Verno Phillips (How's THIS for perserverance???)

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

The first time I saw Verno was TWENTY-TWO years ago (1986), losing a decision at 139 pounds to Roy Jones Jr. at the National Golden Gloves in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Now he is a world champion again.

[kayjay]

Did you see the fight?

[PRboxingfan]

I don't think anyone really saw this coming. I laid some loot down on Spinks by decision and was pretty surprised by the outcome.

[K-Nan]

He didn't really win at all. He's only the organization's champ right now.

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

I was there when RJ and Wink (Verno) fought in Iowa. RJ also beat future middleweight contender Derrick "Poppy 2 Sweet" Rolon that week on his way to the 139 pound title.