Spinks defends boxing crown in hometown

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

ST. LOUIS, United States (AFP) — Cory Spinks, the son of former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, defends his International Boxing Federation crown here in his hometown on Thursday against fellow American Verno Phillips.

Spinks, 36-4 with 11 knockouts, was the undisputed world welterweight champion in 2003 and will be fighting for the first time since losing a split decision to former world middleweight champion Jermain Taylor last May.

But this will be the first fight for Spinks since his split three weeks ago with trainer Kevin Cunningham, who had guided him for 13 years until he started working with Buddy Shaw earlier this month.

"Egos get in the way," Spinks said. "It has just been building. We've accomplished a lot but I guess it's time for something...