Don King Boxing: Sparks Fly Between Spinks, Latimore In St. Louis!

ByBoxing Press

The Gateway City’s biggest boxing stars opened their workouts to the media today to promote Friday’s “Show Me in St. Louis” card at Scottrade Center.

The main event features a hometown showdown for the vacant IBF junior middleweight championship when Cory Spinks, 36-5 (11), takes on hard-punching IBF No. 6-ranked contender Deandre “The Bull” Latimore, 19-1 (16).

The co-feature showcases undefeated WBC No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great”, 17-0 (10), meeting Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez, 19-3 (5), from Salinas, CA, a winner in 11 of his last 12 outings.

“Cory Spinks was my idol growing up in St. Louis,” Latimore said, “but it’s time for me to step up and for him to step aside. Cory can run, but he cannot hide from my power.”

Spinks, a former four-time world champion, said he has much to teach his 23-year old cross-town rival.

“I’m going to take Deandre to school and show him the ropes.” Spinks said. “I’m going to prepare him for what he can expect in his next fight and every fight after that.”

Another rising St. Louis star, undefeated Devon Alexander, displayed burgeoning power at his workout to compliment his established hand speed.

“I’m on the verge of my first world championship fight and I feel like nothing can stop me,” the WBC’s super lightweight mandatory challenger said.

“I’ve worked my whole life for this and I’m ready to realize my dreams. Anybody who gets into the ring with me is going to have to hit like Tyson and be as fast as ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard.”

Jesus Rodriguez arrived in St. Louis yesterday from California. At his workout, he explained his plan to slow down the charging Alexander.

“I see this fight as a great opportunity for me to show I can compete at this level,” Rodriguez said.

“Alexander is next in line to fight the WBC champion at 140 pounds. I would like to disrupt those plans. I’ll counter his skills with precise punching to slow his momentum.”

Showtime will broadcast the two events at 11 p.m. ET/PT, 10 p.m. CT, delayed on the West Coast.