By Jake Donovan

Cornelius Bundrage has now scored two knockouts in as many tries against Cory Spinks. The latest came Saturday evneing, as Bundrage scored a 7th round stopage in their Showtime-televised main even at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. 

The bout lasted slightly longer than their first encounter nearly two years ago, but produced the same result. Bundrage floored Spinks (39-7,11KO) in the opening round, but fell in love with his power a little too early. Catching a tongue-lashing from legendary head trainer Emanuel Steward in between rounds, Bundrage (32-4, 19KO) came out focused and closed the deal with three knockdowns in round seven to end the fight.

The official time was 2:32 of round seven.

TELEVISED UNDERCARD

Six months into the year, Gary Russell Jr. made his 2012 debut. His arrival was an emphatic one, blasting through Christopher Perez with a 3rd round knockout. Russell Jr. (20-0, 12KO) scored a knockdown in round two and three more in the third round, at which point referee Pat Russell determined that Perez (23-3, 14KO) had enough. 

The official time was 1:41 of round three.

In the televised opener, Erislandy Lara banged out a unanimous decision win over Freddy Hernandez (30-3-1, 20KO). Scores were 95-94, 98-91 and 99-90 in favor of Lara (17-1-1, 11KO), who busted up Hernandez’ face with sharp punching throughout. Lara was docked a point in round eight for a cut-inducing headbutt. 

The future is uncertain for the Cuban star, though it has already been confirmed that he is not at all being considered as the September 15 opponent for unbeaten 154 lb. titlist Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Off camera, promising 140 lb. prospect Antonio Orozco cruised to a third-round knockout of Alberto Cruz. Orozco (15-0, 11KO) pummeled Cruz (9-4, 8KO) for nine straight minutes before the doctor stopped the bout in between rounds. Highlights will be shown on the Shobox broadcast.

FULL REPORT TO COME FROM CLIFF ROLD...

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox