Cornelius Bundrage

Cornelius Bundrage (born April 25, 1973) is an American professional boxer. He is a two-time former world champion, having held the IBF junior middleweight title twice between 2010 and 2015. In 2006 he was a contestant on season two of the Contender reality TV show, where he reached the semi-finals.

Cornelius Bundrage
Statistics
Real nameCornelius Bundrage
Nickname(s)K9
Weight(s)Light middleweight
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Reach72 in (183 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1973-04-25) April 25, 1973
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights44
Wins37
Wins by KO21
Losses6
No contests1

Professional career

Starting out in boxing, Bundrage was a top prospect, remaining undefeated for ten years, which saw his record at (21-0, 13 KOs). As his alias K9 suggests, Bundrage had a reputation of being a dog inside the ring, damaging his opponents with fierce combinations. Cornelius' professional boxing record stands at (32-4, 19 KO's). Bundrage has shared the ring with 7 former world champions during his professional boxing career. Bundrage is currently a world champion boxing free-agent. His advisor is Bill Waller, and managed by Shawana Bundrage.

The Contender

In 2006, professional boxer Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage was a participant on ESPN's "The Contender" Season 2 boxing reality television show, with Hall of fame host Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone in Hollywood, California. During the show, Bundrage was viewed by millions of fans each week for fourteen weeks straight. He also was named "fan favorite" out of sixteen boxers from all over the United States. Bundrage was the last picked, winding up on the Blue Team. Wanting to avenge the slight, he volunteered to be the first member of his team to box in the tournament (quoting Matthew 20:16, "And the last shall be first") and found himself in a match against Michael Clark. In a tightly fought battle for five rounds, the two found themselves practically tied on points, Bundrage knocked Clark down with a massive right hand to the temple, which won him the fifth round on 2 of the 3 judge's scorecards and won a majority decision (2 judges said Bundrage won, 1 said it was a draw). Bundrage moved along in the tournament, while Clark was forced to hang up his gloves and go home.

In the quarterfinal round, Bundrage beat Walter Wright via unanimous decision.

Bundrage's strength failed him by losing too much weight leading up to the fight, when he faced Steve Forbes in the semifinals; Forbes won a unanimous decision over Bundrage, with the fans booing Bundrage because of intentional punches at the back of Forbes head.

Bundrage bounced back, then went on to win The Contender bronze medal fight against Norberto Bravo with a devastating TKO in the seventh round in very impressive fashion.

Career after The Contender

On the January 12, 2007, edition of ESPN's Friday Night Fights at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, Bundrage faced former top welterweight prospect Chris Smith. In an extremely close fight, Bundrage was able to survive a sixth round scare and would come back to hurt Smith with a left hook to the jaw in the final seconds of the last round. Bundrage defeated Smith via split decision.

On March 30, 2007, he fought in The Contender Challenge: UK vs. USA broadcast on ESPN. He won the fight with a 7th round knockout against Colin McNeil, assuring the American team a victory in The Contender Challenge: UK vs. USA. Bundrage showed superiority throughout the fight. The fight took place in Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England.

On July 11, 2007, "Wednesday Night Fights," K9 fought Joel Julio, a hard-hitting 22-year-old junior middleweight contender who at the time was rated top 3 in all major sanctioning bodies. The fight was held after the ESPY awards at Kodak Theater. Bundrage took the opportunity on 3 weeks notice and lost a dangerous 37 pounds in a 3-week span. K9 gave all he had, which was not much and lasted 8 rounds off pure heart. At the 2:28 mark of the 8th, Julio caught Bundrage with a long clean right hand. Julio jumped on Bundrage, which caused the referee to call a halt to the fight.

On March 28, 2008, Bundrage would rebound with a career best win. Bundrage defeated former IBF Light Middleweight Champion Kassim Ouma by unanimous decision in Salamanca, NY. Bundrage survived an early cut to win by scores of 96-93, 96-93 and 95-94.

On November 13, 2008, Bundrage would face the respected journeyman fighter Grady Brewer. Bundrage lost the bout via controversial split decision that not only did many think he deserved, but led on punch-stats via a margin that was unexpected.

Then just a month later on December 13, 2008, Bundrage flew thousands of miles to Germany on 2 weeks notice to later upset previously unbeaten prospect European Champion Zaurbek Baysangurov via 5th round KO in an IBF eliminator for the #2 mandatory spot.[1]

On June 27, 2009, Bundrage then fought in another IBF Title Elminiator against Yuri Foreman, which ended in a 'No Decision'. Bundrage accidentally headbutted Foreman in the third round and the ring physician ended the fight.

IBF junior middleweight champion

After four separate setback losses, two IBF eliminators and a no contest, Cornelius Bundrage finally got his questionable title fight with former Undisputed Welterweight Champion and then current IBF Light Middleweight Champion Cory Spinks on August 7, 2010 at the Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. Cornelius traveled to his opponent's home town and scored an impressive 5th round knockout over Spinks. Besides capturing his dream of becoming a world champion, Bundrage also brought a major championship back to his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. There hadn't been a Detroit world champion in 26 years since Thomas Hearns. Bundrage was able to pressure Spinks throughout the fight cutting off the ring, landing good shots and not letting Spinks get into his rhythm of jab and move, Spinks was able to perry the jab of Bundrage occasionally but couldn't capitalize. Midway through the fifth a perfect 1-2 combo landed on the chin of Spinks backing him up to the ropes, Bundrage followed up with two straight rights to the head that knocked Spinks down and into a daze, Spinks got to his feet but after taking too many good shots and with so much time left in the round, the referee Mark Nelson waved of the fight at 1:25 of the round, declaring Bundrage the new IBF Light Middleweight Champion. [2]

First title defense

He made the first defense of his IBF title in a rematch against Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell on June 25, 2011 in Saint Charles, Missouri. Powell stopped Bundrage 5 years earlier in a wild rare double knockdown which ended in one round. In the rematch, K9 made a statement by winning a 12 round onesided victory, which avenged his defeat, winning by unanimous decision over Powell. The scores read 119-109, 115-113 and 117-111.

Rematch with Spinks

On June 30, 2012, K9 rematched Cory Spinks to defend his title for the second time in San Jose California on SHOBOX: the new generation. After knocking Spinks down in round 1, the fight began to even up until K9 dropped Spinks three times in the 7th round en route to a TKO victory. He then expressed his interest and desire to face fellow world champion, WBC Light Middleweight Champion Saul Alvarez.

Losing the title

In his third defense of the IBF title, Bundrage would lose the title to Ishe Smith via majority decision on February 23, 2013. He was docked a point in the second round for hitting Smith while Smith was on the canvas after a push/slip between the two fighters. The scores read 111-116, 114-114 and 111-116.

Return to title contention

Bundrage got back into the winning column, defeating Miami's own Joey Hernandez 23-1 (KO 13), by unanimous decision for the IBF Eliminator #1 position on January 24, 2014 in Indio California at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Scores read 118-110 by all three judges. With the victory Bundrage landed himself another crack at the belt he lost just last year.

Second IBF junior middleweight title

On October 11, 2014, Cornelius Bundrage would face off against IBF Light Middleweight champion Carlos Molina. Despite tiring early, Bundrage dominated Molina, dropping him twice and hurtIng him repeatedly throughout the match. Bundrage would win the title via unanimous decision.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
44 fights 37 wins 6 losses
By knockout 21 3
By decision 16 3
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes
44 Win 37–6 (1) Antoine Elerson TKO 4 (6), 2:59 Nov 07, 2020 47 years, 196 days Bonita Springs Elks Lodge, Bonita Springs
43 Win 36–6 (1) Juan Carlos Rojas UD 6 Jun 25, 2017 44 years, 61 days Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
42 Win 35–6 (1) Sergio Gomez KO 2 (6), 2:06 Jan 7, 2017 43 years, 257 days Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
41 Loss 34–6 (1) Jermall Charlo KO 3 (12), 2:33 Sep 12, 2015 42 years, 140 days Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. Lost IBF light middleweight title
40 Win 34–5 (1) Carlos Molina UD 12 Oct 11, 2014 41 years, 169 days Grand Oasis Hotel, Cancún, Mexico Won IBF light middleweight title
39 Win 33–5 (1) Joey Hernandez UD 12 Jan 24, 2014 40 years, 274 days Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
38 Loss 32–5 (1) Ishe Smith MD 12 Feb 23, 2013 39 years, 304 days Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Lost IBF light middleweight title
37 Win 32–4 (1) Cory Spinks TKO 7 (12), 2:32 Jun 28, 2012 39 years, 64 days Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title
36 Win 31–4 (1) Sechew Powell UD 12 Jun 25, 2011 38 years, 61 days Family Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Retained IBF light middleweight title
35 Win 30–4 (1) Cory Spinks TKO 5 (12), 1:28 Aug 7, 2010 37 years, 104 days Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Won IBF light middleweight title
34 NC 29–4 (1) Yuri Foreman NC 3 (12) Jun 27, 2009 36 years, 63 days Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. NC after Foreman was cut from an accidental head clash
33 Win 29–4 Zaurbek Baysangurov TKO 5 (12), 2:35 Dec 13, 2008 35 years, 232 days SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany
32 Loss 28–4 Grady Brewer SD 10 Nov 13, 2008 35 years, 202 days Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
31 Win 28–3 Kassim Ouma UD 10 Mar 28, 2008 34 years, 338 days Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, Salamanca, New York, U.S.
30 Win 27–3 Nelson Manchego TKO 5 (10), 0:39 Oct 26, 2007 34 years, 184 days Convocation Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S.
29 Loss 26–3 Joel Julio TKO 8 (10), 1:08 Jul 11, 2007 34 years, 77 days Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
28 Win 26–2 Colin McNeil TKO 7 (8), 0:40 Mar 30, 2007 33 years, 339 days Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England
27 Win 25–2 Chris Smith SD 10 Jan 12, 2007 33 years, 262 days Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
26 Win 24–2 Norberto Bravo TKO 7 (8), 2:22 Sep 26, 2006 33 years, 154 days Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
25 Loss 23–2 Steve Forbes UD 5 Feb 10, 2006 32 years, 291 days Contender Gymnasium, Pasadena, California, U.S. The Contender 2: semi-final
24 Win 23–1 Walter Wright UD 5 Feb 3, 2006 32 years, 284 days Contender Gymnasium, Pasadena, California, U.S. The Contender 2: quarter-final
23 Win 22–1 Michael Clark MD 5 Jan 17, 2006 32 years, 267 days Contender Gymnasium, Pasadena, California, U.S. The Contender 2: preliminary round
22 Loss 21–1 Sechew Powell TKO 1 (10), 0:22 May 6, 2005 32 years, 11 days Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Jonathan Corn TKO 2 (10), 1:27 Feb 18, 2005 31 years, 299 days Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Won vacant UBA Intercontinental light middleweight title
20 Win 20–0 Damien Guerra TKO 2 (10), 1:34 Nov 19, 2004 31 years, 208 days State Fairgrounds Coliseum, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Michael Davis TKO 9 (10) Sep 25, 2004 31 years, 153 days Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 William Harmon KO 1 (10) Aug 28, 2004 31 years, 125 days Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Kirk Douglas TKO 2 (10), 1:18 Jul 17, 2004 31 years, 83 days Cobo Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Eloy Suarez UD 8 May 29, 2004 31 years, 34 days Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 John Hammond KO 1 (6), 0:45 Apr 2, 2004 30 years, 343 days Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Anthony Bowman RTD 6 (8), 3:00 Oct 1, 2002 29 years, 159 days Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Scott Robinson TKO 1 (4) Jul 5, 2002 29 years, 71 days Menominee Casino-Bingo Hotel, Keshena, Wisconsin, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Anthony Bowman UD 4 Jun 8, 2002 29 years, 44 days The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Arsen Aivazyan UD 6 Oct 13, 2000 27 years, 171 days Club International, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Sammy Sparkman SD 8 Jul 29, 2000 27 years, 95 days Atheneum Suite Hotel, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Tony Ault KO 1 Feb 4, 2000 26 years, 285 days Canton, Michigan, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Lawrence Brooks SD 4 Dec 10, 1999 26 years, 229 days Cobo Center Ballroom, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Dewayne Holland TKO 1 (4), 2:26 Nov 20, 1999 26 years, 209 days Canton, Michigan, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Charles Howe SD 6 Aug 6, 1999 26 years, 103 days State Fair, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Guy Packer TKO 3 (6), 2:20 Jul 16, 1999 26 years, 82 days Twin Lakes Golf Club, Oakland, Michigan, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Chris Haentjiens PTS 4 Dec 12, 1998 25 years, 231 days Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Leon Finchem TKO 2 Nov 14, 1998 25 years, 203 days Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ron Krull KO 2 Feb 2, 1996 22 years, 283 days Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Shawn Purdy UD 4 Sep 15, 1995 22 years, 143 days Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

References

Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by
Cory Spinks
IBF junior middleweight champion
August 7, 2010 – February 23, 2013
Succeeded by
Ishe Smith
Preceded by
Carlos Molina
IBF junior middleweight champion
October 11, 2014 – September 12, 2015
Succeeded by
Jermall Charlo
Records
Previous:
Verno Phillips
Oldest junior middleweight world champion
38 years, 11 months

April 16, 2012 – present
Incumbent
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