‘My career is on the line’
By Alvin A. Reid of the American
Cory Spinks vows to “put on a show” complete with another dazzling entrance to the ring when he takes on IBF Junior Middleweight champion Roman Karmazin on Saturday night at the Savvis Center.
“The Fourth of July was yesterday, but I haven’t even shot off my fireworks yet,” Spinks said after a strenuous workout on Wednesday at the Sheraton City Center.
Spinks is returning to the ring for the first time since Zab Judah scored a technical knockout over him on Feb. 2, 2005 – more than 18 months ago.
“My career is on the line. I’ve trained that way,” he said.
Spinks said he doesn’t fear being rusty because, “I’m a fighter. This is my talent. All I needed to do is get sharp.”
Trainer Kevin Cunningham said his fighter is going to be “spectacular.”
“This fight means redemption, for all of us and for the entire city of St. Louis. The whole world will be watching,” Cunningham said.
“It will take a special fighter to come back and fight for a championship and win. Cory Spinks is that fighter.”
Karmazin (34-1-1, 1 ND, 21 KOs) will defend his IBF 154-pound title against former undisputed world welterweight champion Spinks (34-3, 11 KOs) at 9 p.m. Saturday on SHOWTIME.
“Yes, this cat is white, but he can fight,” said Don King of Karmazin.
“This guy can get down. Cory is going to have to go for broke. He’s going to have to leave it all in the ring.”
Karmazin said he has no fear of Spinks and “will make sure I beat him convincingly” so judges can not steal a decision from him in Spinks’ hometown.
“Truthfully, if I had any fear I would not enter the ring,” he said through an interpreter following a short workout on Monday.
“Spinks is a fine boxer, a fine fighter. It will not be easy. But there is nothing I fear.
“I feel great. I have prepared better for this fight than any other fight. This week is not as important to me as far as training. The hardest part is already done. This week I am focusing on regaining my strength,” Karmazin said.
“There are a lot of big names in boxing. I want to become one of them and then get rid of the names in my division.’’
Karmazin trainer, Boris Zykanov, said, “I’m not worried about him taking on Spinks. Yes, Spinks is very fast, but Roman has great timing.”
Spinks said Karmazin “is good at what he does, but I have not seen anything spectacular.”
“I didn’t need a tune up (fight),” Spinks said.
“I look at myself as a super fighter, a star.”
As for the ring entrance, Spinks said “we’ll have a surprise for you all.”
“I can dance all day and not get tired.”
Tickets are $500 (ringside), $300, $200, $100, $60, $45 and $25. Doors open at 4 p.m. Please note that cameras will not be permitted for this event.
