Don King was in St. Louis today to formally announce his championship boxing twin bill at Scottrade Center on March 27 featuring hometown stars Cory Spinks and Devon Alexander.
Spinks will defend his International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship against former three-time world champion Verno Phillips while Alexander, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas champion, will take on World Boxing Association FEDELATIN champion Miguel Callist.
All boxers were on hand today to discuss the event. Civility ruled the day until Spinks, who had just praised his opponent, asked for “a moment of silence for Verno Phillips’s career because I’m going to put it to rest in St. Louis on March 27.”
An incensed Phillips grabbed a microphone and challenged Spinks. “Nobody’s taken my heart away in my career and Cory Spinks isn’t going to do that. You don’t punch. Don’t run and hide. Come to fight.”
The 21-year-old emerging 140-pounder Alexander spoke confidently. “I’m on the rise. I’m a man on a mission to become undisputed champion of the world.”
Miguel Callist is happy to have an opportunity to display his skills. “I know this is going to be a tough fight but I’m one of the best kept secrets in boxing. I’m glad that Devon Alexander has accepted this challenge. So many people don’t want to fight and I’m glad Devon does.”