ST. LOUIS—Five-time world champion and current International Boxing Federation junior middleweight champion Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks (37-5, 11 KOs) made some bold statements at Wednesday’s press conference at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis announcing his title defense on June 12 against IBF No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (29-4, 17 KOs).

“My title is not leaving St. Louis,” Spinks declared.  “I guarantee I will be undefeated for the rest of my career.  When I get done with Bundrage, I’ll fight anyone: Floyd Mayweather, Manny Paquiao, Miguel Cotto, Paul Williams, Shane Mosley—you name it, I’m ready.”

Spinks has been training for the first time with noted trainer James “Buddy” McGirt in Vero Beach, Fla.

“It’s been great being trained by future Hall of Famer Buddy McGirt.  It was time for me to move on to a new trainer, and I’m very happy about it.  You will see the best of the old Cory Spinks and the best of the new.  I guarantee the boxing fans of St. Louis that I’m going to put on a spectacular show on June 12.”

McGirt also spoke at the press conference.

“I don’t have a lot of work to do with Cory,” the former welterweight world champion said.  “He has lots of talent and my job is to remind him of that.  His natural abilities are such that if he is performing at his best, he’s tough to beat.  My goal is to get him to that top tier.”

Another Gateway City fighter, undefeated cruiserweight Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne (14-0, 4 KOs), will also appear in a featured attraction.

“I love fighting in my hometown, especially with heroes of mine like Cory Spinks,” Coyne said.  “I fought in the first boxing match at Chaifetz Arena, and now I’ll be fighting as part of the first world championship card at this arena.  I look forward to showing everyone that I am a force to be reckoned with in the cruiserweight division.”

Tickets priced at $28, $50, $87, and $200 go on sale on Saturday (May 15) at 10 a.m. at MetroTix.com, the Chaifetz Arena Box Office, MetroTix outlets at select Schnucks and Macy’s stores, or charge by phone at (314) 534-1111.  This will be the first world championship boxing match at Chaifetz Arena. 

Raw Quotes

Cory Spinks:  “My title is not leaving St. Louis.  I guarantee I will be undefeated for the rest of my career.  When I get done with Bundrage, I’m open to fighting anyone: Floyd Mayweather, Manny Paquiao, Miguel Cotto, Paul Williams, Shane Mosley—you name it, I’m ready.

“It’s been great being trained by future Hall of Famer Buddy McGirt.  It was time for me to move on to a new trainer, and I’m very happy about it.  You will see the best of the old Cory Spinks and the best of the new.  I guarantee the boxing fans of St. Louis that I’m going to put on a spectacular show on June 12.

“I'm going to attack more.  I'm going to beat him [Bundrage] up a little bit. You'll see a much meaner Cory Spinks.  Cornelius ‘K9’ Bundrage has sniffed out the wrong guy.  I’m a bomb and it’s going to explode on June 12.

“If I was into karate, I’d be a 50th degree black belt.  I know how to box.  I was born with this talent.  This is what I do.  My mom, dad and uncle gave this to me.  I have god-given skills.  When I’m done, I’ll pass my title on to Deandre Latimore.  He’s a beast.”

Buddy McGirt:  “I don’t have a lot of work to do with Cory.  He has lots of talent and my job is to remind him of that.  His natural abilities are such that if he is performing at his best, he’s tough to beat.  My goal is to get him to that top tier.”

Ryan Coyne: “I love fighting in my hometown, especially with heroes of mine like Cory Spinks.  I fought in the first boxing match at Chaifetz Arena, and now I’ll be fighting as part of the first world championship card at the arena.  I look forward to showing everyone that I am a force to be reckoned with in the cruiserweight division.

“I was on the recent card where Devon Alexander defeated Juan Urango to become a unified world champion.  I love that.  I am all about St. Louis and being part of the fight scene here.  I’m still undefeated and soon I am going to get the chance to prove I am worthy of being in my own world championship match.”