Cornelius (K9) Bundrage, Detroit’s newest world boxing champion, would like a bite at the fight game’s major players, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Bundrage, an ex-participant on “The Contender” reality TV series, showed he’s for real by stopping Cory Spinks (37-6, 11 KOs) in St. Louis on Saturday night for the International Boxing Federation junior middleweight crown.
Bundrage (30-4, 18 KOs), 37, pounded Spinks — son of former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks — on the ropes in the fifth round after dominating from the opening bell. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the contest at 1 minute, 28 seconds of the round with Spinks in trouble.
Bundrage, boxing out of the legendary Kronk Gym, landed hard right hands and uppercuts throughout the fight.
Kronk icon Emanuel Steward was in Bundrage’s corner.
“People are going to know Detroit is back (in the fight business),” said Bundrage after returning to the Motor City on Sunday. “We have a new world champ. It reminds me of the days of Tommy Hearns.”
Bundrage said he was relieved when the referee stopped the fight.
“The ref saved his life — I was going to hit him with a bomb my next punch,” Bundrage said. “I really didn’t want to hurt him bad.”
Bundrage jumped on Spinks in the first round and never let his favored opponent into the fight.
“I hit him before he could run,” Bundrage said. “I never gave him a chance to get comfortable.”
Bundrage said he fought the fight of his life for his wife and newborn son.
“I want them to be proud of me,” Bundrage said.
Bundrage said he thinks he’s ready for a shot at Mayweather or Pacquiao.
“I want the big names,” Bundrage said. “Floyd, Pacquiao … Shane Mosley. I want those guys. I’ll step up to the plate. Bring them on.”
Bundrage said he’ll fight them in Detroit or out of town.
“I’m a road warrior,” Bundrage said. “But, really, I’m a bit sick and tired of getting on and off planes.”
