Experience paid dividends as Cory Spinks is once again the IBF Junior Middleweight champion. Spinks recovered from a first round knockdown and outhussled the younger Deandre Latimore via split decision. After the knockdown, I thought Latimore became too eager to finish early and seem to load up more than he needs to which missed badly more than it connected. Latimore still managed to control the first half with Spinks probably taking at best 2 rounds. But by the sixth onwards, Latimore's first half energy is gradually receding. Spinks threw more double jabs at a distance and a lot of rights to the body when close. They're both spent in the closing rounds but Spinks continue to connect the meaningful shots. Spinks' advantage on experience was obvious and Latimore had problems adjusting. I thought if Latimore continued to pressure without exerting as much energy with his wide swings as he did in the first half, he could've broken down Spinks. Latimore can now charge this fight to experience. If he learned something from it then he'll probably get another title shot. With the Don King-promoted Spinks' skills on the decline, although he did better than I expected in this fight, he'll probably get dethroned in his first defense. So might as well go for the one that will make the most financial sense. If the Don King-Floyd Mayweather Jr. marriage really happens as reported, then that is Spinks best option. I know how farfetched that idea is but not impossible specially if the Marquez deal fails. Besides, that's Don King so expect the unexpected. Another option that might be appealing to hardcore fans is a unification against the WBA titleholder Daniel Santos who is also in King's stable. ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction Result:
I thought it's in the bag after the knockdown, but, not so fast. I overestimated Laimore's hunger and youth advantage.
Another setback, therefore, my record is down 19-3 and a draw.
Tally changes as the US adds another title and more distance to the rest of the world.
As of Apr. 24, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st | USA | 12 |
|
2nd | Mexico | 8 |
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3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
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4th | Ukraine | 5 |
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5th (3 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
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5th (3 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
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5th (3 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
8th (2 are tied) | Argentina | 3 |
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8th (2 are tied) | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (6 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (6 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
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10th (6 are tied) | Romania | 2 |
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10th (6 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
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10th (6 are tied) | UK | 2 |
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10th (6 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
16th (10 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
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16th (10 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
16th (10 are tied) | Uzbekistan | 1 |
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