Devon Alexander
Alexander (right) vs. Corley, 2008
Born (1987-02-10) February 10, 1987
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Other namesThe Great
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8+1⁄2 in (174 cm)[1]
Reach69 in (175 cm)[1]
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights36
Wins27
Wins by KO14
Losses8
Draws1

Devon Alexander (born February 10, 1987) is an American professional boxer. He is a former world champion in two weight classes, having held the unified WBC and IBF light welterweight titles in 2010, and the IBF welterweight title from 2012 to 2013. Alexander was prescribed Tramadol after surgery in 2012, and thereafter had to battle opiate addiction, coming clean in 2018.[2]

Early life

Alexander grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of north St. Louis, Missouri in an area described as rough, gang- and drug-infested.[3] He would later join the boxing gym that Kevin Cunningham, a former police officer and security officer at Clay Community Center, turned trainer, founded in the basement of an old police station.[4]

Thirty youngsters joined the boxing program of Cunningham, who had hoped to keep them out of trouble, off the streets, and in the ring. A stablemate of Alexander's, Cory Spinks would later become welterweight champion.[5]

Devon Alexander is married to Cesily Alexander, in which he has 5 kids with. Devon and Cesily met in high school. They met in 2003 and ultimately started saying after Alexander dad died in 2005. 2014 Devon And Cesily Alexander got married. They have 5 kids which the names from oldest to youngest is Devon Alexander Jr, Cesily Alexander, Sevyn Leigh Alexander, Levon Alexander, Lesily Alexander. Devon Alexander now 36 years of age, is opening a gym in st.louis named Devon Alexander Multi Sports Complex. He is looking to give back to a community who has given him so much. On Nov 4th 2023, Alexander will be doing his first amateur boxing show called, Devon Alexander Amateur Boxing Invitational Classic. Alexander has signed a contract with Harris Stowe University, located in St.louis to do a seasonal show to help support, St.louis local boxers. The mission is to keep these kids busy and out of trouble! In this second part of Alexander career, he is looking to give back and become a promoter for the local st.louis pro boxers next summer. Alexander always wanted to give back in a major way, so this is a start.

Amateur career

Alexander had an outstanding amateur career, compiling a record of 300-10 under the tutelage of Cunningham. He was a four-time Silver Gloves champion from ages 10–14; three-time PAL national champion; Junior Golden Gloves and Junior Olympics national champion; 2003 United States national champion in the 19-and-under division; and 2004 United States light welterweight national champion. Alexander made it to the final round of the 2004 Olympic trials, where he battled Rock Allen to a draw and was knocked down once before losing on a tie-breaker.[6]

Professional career

Light welterweight

At age 17, Alexander made his professional debut, defeating Vincent Torres by first round technical knockout in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.[6]

He went up against former WBO junior welterweight champion DeMarcus Corley on January 19, 2008, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Alexander easily defeated Corley by unanimous decision.[7]

Light welterweight title

On August 1, 2009, Alexander defeated Junior Witter to claim the vacant WBC light welterweight championship. Witter gave up on his stool after the eighth round, claiming that he had re-injured his left hand. Alexander was hurt by a right hand in round 2. All three judges had Alexander ahead at the time of the stoppage 79-73, 79-73, 80-72.

Alexander vs. Urango

Alexander was next scheduled to face two-time champion Juan Urango of Colombia in a title unification bout. March 6, 2010 bout was held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut and was televised on HBO's "Boxing After Dark" telecast.[4] To train for the fight, Alexander used a Las Vegas house lent by promoter Don King as training base.[5] Devon Alexander defeated Juan Urango by TKO in round 8. Alexander threw an uppercut which dropped Urango. Urango made the count but Alexander resumed his attack and threw a hook to Urango's temple which again dropped him. Urango stood up but was clearly dazed, resulting in a stoppage by the referee. Urango, who suffered his first KO defeat, called out Timothy Bradley after the fight, but a fight was never made because Bradley just moved up to welterweight.

In his next fight he faced Andreas Kotelnik, the former WBA Light Welterweight champion, in his hometown of St. Louis Missouri on August 7 in front of members of the St. Louis Rams, Evander Holyfield and Floyd Mayweather.[8] Alexander won the fight by a controversial unanimous decision with all judges scoring the fight 116-112.

On October 22, 2010, Alexander was stripped of the IBF Junior Welterweight title for not fighting the no. 1 contender, Kaizer Mabuza.

Alexander vs. Bradley

Alexander's next fight, on January 29, 2011, took place against Timothy Bradley, which he lost via 10th round TD after an unintentional head-butt forced a stop to the bout.[9]

Alexander vs. Matthysse

On June 25, 2011, Alexander defeated Lucas Matthysse in a controversial split decision. The judges scored the fight 96-93 and 95-94 for Alexander and 96-93 for Matthysse.

Welterweight

On February 25, 2012 Alexander moved up to welterweight and put on a dominating performance against highly regarded and hard-charging Marcos Maidana. Alexander landed the right hook at will, catching Maidana with his left hand down throughout the contest. Maidana was seemingly surprised by both the speed and power Alexander displayed at his first fight at welterweight. Only one of the three judges had Maidana winning a round. The impressive nature of the win earned Alexander a title match with Randall Bailey in September 2012. Alexander was criticized by some however, for fighting illegally at some points during the fight.

Alexander was scheduled to fight titlest Randall Bailey as a main event on Showtime Championship Boxing on September 8, 2012, but Bailey withdrew due to injury. Their fight was replaced with the original undercard fight between Olusegun Ajose and Lucas Matthysse and an originally scheduled non-televised fight between J'Leon Love and Ramon Valenzuela was changed to a televised bout.[10]

IBF welterweight champion

Alexander returned to action on October 20, 2012, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where he won the IBF Welterweight title by unanimous decision against Ring Top 10 Welterweight, Randall Bailey. The fight was fought at a comfortable pace for Alexander, with very little exchanges, as Bailey did not let his hands go very often. In a one sided fight, Alexander won his third world title in his second division.

Alexander vs. Brook cancellation

Alexander's next fight was originally supposed to happen on January 19, 2013 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, against mandatory challenger and Ring No. 3 ranked Welterweight, Kell Brook. However, Brook suffered an ankle injury during training, and the fight was postponed for Feb 23rd with the fight taking place in Detroit, where undercard fighter Cornelius Bundrage would be a big draw. There were many venues up for consideration ranging from The Royal Oak Music Theater to The Joe Louis Arena, with the decision finally landing to the theater at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan. Before the fight, this time Alexander suffered an injury from his bicep during training rescheduling the fight yet again for May 18, 2013 at the Boardwalk Hall In Atlantic City, New Jersey. Brook would later withdraw from the fight due to a foot injury, calling the fight off for a third time. Alexander would defend his title against replacement Lee Purdy with Purdy retiring on the stool in the end of the seventh round. Devon won easily but hurt his left hand.

Devon would go on to lose his next two biggest fights, losing his championship belt and status as a top contender after all boxing governing bodies removed Devon Alexander from their top rankings.[11]

Shawn Porter loss

Alexander would lose the IBF Welterweight title to Shawn Porter on December 7, 2013 by unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112.[12]

Alexander vs. Khan

Alexander lost the WBC Silver Welterweight title to Amir Khan on December 13, 2014 by a lopsided unanimous decision with scores of 119-109, 118-110, 120-108.[13]

Alexander vs. Martinez

Alexander took on gate keeper Aaron Martinez on October 14, 2015 and was dominated through 10 rounds, en route to ultimately losing a unanimous decision.

Alexander vs. Ortiz

On February 17, 2018, Alexander faced Victor Ortiz. Alexander started the fight well, and it looked like he built an early lead on the scorecards, as he was noticeably outlanding his opponent. Ortiz did better in the second part of the fight, which was enough in the eyes of one of the judges to score the fight 115-113 in favor of Ortiz, while the other two judges had it a draw, 114-114, ending the fight in a majority draw.[14]

Alexander vs. Berto

On August 4, 2018, Alexander fought another former world champion in Andre Berto. Alexander, as in his previous fight fought great in the opening rounds and managed to drop Berto in the third round. Berto would, however, be the much better fighter in the later rounds, which earned him the split-decision win, 115-112, 115-12 and 113-114.[15]

Alexander vs. Redkach

In his next fight, Alexander fought Ivan Redkach. Both fighters fought a solid fight in the opening rounds. In the sixth round, Redkach managed to drop Alexander with a stunning uppercut and left hand. Alexander beat the count, only to be dropped two more times, the second being the final one before the referee waved the fight off, awarding Redkach with the KO victory.[16]

Controversy

In 2015, Alexander publicly took a strong stance against The Supreme Court of the United States of America legitimatizing same-sex marriage in the U.S. and tweeted homophobic statements that were later discussed on boxing articles the next day.[17][18][19]

Professional boxing record

36 fights 27 wins 8 losses
By knockout 14 2
By decision 13 6
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
36 Loss 27–8–1 Venezuela Gabriel Maestre RTD 3 (10), 3:00 Apr 8, 2023 United States Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S.
35 Loss 27–7–1 United States Luke Santamaria UD 10 Aug 7, 2021 United States Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
34 Loss 27–6–1 Ukraine Ivan Redkach TKO 6 (10), 1:10 Jun 1, 2019 United States Soboba Casino Resort, San Jacinto, California, U.S.
33 Loss 27–5–1 United States Andre Berto SD 12 Aug 4, 2018 United States Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, U.S.
32 Draw 27–4–1 United States Victor Ortiz MD 12 Feb 17, 2018 United States Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
31 Win 27–4 Nicaragua Walter Castillo UD 10 Nov 21, 2017 United States The Coliseum, St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
30 Loss 26–4 United States Aaron Martinez UD 10 Oct 14, 2015 United States Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona, U.S.
29 Loss 26–3 United Kingdom Amir Khan UD 12 Dec 13, 2014 United States MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For WBC Silver welterweight title
28 Win 26–2 Mexico Jesús Soto Karass UD 10 Jun 21, 2014 United States StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.
27 Loss 25–2 United States Shawn Porter UD 12 Dec 7, 2013 United States Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost IBF welterweight title
26 Win 25–1 United Kingdom Lee Purdy RTD 7 (12), 3:00 May 18, 2013 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained IBF welterweight title
25 Win 24–1 United States Randall Bailey UD 12 Oct 20, 2012 United States Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S. Won IBF welterweight title
24 Win 23–1 Argentina Marcos Maidana UD 10 Feb 25, 2012 United States Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
23 Win 22–1 Argentina Lucas Matthysse SD 10 Jun 25, 2011 United States Family Arena, St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.
22 Loss 21–1 United States Timothy Bradley TD 10 (12), 3:00 Jan 29, 2011 United States Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan, U.S. Lost WBC light welterweight title;
For WBO light welterweight title;
Unanimous TD: Alexander cut from an accidental head clash
21 Win 21–0 Ukraine Andreas Kotelnik UD 12 Aug 7, 2010 United States Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Retained WBC and IBF light welterweight titles
20 Win 20–0 Colombia Juan Urango TKO 8 (12), 1:12 Mar 6, 2010 United States Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S. Retained WBC light welterweight title;
Won IBF light welterweight title
19 Win 19–0 United Kingdom Junior Witter RTD 8 (12), 3:00 Aug 1, 2009 United States Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC light welterweight title
18 Win 18–0 United States Jesús Rodríguez KO 9 (10), 0:58 Apr 24, 2009 United States Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 United States Christopher Fernandez RTD 3 (8), 3:00 Dec 11, 2008 United States Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 South Korea Sun-Haeng Lee TKO 4 (10), 0:19 Nov 7, 2008 China Sichuan Gymnasium, Chengdu, China
15 Win 15–0 Panama Miguel Callist UD 12 Mar 27, 2008 United States Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
14 Win 14–0 United States DeMarcus Corley UD 12 Jan 19, 2008 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title
13 Win 13–0 United States Cory Peterson TKO 1 (8), 2:59 Oct 13, 2007 United States Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 United States Marcus Luck KO 3 (8), 1:24 Jul 7, 2007 United States The Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 United States Scott Ball KO 7 (8), 0:59 Mar 3, 2007 United States Belterra Casino Resort & Spa, Florence, Indiana, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 United States Maximino Cuevas TKO 4 (4), 2:02 Jan 6, 2007 United States Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 United States Tyler Ziolkowski TKO 1 (10), 2:40 Jul 8, 2006 United States Savvis Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Won vacant WBC Youth welterweight title
8 Win 8–0 United States Seth Hebenstreit UD 6 Mar 9, 2006 United States The Spott, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 United States Kelly Wright UD 6 Oct 21, 2005 United States Savvis Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 United States Christian Nash TKO 2 (4), 2:28 Sep 30, 2005 United States Noa Noa Night Club, Stone Park, Illinois, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 United States John Rudolph TKO 3 (4), 1:01 Jun 2, 2005 United States Family Arena, St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Dominican Republic Felix Lora UD 6 May 21, 2005 United States United Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Mexico Donovan Castaneda UD 6 Feb 5, 2005 United States Savvis Center, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Karl Hunter UD 4 Jun 3, 2004 United States Ambassador Club, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Vincent Torres TKO 1 (4) May 20, 2004 United States Kewadin Casino, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S.

References

  1. 1 2 Premier Boxing Champions tale of the tape prior to the Lucas Santamaria fight.
  2. ↑ Barry Wilner (July 26, 2018). "Alexander making journey back from painkiller addict to ring". Associated Press. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Devon Alexander escaped streets of St. Louis to become a champion". SportsIllustrated.cnn.com. March 3, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  4. 1 2 "Alexander Not Letting Praise Get To His Head". Espn.com. March 5, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
  5. 1 2 "Devon Alexander rises from mean streets to become world champ". CanadaEast.com. March 5, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
  6. 1 2 Donovan, Jake (January 18, 2008). "New School Pick of the Week: Devon Alexander". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  7. ↑ "Alexander Decisions Corley, Collazo Defeats Barros". BoxingNews24.com. January 21, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  8. ↑ "The Matador: Alexander Unified Champion". HBO.com. March 6, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Devon Alexander". BoxRec. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Love-Valenzuela elevated to co-main event - Dan Rafael Blog- ESPN". Espn.go.com. September 5, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Boxing Rankings | WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF". Fightnews. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Shawn Porter claims IBF welterweight belt; Paulie Malignaggi wins battle of Brooklyn". Sky Sports. December 8, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Amir Khan defeats Devon Alexander by unanimous decision". Espn.go.com. December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  14. ↑ Idec, Keith (February 17, 2018). "Devon Alexander, Victor Ortiz Battle To a Majority Draw". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  15. ↑ Staff, BoxingScene (August 4, 2018). "Berto Gets Off The Floor, Rallies To Decision Alexander". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  16. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (June 1, 2019). "Ivan Redkach stuns Devon Alexander in San Jacinto". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  17. ↑ Christ, Scott (June 26, 2015). "Devon Alexander goes on homophobic Twitter tirade". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  18. ↑ Woods, Michael (June 27, 2015). "Devon Alexander Lobbies For Adam and Eve Over Adam and Steve". The Sweet Science. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Boxing champion Devon Alexander goes on anti-gay rant". Rappler.com. June 27, 2015. Retrieved December 25, 2016.

Further reading

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