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Cory Spinks
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First there was Leon, who shocked the greatest heavyweight to ever lace up boxing gloves. Then there was Michael, who was an Olympic and one of the greatest Light Heavyweight Champions in the history of that division and a highly touted heavyweight prospect when he moved up.
As any boxing fan knows however, the first two Spinks‘ had a fair share of ups and downs. Leon was defeated in a rematch with Muhammad Ali, and Michael, after a very successful run as a Light Heavyweight Champion, and was deemed by some to be the real heavyweight champion after beating an aging Larry Holmes. That myth was destroyed as Michael was disposed of in embarrassing and quick fashion by the one they call “Iron” Mike Tyson.
The tall welterweight who likes to use his jab to keep smaller opponents away and outpoint them en route to a usual decision victory, started by winning the IBF title in a rematch with Michele Piccirillo. He then became Undisputed Welterweight Champion by winning a majority decision over Ricardo Mayorga. It was this win that gave Cory his own name instead of being “Leon’s boy”.
It wasn’t until earlier this year on the Wladimir Klitschko Vs Lamon Brewster under card that Cory proved himself to be a legitimate top dog in the division when he defeated quick fisted Zab Judah by a unanimous decision. Some felt Judah earned at least a draw in this fight, but his excessive showboating and cockiness made him lose focus at times giving Spinks the openings he needed to outpoint Judah.
With the undisputed welterweight crown held firmly in his grasp, Cory now has options to consider as to who his next opponent will be? Does he rematch Judah in a lucrative bout that could draw tens of thousands of people? Or could he go fight the WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito, in a bout that could give him more gold to put around his waist?
Sure Judah could give Cory trouble and possibly defeat him, but Spinks would take the chance for the money it would bring and it would also be a career defining fight if he beats him decisively and handily. One thing is for sure, the Spinks family legacy did not stop in the 70’s with the world heavyweight title, or in the 80’s with another two titles in light heavyweight and heavyweight. It continues with Cory, the latest and greatest story in the Spinks family legacy.
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© Copyrights / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
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By Aaron Imholte (May 8, 2004) 
