by James Slater: Only a day after he’d shocked defending IBF light-middleweight champion Cory Spinks Via 5th-round TKO to become the new ruler, Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage was talking about how he was ready willing and able to step up to the plate and defend his title against the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Junior and “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Obviously and justifiably feeling on top of the world, the man who first made his name on the popular “Contender” T.V show probably knew in his heart his chances of actually landing such a mega-fight were (and are) slim.
And, as has been reported by Dan Rafael on ESPN.com, there is a good chance Bundrage’s first title defence will indeed come against a fighter who is a few rungs down the ladder from the three stars the new champ mentioned on Sunday. Still, the possible first defence “K-9” could make would be an interesting fight. None other than Ronald Hearns, son of the legendary Tommy Hearns, is the man whose name has been put out there, and “The Chosen One” could meet Bundrage in what would be a big fight for Detroit.
Both Bundrage, 30-4(18) and Hearns, 25-1(19) hail from “The Motor City,” and the clash would almost certainly attract a ton of attention there, and maybe even divide the city. Also, as Rafael was quick to point out, there would be another fascinating side story to the fight. Emanuel Steward, the Hall of Fame trainer who worked those many magical years with Thomas Hearns, now works Bundrage’s corner, and as such he would be opposing the son of his greatest fighter on fight night. What’s more, Hearns Senior has been in his son’s corner himself on occasion, and if “The Hitman” were so for the Bundrage fight, Tommy would be working against his former coach! There sure would be some added spice to this fight.
Hearns, now aged 31 (he started late in the pro game, with little amateur experience beforehand) is down as facing once-beaten Yemeni fighter Brian Mihtar in Canada in October and he would presumably have to win that fight to get the shot at Bundrage (although these days you never know for sure – look at what happened with Zab Judah losing to Baldomir ahead of his fight with Mayweather, only to still get the big fight, for one example of what can happen). Style-wise, the skilled Hearns would maybe have a good chance against the IBF champion. Sure, Bundrage would be looked at as the favourite, but Hearns can box, he can punch some and he would be hugely motivated for this fight.
But then so would “K-9.” Making his first defence, in front of his hometown fans, the 37-year-old would be in no mood to lose. I think we’ll see a good competitive fight if this talked-of match-up goes ahead. The champion is a bigger puncher than Hearns, but not necessarily a better boxer. Hearns is the younger and fresher man, but Bundrage has so much more experience than he does. Who will come out on top if the two go head to head?.