Sparring partner remembers local boxer

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (wavy.com) - A local professional boxer was shot and killed at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront over the weekend. Police are looking for his killer.

22-year-old Cordaro Simpkins was shot in the 300 block of 18th street just after midnight July 23. He died an hour later.

Friends at Bushido Mixed Martial Arts said he was headed to a world title.

In the ring Simpkins was a fighter first and foremost.

"This ring here, man we had so many great battles in this ring,” said sparring partner Dorin Spivey.

“It's sad his life was taken away, the kid had so much talent, so much potential,” Spivey continued.

Police say Simpkins and his friends got into an argument with another group of people at the Oceanfront. That's when Simpkins was shot.

Earlier that day he was in the ring with Spivey.

“To have shared a last moment with him is something I'll treasure for the rest of my life,” said Spivey.

After exchanging punches, the two exchanged words he'll never forget.

“He told me that he had two heroes in his life. He said you're my hero and my dad, that's what he told me. That's the last words he told me and I hugged him and then he got murdered that night. It really hurt me,” said Spivey.

His fighting days may be over, but Simpkins will be back in the ring.

“From here on out I'm going to dedicate the rest of my career wearing his initials on my trunks and let his spirit be in me. His fighting spirit will be through me,” said Spivey.

Police say Simpkins's friends are cooperating with them, but they have no suspects. They believe others at the Oceanfront may have helpful information. Call the crime line at 1-888-lock-u-up.