World Boxing News 2010-2013

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor World title double-header confirmed by Golden Boy Devon Alexander’s mandatory IBF welterweight title defence against Kell Brook is now set to take place at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan following the bouts postponement from the original date of January 19. Challenger Brook, 26, suffered an ankle injury in training, which meant that next month’s clash - scheduled for the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, was scrapped and could now be part of a triple-header of world title fights on February 23. A second IBF title contest on the night will take place as Cornelius ‘K9’ Bundrage puts his light-middleweight belt on the line against fellow-Contender Series star Ishe ‘Sugar Shay’ Smith in what will be a hometown defence for the veteran. "We'll have two world title fights, and it could turn out to be three,” stated Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. "So if we bring three world title fights, including one with hometown champion ...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Title bout confirmed for January 19 Devon Alexander’s first IBF welterweight title defence against mandatory challenger Kell Brook is now signed and sealed to take place at the Nokia Theather in Los Angeles, California. Earlier reports this week had the fight heading to Las Vegas, but as Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told WBN on Tuesday, the world championship bout is set for the West Coast. Alexander, 25, took the title from the hard-hitting Randall Bailey at the Barclay’s Center, New York in October and had hoped to secure a high-profile clash against one of the pound for pound stars of the division until the IBF intervened. The St. Louis technician, who has a solitary loss to Timothy Bradley in 25 contests, has now adhered to the organisations wishes and faces the unbeaten Brook, rather than giving up his newly-acquired title. Brook, known as ‘The Special One’ in his native Britain, has fought his way to number one position wit...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ sees no fuss in facing Briton’s IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander has dismissed any speculation that he would have considered vacating his title to avoid a meeting with mandatory challenger Kell Brook and is ready to meet the unbeaten fighter on January 19. Alexander 25, dethroned Randall Bailey in a one-sided affair in October to immediately set-up the title defence against Brook, who ‘The Great’ plans to brush to one side as he seeks a big-money clash with Amir Khan. “The fight with Brook is definite, we just have to get a venue,” Alexander told World Boxing News. “There has been no time have I thought about vacating my belt as I worked too hard to get it - so I'm definitely going to fight for it. “As of right now, the fight is on for January 19 and all they have to do is line them up and I’ll knock them down.”   Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn had initially attempted to bring the fight the United Ki...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Welterweight fight likely for purse bids With an agreement unlikely between IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander and his mandatory challenger Kell Brook, the fight is almost certain to go to purse bids by the end of November. As American Alexander is nailed on to want a home defence of the title he claimed in New York on October 20, a contest with Brook looks to have hit a dead end as his promoter Eddie Hearn reiterates his stance to stage the bout in the UK. WBN have now been in touch with the IBF, who have confirmed that the champion has no other option but to come to an amicable outcome with Brook or face losing his title in the next four and a half months. “They (Team Alexander) have not been given a deadline. If things go as planned the two should fight within about 135 days,” Lindsey Tucker, the IBF Championships Chairman told World Boxing News. “The fight would then go to bids if the parties cannot come to an agreeme...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ looking to tackle P4P stars Devon Alexander has given a strong indication that he may be ready to relinquish his newly-claimed IBF welterweight title by telling WBN that he is looking to challenge some of the marquee names in the division. The St. Louis fighter took the title with an unspectacular victory over Randall Bailey on Saturday night in Brooklyn, whilst British star Kell Brook knocked out Hector Saldivia on the same night to become mandatory challenger. Brook, 26, is now the next in line to challenge Alexander, with the IBF also confirming to WBN that the American has no optional defence, meaning that he has to put the belt up against 'The Special One' in his next fight. Alexander previously told WBN that he doesn’t even know who Brook is and after a further discussion, has now made it clear that hopes to snag a stellar name after becoming a two-weight world champion. “I'm looking for bigger and better figh...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ ponders next move after scoring another world title Newly-crowned IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander is contemplating his next fight in the wake of his comprehensive points win over Randall Bailey on Saturday night in Brooklyn. Alexander, 25, claimed his third world title at two different weights in the process, putting himself right in the mix to claim a lucrative fight against some of the top fighters in the world next year. On the same night in Sheffield though, undefeated Kell Brook made himself the mandatory challenger to Alexander’s crown and hopes to now seal a world title fight with ‘The Great’ in the US or the UK. WBN caught up with Alexander to ask him if he would be facing the IBF’s number one contender in his next bout and what he made of Brook’s impressive stoppage win over Hector Saldivia at the Motorpoint Arena. “I didn't see the fight and I barely know Kell Brooks,” Alexander told World Boxing News...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Unanimous decision victory for ‘The Great’ Devon Alexander avoided Randall Bailey’s powerful right hand for the duration of the twelve rounds tonight to claim the IBF welterweight title and set up a possible bout with Britain’s Kell Brook. The fight was a cat and mouse affair that saw Alexander paw with his jab, keeping Bailey at range and smothering him up close in order to stifle the ‘KO King’ from using his signature punch. Fans at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn roundly booed throughout the fight and at the final decision following a bout that lacked any intensity and excitement as Alexander took a 117-109, 116-110, 115-111 victory. Bailey only landed with his hayemaker on one occasion in the fifth round, but Alexander was able to shake off the blow and stick to his gameplan to pick up a world title at a second weight-class. A clash of heads early in the fight was the only other incident of note in the fight that will be easily ...

Randall Bailey v Devon Alexander IBF welterweight title Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York 12x3                                                                                                    Bailey                           Alexander              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------                  Round 1                       9                               10           ...

Frank Stea For two-time former light welterweight champion Devon Alexander 23-1 (13KOs), it has been a career goal for the 25 year old Saint Louis native to fight in the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas. With less than one month before fight night, the location was finally announced recently by Alexander’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions, that his IBF welterweight title fight against Randall Bailey is to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on September 8th in Sin City. “When you fight in Vegas, it’s like a boxer’s dream.  It’s the fight capital of the world. I think everyone wants to have their name on the big screen, in the big lights in Vegas. I’m excited to have my very first fight in Vegas. I’m excited to be fighting for world title in Vegas at that.” said Alexander when asked about fighting in Las Vegas. “The Great” has been known throughout the boxing community for his undying love and support from his hometown fans in St. Louis, MO. Ale...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor IBF welterweight title bout rubberstamped Randall Bailey has moved swiftly to secure a high-profile fight with former undisputed light-welterweight king Devon Alexander as the new IBF welterweight champion puts his belt on the line for the first time in September. The 37 year-old stunned Mike Jones on the Pacquiao v Bradley undercard by knocking him out with a wonder punch in the eleventh round despite being behind on all three judges’ cards and now gets his wish for a big money contest. Alexander, 25, responded to a call-out from the two-weight world title holder in the immediate aftermath of Bailey’s second world title win and has no fears stepping in to challenge the big-punching ‘KO-King’ on September 8. “The fight is done and I'm excited about it,” Alexander told World Boxing News. “I'm not sure where the fight will take place as of yet, but my thoughts are good about facing him. “Bailey just came off a win on HBO so tha...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ open to rematch with ‘Desert Storm’ Former unified world light-welterweight title holder Devon Alexander wants a second meeting with Timothy Bradley in November after Manny Pacquiao distanced himself from an immediate rematch with the WBO welterweight champion. 25 year-old Alexander, now campaigning at welterweight himself, is due to fight in August, with several opponents in the frame, but then hopes to face Bradley in the first defence of the Californian's 147lb belt. “I would love the opportunity to avenge my only loss to Bradley – definitely,” Alexander told World Boxing News. “I will take care of business in August and then we will see what happens about facing him in November. “I don't think Bradley will want the fight though as I think he wants to milk that belt with a lesser opponent and avoid another fight with me.” “I had his last fight 7-5 to Pacquiao so I don’t think he wants to go there again or face ...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ on the path for title shot Top welterweight contender Devon Alexander is hopeful of landing what he calls ‘a major title fight’ in the fall, when the former unified 140lb champion returns to action on August 18 th . A contest with up and coming Briton Kell Brook had been discussed according to both sides, but with either fighter looking to keep the fight on home comforts, the bout failed to get off the ground. “A fight with Brook was talked about, but they wanted me to come to Sheffield and that’s a move that don't make sense right now for me,” Alexander told World Boxing News. “It looks like I am fighting on August 18 th in the US. My next fight should be for a major title. There are a lot of names in the picture but as of now there is nothing certain.” The 25 year-old has put himself right in the title mix with victories over Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana in his previous two fights and could be in line to fight fo...

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor ‘The Great’ aiming for big fights Former world light-welterweight king Devon Alexander would have no problem stepping to on June 23rd to face Victor Ortiz if Andre Berto’s injury rules him out of the welterweight clash. The Saint Louis stylist, who unified the 140lb divisions WBC and IBF titles in 2010, was responding to WBN’s recent interview with Victor Ortiz, who hinted that Berto may not be ready to face him in the summer. Ortiz, 25, who himself is a former WBC champion at 147lbs, also retorted to Alexander’s eagerness to meet the winner of the fight, believing that ‘The Great’ was a level below him and Berto in the pecking order at welterweight. Alexander told WBN that if an opening did come up to oppose Ortiz in June, then he would be more than willing to step in and take Berto’s place for the bout - touted to take place at The Staples Center. “I would definitely step in, without doubt, “ Alexander told World Boxing News. “I...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Welterweight contender says divide purse on merit Kansas-born southpaw Victor Ortiz is gearing up for a summer rematch with rival Andre Berto on June 23rd, but the found time to speak to World Boxing News about the ongoing Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao saga and Devon Alexander’s intentions to fight the winner of his return with the Haitian-American. Ortiz, 25, held the WBC 147lb title following his victory over Berto last April, before losing the belt following a hands-down knockout defeat to Mayweather. The California-based fighter has a solution to his former opponents argument over the purse split for his proposed super-fight with Manny Pacquiao and sees a straight-forward way to come to an amicable agreement. “This is what I think is a fair split. It should be easily answered by some simple mathematics,” Ortiz explained to World Boxing News. “Look at the last five fights for the two fighters and do a comparative analysis of ...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ pleased with training as Maidana looms Former unified light-welterweight champion Devon Alexander is training for his first foray into the welterweight division against rugged Argentine Marcos Maidana on February 25 th and WBN caught up with the American as he gears up for sparring. The 24 year-old surprised everyone with his first choice at 147lbs as the former WBA title holder at 140lbs is a renowned power puncher and could well be even heavier handed with the added luxury of the extra weight. Alexander does have one advantage for the bout though as it takes place at his home venue - the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri and will represent his fourth career outing at the arena in the last three years. The southpaw, who is ranked number one by the WBC at his new weight, has been easing into training over the Christmas period and will now step up his sessions with the fight just over eight weeks away. “Training is...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ sees Argentinian as stepping stone to bigger fights Former unified light-welterweight champion Devon Alexander has confirmed to WBN that his first fight at the higher welterweight limit looks likely to be WBA 140lb title holder Marcos Maidana. The 24 year-old, who lost for the first time in his career to Timothy Bradley earlier this year, is pushing new co-promoter’s Golden Boy to get the fight made for the early part if 2012. “Well me and my team are still working on this potential fight with Marcos Maidana and are looking at dates in January or February,” Alexander told World Boxing News. “The fight is still in the works but we are looking good though for as far as the fight happening. “This could be a potential fight to lead to bigger and better things at 147 and as you know I am the number one in the division with the WBC so we would have to see. “ He then added: “Nothing has been announced but we are expecting...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Camps verbally agree contest in January or February Former unified light-welterweight champion Devon Alexander and current WBA belt holder Marcos Maidana are close to stepping up to welterweight for an all-Golden Boy match-up after verbally agreeing a deal to fight in early 2012. 24 year-old Alexander and Maidana, 28, have both expressed their interest in a meeting with either Floyd Mayweather or Amir Khan at the higher weight and have decided that facing each other maybe the quickest way to make one of those fights a reality. Alexander ‘The Great’ has only recently signed to Golden Boy Promotions after leaving Don King and starting up his own promotional company The Great Promotions to work in tandem with GBP – giving him access to an array of top opponents instantly. Maidana, who cemented his WBA title with victory over Petr Petrov in September, may vacate the belt after just one defence and the more prestigious offer from Alexander aft...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Magic Man’ back in early 2012 Welterweight contender Paulie Malignaggi has told WBN that he is more likely to go up against former light-welterweight champion Devon Alexander next than take on current Twitter focus Marcos Maidana. The 30 year-old, who is due to return to the ring in January or February next year, was first of all embroiled in a war of words with Alexander, 24, before 'The Twitter King' then turning his attention to a friendly social networking negotiation with Argentinian Maidana about a possible future bout. Alexander has since spoken up in the press about a meeting with Malignaggi, using some choice words as a reminder to the 'Magic Man' and the New Yorker now admits that if the deal to face him is put on the table and agreeable, he is likely to accept the fight. Any potential contest could be a WBC welterweight title eliminator as ‘The Great’ is ranked number one and Malignaggi is currently at number seven...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘The Great’ in line for ranked challenge Former light-welterweight champion Devon Alexander is looking for a stern test in his first fight at 147lbs and will then hope to gain a shot at the WBC welterweight title in 2012 after learning that the World Boxing Council have ranked him at #2 in their new 147lb rankings list. The 24 year-old is ranked only behind Floyd Mayweather and current champion Victor Ortiz who meet each other in just over two weeks, leaving Alexander in the envious position of potentially meeting the winner after a warm-up bout at his new weight. “We are just relaxing, just got back in the gym so we taking one step at a time,” Alexander told World Boxing News. “I want a top ten fighter at 147 and as of last week I'm ranked number 2 in the WBC at 147 so I'm ready for whoever.” Saint Louis-born Alexander unified the 140lb division before losing his title in an uncharacteristically below-par performance against T...

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor 147lb rivals on verge of confirming fight dates After lining up a meeting with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn today, undefeated welterweight Kell Brook is on the verge of confirming his opponent for a scheduled October 8th bout in his home city of Sheffield. The 25 year-old packed out the Hillsborough Leisure Centre in June as he dominated former world champion Lovemore Ndou in a twelve round points win in his last bout and ‘Special K’ could now just be one fight away from a world title shot. Another former world champion Paulie Malignaggi has long been linked with a bout against the Yorkshireman, but confirmed this week that he won’t be facing Brook or rival Devon Alexander in his next bout, which he hopes to announce in the next seven days.