Bodog Beat

Verno Phillips is ready to fight in front of Cory Spinks' hometown crowd. (AP Images)

Former three time 154-pound world champion Verno Phillips (41-10-1, 21 KO's) knows he'll be facing a big challenge, Thursday, March 27 in St. Louis when he fights IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks (36-4, 11 KOs) in his hometown.

But he's not letting the pressure get to him, even though he is a +450 underdog in the Bodog Sportsbook, while Spinks is a -650 favorite,

"I know I am fighting him in his hometown, but I plan to get my fourth world title and join the Hall of Fame," he says. "I can’t control the hometown fans. All I can do is control what I can do in the ring and show my skills."

"I plan to do my thing and make him look silly," he continues. "I have a game plan and you will see my game plan Thursday night. I am hard to hit. My hands are perfect and when my hands connect with him, they will be solid."

After two delays, Phillips says he's been waiting to fight Spinks for a long time.

"We were ready for the fight on Jan. 19 at Madison Square Garden and it was cancelled," he explains. "Then it was going to move to Germany and it was postponed again. They offered me the fight in his hometown. I talked with my trainer. We are ready to go. We are going to come here and upset him."

Bet on Spinks vs. Phillips in the Bodog Sportsbook.

All lines subject to change.