Photos by Bob Barton – ST. LOUIS—The Gateway City’s biggest boxing stars opened their workouts to the media today to promote Friday’s “Show Me in St. Louis” card at Scottrade Center (SHOWTIME 11 p.m. ET/PT, 10 p.m. CT, delayed on the West Coast). The main event features a hometown showdown for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship when Cory Spinks (36-5, 11 KOs) takes on hard-punching IBF No. 6-ranked contender Deandre “The Bull” Latimore (19-1, 16 KOs). The co-feature showcases undefeated World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” (17-0, 10 KOs) meeting Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez (19-3, 5 KOs), from Salinas, Calif., a winner in 11 of his last 12 outings.
“Cory Spinks was my idol growing up in St. Louis,” Latimore said, “but it’s time for me to step up and for him to step aside. Cory can run, but he cannot hide from my power.”
Spinks, a former four-time world champion, said he has much to teach his 23-year old cross-town rival. “I’m going to take Deandre to school and show him the ropes.” Spinks said. “I’m going to prepare him for what he can expect in his next fight and every fight after that..”
Another rising St. Louis star, undefeated Devon Alexander, displayed burgeoning power at his workout to compliment his established hand speed.
“I’m on the verge of my first world championship fight and I feel like nothing can stop me,” the WBC’s super lightweight mandatory challenger said. “I’ve worked my whole life for this and I’m ready to realize my dreams. Anybody who gets into the ring with me is going to have to hit like Tyson and be as fast as “Sugar” Ray Leonard.”
Jesus Rodriguez arrived in St. Louis yesterday from California. At his workout, he explained his plan to slow down the charging Alexander.
“I see this fight as a great opportunity for me to show I can compete at this level,” Rodriguez said. “Alexander is next in line to fight the WBC champion at 140 pounds. I would like to disrupt those plans. I’ll counter his skills with precise punching to slow his momentum.”
Full Quotes
Cory Spinks: I’m going to take Deandre to school and show him the ropes. I’m going to prepare him for what he can expect in his next fight and every fight after that. I will teach him the type of skills he will need to perform at the world championship level. I respect Deandre and what he has done to get where he is, but he’s just not ready for me yet.”
Deandre Latimore: “Cory Spinks was my idol while growing up in St. Louis. I respect him for all he’s done in boxing, but it’s time for me to step up and for him to step aside. He can run but he cannot hide from my power. I never thought I’d face Cory when I was coming up, but I’ve moved through the ranks and I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve got to do it, and I’m going to get it done.”
Devon Alexander: “I’m on the verge of my first world championship fight and I feel like nothing can stop me. I’ve worked my whole life for this. I’m ready to realize my dreams. Anybody who gets into the ring with me is going to have to hit like Tyson and be as fast as “Sugar” Ray Leonard.
“Most kids come up starting to fight and they want to become a professional and win a world championship. Not many make it this far. Now I’m getting the chance to have a lifelong dream come true.
“Anyone who gets in the ring with me needs to know I’m on a mission to capture all the belts and become the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. At the same time I am still humble, but I do have goals I set for myself. So far, I’ve reached them all.”
Jesus Rodriguez: “I see this fight as a great opportunity for me to show I can compete at this level. Alexander is next in line to fight the WBC champion at 140 pounds. I would like to disrupt those plans. He looks like a strong, quick southpaw who likes to come right at you. I’ll counter his skills with precise punching to slow his momentum.”
Latimore Ready For Spinks
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 14, 2009) Just eleven days out from the biggest fight of his life, Deandre “THE BULL” Latimore was cool as the breeze Monday afternoon after a sparring session under the watchful eye of master trainer Kenny Adams, in addition to the best strength coach in boxing, Ray Franklin, at the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas.
Latimore will battle Cory “THE NEXT GENERATION” Spinks on Friday, April 24th for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Their long awaited cross-town showdown will be broadcast on Shobox “The New Generation” beginning at 11pm ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
“It’s been ten months since I last fought, but I’m ready to go. Coach Kenny and I really turned things up in the last couple of months when the fight was being finalized. I’ve wanted to fight Cory for a long time, he was one of my idols growing up, and I’m thrilled to be facing him with the world title on the line” said the 23 year old Latimore.
“Growing up in St. Louis, he was someone I always knew about when I was in the amateurs. But we’re from different parts of the city, I’m from the South side where the Peabody projects are at, he’s from the North side. So for the fans, it’s very much of a city rivalry, like a St. Louis high school football championship.”
Latimore, 19-1-0 (16KO’s), was last seen on June 11th finishing off the IBF #1 ranked junior middleweight at the time, Sechew Powell, in the seventh round of their ESPN2 televised battle at the Hard Rock Times Square in New York City.
In Spinks’ last bout, the 31 year old lost the IBF junior middleweight title to Verno Phillips by split decision on March 27, 2008 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Spinks, 36-5-0, (11KO’s), believes that his vast world championship level of experience will work in his favor against his younger foe.
Said Latimore, “I know what he’s saying ‘Who have I beat’ and ‘What have I done to get in the ring with him’. Hopefully after the fight he’ll think differently.”
Latimore is managed by Jerry Giuliano of Sandman Boxing Management LLC.
“We’ve wanted this fight for almost a year, since he knocked out Powell. This is the same type of scenario, he wasn’t supposed to win then and he’s being overlooked here also.. That’s okay, let them sleep on Deandre, he’ll take care of business in the ring” said Giuliano.
Tickets, all in the lower bowl, priced at $100 ringside, $60, $40, $25 and $10 (with a limited number of Golden Circle seats available at $300) are on sale now at Scottrade Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. A per ticket facility fee will be added to all tickets purchased at all locations, including at the Scottrade Center Box Office. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply. For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420.
The fight is promoted by Don King Productions, presented in association with Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.