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28/03/2008
Verno Phillips W12 Cory Spinks... Verno Phillips dethroned Cory Spinks as the IBF 154-pound champion on Thursday. Phillips won a split decision over Spinks in the ex-champion's hometown of St. Louis. Spinks was fighting for the first time without longtime manager-trainer Kevin Cunningham in his corner. About 9000 fans showed up, a far cry from 2005 when Spinks sold out the 22,000 seat Savis Center (although in fairness to Spinks, the '05 opponent, Zab Judah is a much bigger draw than Phillips). According to apress release, Spinks did not appear to dispute the judges' decision. “I felt good, just a little rusty that’s all," Spinks said in a Don King Productions press release. "Verno fought a good fight. He came in to do a job, but I feel I did what I came to do. I am upset with myself. I let myself down.” Spinks' previous fight was a loss to Jermain Taylor contested at miuddleweight. source: associated press/ dkp press release
