For anyone who’s counting, St. Louis native Cory Spinks will probably be on second-chance number seven on July 28 when he faces former conquerer Cornelius “K9” Bundrage in attempt to regain the junior middleweight strap he lost in his hometown in 2010.
Since the devastating loss, both fighters have been largely inactive. Until recently, both were signed with promoter Don King, who has lost the stranglehold he once held throughout the boxing world. King apparently still holds weight with the IBF though, which may be why Spinks will be given the opportunity to regain his title despite just two fights since the loss. One victory was a tune-up bout versus Shakir Ashanti aka the guy that pads people’s records, the other was versus Sechew Powell (whom Bundrage also defeated) in a title eliminator.
Despite being considered washed up by some, Spinks reportedly rededicated himself in the gym and returned to form by out-boxing Powell to earn a unanimous decision in January, despite being the underdog. When the purse bids went out for the Bundrage bout, Don King bid a whooping of $51k. Luckily for the fighters, Golden Boy Promotions swooped in and saved the day with a $211k bid, meaning the two combatants will walk away with respectable checks.
GBP presumably has interest in the fight due to the IBF strap. If the free-agent Bundrage retains his title, GBP will likely sign him in hopes of feeding him and his belt to rising star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. If Spinks, the former welterweight and junior middleweight champion, can stay focused and defeat the very out-boxable Bundrage, he could position himself nicely for one last run at headline glory.
No, Mayweather and Pacquiao won’t come calling. But Spinks could be potentially be matched up with Alvarez, James Kirkland or best case scenario Miguel Cotto, who will surely be thirsty to regain a title strap in the near future.
Of course, none of those fights will ever materialize if Spinks can’t keep it together. Throughout his career he’s seen enormous highs and tremendous lows. But he’s seemingly more stable now with new manager Scott Hirsch and trainer Anthony Hamm. Of course we’ve all heard stories of rededications and renewals which ended being nothing more than hyperbole to sell tickets. Spinks will get his chance in the ring to prove he still has what it takes to be a champion. This just might be his last shot.
Follow In the Clutch on Twitter @intheclutchstl
