by James Slater – Like most other fans, I expected Devon Alexander to beat Juan Urango last night in their WBC and IBF 140-pound unification clash, but I expected the man from St. Louis to win on points. After all, the rock-chinned Colombian had never previously been stopped in his eight-year pro career, and “The Iron Twin” has been in with some good fighters, like Ricky Hatton, Andre Berto and Randall Bailey.
But the man who now holds two of the major belts at light-welterweight shocked Urango and his fans by halting the defending IBF ruler in the 8th-round. A quite sensational performance by the fighter who goes by the nickname of “Alexander The Great,” the question now is: how great can Alexander become and who will he fight next?
Shortly after last night’s hugely impressive win, the 23-year-old southpaw made it clear he feels he can beat anyone at 140-pounds – with the names of Tim Bradley and Zab Judah being mentioned in particular. And, going by last night’s showing, it would take a brave man to bet against the partially unified 140-pound champ doing as he says..
Bradley’s name is of especial interest, as the WBO champ known as “Desert Storm” has been having no luck finding a big name who is willing to step into the ring with him just lately. Maybe, with Alexander calling his name, the likewise undefeated Bradley will at last get the big fight he craves. A fight between these two gifted light-welterweights would definitely be one to look forward to. Both guys have great speed, good power, superb boxing ability and a willingness to mix it up when need be.
It’s too early to start talking about predictions for this fight (which hopefully, as much as it just makes sense to happen as anything else, will indeed get made) but the winner would perhaps be on his way towards real stardom. Maybe Alexander will be the next big star of the lower weight classes.
Seemingly having all the ingredients needed to be a star – a willingness to fight the best, a fighting style that is anything but dull, a down to earth personality and also a quick tongue – Alexander, who also has a big advantage with time being on his side at just age 23, is certainly a fighter for us to keep on watching. Personally, a fight between he and the faded Judah does not excite, but that fight with Bradley, if it happens, sure will be one to get excited about. As too would fights that matched Alexander with the Amir Khan-Paulie Malignaggi winner, the winner of the also upcoming Nate Canmpbell-Victor Ortiz bout, as well as the winner of the Marcos Maidana-Victor Manuel Cayo clash.
There are exciting times ahead for the 140-pound division right now, and Alexander has a number of big fights to target as a result. True stardom could be but a few more wins away for the man who is now 20-0(13)!