Judah was beaten by Spinks last April

Judah, a former light welterweight champion, started the fight as underdog but immediately took the upper hand.

He dropped local boy Spinks to his knees at the end of the seventh, but it was not adjudged a knockdown

Spinks hit the canvas again in the ninth before referee Armando Garcia stepped in and awarded Judah the contest with seconds left in the round.

Judah, 33-2, avenged a loss to Spinks by unanimous decision in April.

"I was hungry, I was determined - it's my time," he said.

I have to take this like a man Cory Spinks

"Spinks did exactly what I thought he'd do. He was running from my left hand, which made him pull back and let me take it to his body."

The dethroned champion, son of former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, called for a rematch after his third career loss in 37 contests.

"I want to fight him again," he said.

"This was a good fight. I gave him a chance and I hope he gives me one in return.

"I'm very disappointed because I let a lot of people down, but I have to hold my head up. I have to take this like a man."