April 19, 2008 Ashland, KY Team Phelps is pleased to announce that Cory “The Cobra” Phelps has signed to fight for the IBF Youth Cruiserweight title in Germany. The televised IBF Title fight against undefeated Alexander Frenkel (14-0 w/10 KOs) will take place on May 17th and is scheduled for 10 rounds.. Sauerland Event is the promoter of the card that will also feature a 10 round bout for the WBC World Youth Heavyweight Title featuring undefeated Francesco Pianeta (15-0 w/9 KOs), as well as a 12 round title fight for the EBU-EE (European External European Union) Cruiserweight Title between 6’5” southpaw Alexander Gurov (40-6 w/34 KOs) and the 6’ Enad Licina (13-1 w/7 KOs).
Larry Phelps, father and trainer of the 24 year old Cory Phelps (12-3-1 w/7 KOs) had this to say, “Right after our highly controversial draw with Bobby Gunn this past March 22, and a fight, by the way, we feel 100% positive that we won, we attempted to make a rematch, but the Gunn camp did not want any part of fighting Cory again. Because of the relative ease in which Cory handled Gunn, we have had several big opportunities come our way over the past few weeks, with this IBF Youth Cruiserweight Title in Germany being the most attractive for us. The contract is signed, sealed and delivered to Sauerland Event and we are looking forward to May 17th. Even though Cory is a natural light heavyweight, his speed, quickness, boxing ability and slick defense allow him to compete with the cruiserweights. Cory is very motivated and hungry and the recent activity of events and fight offers have made him even more focused and determined to capitalize on these opportunities. We have been in the gym training everyday since our last fight and we know that we will be up against it when we face the undefeated Alexander Frenkel, but this is the type of challenge that we have been preparing for and Cory is excited and honored to fight for the IBF Youth Title.”
Cory Phelps comes from a fighting and athletic family. In fact, his father and trainer Larry Phelps knows a thing or two about traveling half-way around the world to fight in a foreign land. An outstanding amateur who fought internationally for the United States Air Force, Larry Phelps turned pro in 1984. During his professional boxing career from 1984 to 1991 he not only fought in Italy, Puerto Rico and Canada, but he fought from coast-to-coast in the United States from Las Vegas to Hollywood to Atlantic City. Even though the elder Phelps ended with more losses than wins on his professional ledger (11-13 w/6 KOs), the experience he gained from facing such fighters as Henry Tillman, James Pritchard and Carlos De Leon has been instrumental in preparing his young son to face with confidence this upcoming IBF Title fight.
“Cory is working extremely hard in the gym and he is a very fast learner. His intensity level, focus and his desire are at an all-time high. He is determined to not only fight well in Germany, but to win the title and bring it home to Kentucky. We know that we are huge underdogs and that is fine with us. This IBF Title fight is a golden opportunity for Cory and when the bell rings, he will be more than ready.” – Larry Phelps, Head Trainer Team Phelps
The Sauerland Event promoted card will be televised by ARD in Germany and is commissioned by the Austrian Boxing Federation.