight wore on, happily fighting from range and inside the clinch when the referee allowed it. Cunningham was a little too smooth, though, and retained better control and worked the body in the early and mid rounds. There were a couple thudding shots, but nothing that took away the legs of either man.
As the fight went down the stretch, Cunningham controlled the pace with his jab and the shots that came behind it. Mir tried to pressure from the inside, but he was a little too plodding in his attacks an lacked accuracy.
In the end, Cunningham controlled the overwhelming majority of the fight and was rewarded with the unanimous decision win.
Up-to-date Triller Fight Club results included:
- Steve Cunningham def. Frank Mir via unanimous decision (60-54, 60-54, 58-56)
- Joe Fournier def. Reykon via TKO (did not answer bell) – Round 3, 3:00
