By Peter Mark Heintzelman, Photo by Peter Mark Heintzelman — Tough guys will be tested tonight, at the Providence, Rhode Island Dunkin Donuts Center, when light middleweights, Cornelius “K9” Bundrage challenges Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer in 10 rounds scheduled in an IBO Light Middleweight Title Eliminator! A Co-feature fight on a card headlined by Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Sakio Bika’s IBO Super Middleweight Championship fight, this card is chuck full of great fighters, and great fights, from top to bottom, that will draw fans from far and wide to “The Dunk” tonight, for a fantastic night of professional boxing!
Cornelius Bundrage (28-3, 16 KO’s) of Detroit, Michigan, and a star of The Contender II, is more than ready for this opportunity, and fights a good friend, in Grady Brewer (23-11, 13 KO’s), of Lawton, Oklahoma. “But what ever the outcome of the fight,” said Brewer at the final press conference in Providence yesterday, “K9 and I will still be friends..”
Well . . . maybe . . . and maybe not. Definitely, maybe not, when the bell rings in round one and the high stakes of “winner takes all” kicks in, as both fighters aspire for the winner’s opportunity to fight for the prized IBO green and gold belt next time out! Friendships aside, this is all about the rise to the top of their division – this is what its’ all about!
After weighing in at Shula’s Grill 347, in downtown Providence, K9 was unleashed by his manager/wife, Shawana Bundrage, and bit into a few questions from EastSideBoxing:
EastSideBoxing: Cornelius, last I covered your fight was actually your last fight, when you defeated Kassim Ouma by ten round unanimous decision at the Seneca Allegany Casino, in New York, in March of this year. How did it feel to beat Kassim, and are you ready for another win against Grady Brewer in Rhode Island on Thursday?
Bundrage: Ah, it felt real good, real good, because I was an underdog and no-one thought I could win. But I took care of my business, and you can’t count me out. And just like I took care of business in March, I’ll take care of business on Thursday too!
EastSideBoxing: What do you know about Grady Brewer’s fight style, and how long have you been training for this fight?
Bundrage: When they called me for the fight, I was already in training, cause I knew from beating Kassim Ouma, I know I was getting lined up for a big fight. So when they called me, and told me, that my opponent was Grady Brewer, I was kind of leery of this fight. because I know him, and we’re cool. But, because it was an eliminator fight, I knew I had to take the fight. I’m in real good shape, and I’m blessed. I’m ready for the fight. It will be a real exciting fight!
EastSideBoxing: Grady has a big four inches in height advantage over you, yet you both reportedly have the same 72″ reach. Are you intending to fight inside or box from the outside?
Bundrage: I’ll try and be first, and not be last. I’m looking forward for a good fight. I don’t know how I’m going to fight, but I’ll be ready for whatever.
EastSideBoxing: What can the fans at the Dunkin Donuts Center expect to see from you on Thursday night? Is the fight going to go the scheduled 10 round distance, and what is about your persona that will you earn more fans in Providence this week?
Bundrage: They know me from the show when I was here last time, and they greeted me well, even though I wasn’t fighting. So, when I come, I come to fight, and they like it, because, I fight. I don’t play. I’m a dog in the ring, and when I’m out of the ring, I’m a perfect gentleman. God is good!
EastSideBoxing: Another real exciting moment in New England boxing history, was on May 6, 2005, when you fought Sechew Powell at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut. You guys didn’t seem to like each other very much! As you recall, in the first round you both clocked each other simultaneously, creating a double knockdown! That was absolutely fantastic, the crowd’s collective mouths were left wide open. Can you recall for us that moment, and would you like a rematch against Powell to avenge your loss?
Bundrage: Well, when I fought him, he was at the top of his fight game. But now, I’m at the top of my game now. I understand this is business. If I had took that fight more serious, I would have taken that fight. My promoter had promised me $10,000.00, for a first round knock out. So, I went out there, simultaneously, like Tyson, when its not really my style, and I got caught. But he gave me a break. You live and learn. At this stage of the game, I’m at the top of my game, so to fight him now, I see as a step backward. But, if ever they get back to the top, I’m willing to fight again, but in the meantime, I’m going forward.
EastSideBoxing: What is your prediction as to the outcome of your fight with Grady Brewer on Thursday?
Bundrage: I predict I’m going to win. But I don’t know the future. Only God know the future. But when someone says something’s going to happen, you don’t really know, Anything can happen, but in Jesus’ name, I’m going to fight. But I don’t see it going the distance. Anything can happen, but I’m quite sure that I’ll catch him in the later rounds. Anything can happen. But I’m going for the win!
Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfieldʼs Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkinʼ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com, at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000, as well as Manfredoʼs Gym in Pawtucket (401.723.1359), 401 Gym in Cranston (401.261.9800), Ballettoʼs Gym in Providence (401.641.9994), Elite Mixed Martial Arts (401.728.1356) and Ultimate Fitness in Bristol (401.253.3539). All fights and fighters are subject to change. For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout 6:30 PM/ET. The Dunkin Donuts Center is located at One LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903.