Set to box for the first time in more than a year, Cory Spinks has a new trainer and a new style.
The IBF junior middleweight champion, who'll face top-rated challenger Cornelius Bundrage on June 12, said Wednesday that during the layoff he's become a tougher-minded fighter. During his career he's been known more for dancing than power.
``I'm going to attack more, I'm going to beat him up a little bit,'' Spinks said before a news conference held by promoter Don King. ``You'll see a much meaner Cory Spinks.''
The 33-year-old Spinks is 37-5 with 11 knockouts and hasn't fought since taking a split decision over Andre Latimore April 24, 2009, in St. Louis, when he said he was getting over an illness. He lost consecutive bouts prior to that.
He's being training under James ``Buddy'' McGirt in Vero Beach, Florida after cutting ties with Buddy Shaw.
``Wasn't working,'' Spinks said. ``We had our run so it's now time to move on. I'm happy with the move, very happy.''
McGirt said Spinks has been a hard worker.
``I can't say I've invented the new Cory Spinks,'' McGirt said. ``He just has to be reminded.''
Spinks is the son of former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks and nephew of former heavyweight champ Michael Spinks. Unlike earlier in his career, he vowed a willingness to trade punches.
``People think I just stand outside and box but if I was in karate I'd be a 50th degree black belt,'' he said. ``I can fight any way, any time.''
The fight against Bundrage, who is 29-4-0 with 17 knockouts, was moved to St. Louis after a title doubleheader in Las Vegas fell through in March. The 37-year-old Bundrage was not at the news conference.
Another St. Louis fighter, cruiserweight contender Ryan Coyne, will be among those also fighting on the card although the opponent was not named in the press notes. Coyne, a former Missouri football recruit, is 14-0 with 14 knockouts.
The card will be at the 10,000-capacity Chaifetz Arena, a smaller venue than for Spinks' previous fights in St. Louis.
``It's redemption, so to speak,'' King said. ``Many people think Cory's skills have dulled, and it is not so.''
