Powell-Spinks on Mares-Agbeko Undercard Dec. 3?
By Ryan Maquiñana
Sechew “Iron Horse” Powell has an IBF junior middleweight eliminator on Dec. 3, and he thinks that contrary to popular belief, it will be against Cory Spinks on the undercard of the Abner Mares-Joseph Agbeko rematch.
“I have a title eliminator coming up December 3,” Powell (26-3, 15 KOs) said. “It might be Deandre Latimore, but it’s not looking like it right now, so the next person in line is Carlos Molina. But because I’m a Don King fighter, it looks like it’s going to be Cory Spinks.”
The 32-year-old Powell is coming off an unsuccessful rematch against current champ Cornelius Bundrage (31-4, 18 KOs) in June.
“Losing wasn’t an option but a reality I had to deal with after the fact, but I’ll punch my way back to the top,” Powell said.
A quick glance at the IBF top 10 has Latimore (22-3, 17 KOs) at No. 4, Powell at No. 7, Molina (19-4-2, 6 KOs) one spot below, and the former two-division world champion Spinks (38-6, 11 KOs) at No. 10. Vanes Martirosyan is the highest-rated at third but is seemingly gunning for WBC champ Saul Alvarez (the first two spots are vacant).
Powell broke down each of the three fighters he named as possible opponents.
“Don’s trying to make that, and if it ends up being Spinks, I’m looking for three rounds or less,” he said. “It would be a major blow for me if he lasts three. He’s not a major puncher, and his best asset is his ability to box. That’s an aspect I can deal with.”
Powell moved onto Molina, who many thought should’ve gotten the nod against Erislandy Lara in a draw followed by a dominant performance in a lopsided decision against Kermit Cintron.
“I’m not completely familiar with Molina but I know he’s a tough guy,” Powell said. “I would come in with boxer-puncher mentality and try to break him down.”
As far as a rubber match with Latimore, Powell had other ideas for now
“Me and Latimore have given the fans enough action for now,” Powell said. “We both feel the same way since we’re the only two fighters that’s willing to fight anybody. There’s Canelo [Alvarez], Lara, or you can name at least 10 junior middleweights we could fight right now.”
If the fight lands on the same card as Mares-Agbeko, it will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Ryan Maquiñana is the boxing correspondent at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. He’s a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Advisory Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at www.maqdown.com or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.
