By Bert Randolph Sugar (with Steve Small)
STRENGTHS OF BOTH FIGHTERS
TIMOTHY “DESERT STORM” BRADLEY – 26-0, 1 no-contest, (11 KO’s)
· Bradley possesses fast hands and quick movements.
· Likes to lean back when opponents throw power shots, making them lean in to reach him, then counters with looping overhand right.
· Has experience against southpaws, Alexander being one, having fought four in his last 11 fights and winning all.
DEVON “THE GREAT” ALEXANDER – 21-0, (13 KO’s)
· An elusive defensive fighter, Alexander has quick hands.
· Moves to right well, effective against right-handed fighters, like Bradley.
· Possesses a good, stiff jab
WEAKNESSES OF BOTH FIGHTERS
BRADLEY
· Goes right hand crazy, often winding up to throw.
· Average power.
· Tends to drop hands in exchanges.
ALEXANDER
· An arm puncher, with below-average power.
· Drops hands after he punches, leaving his chin exposed.
· Likes to stand in and wing punches rather than using his speed and elusiveness on the outside
WHAT EACH MUST DO TO WIN
BRADLEY
· Needs to keep Alexander in front of him by keeping his lead left foot outside of Alexander’s lead right.
· Must use his left hook more and not depend solely on winging right hands.
· Needs to tighten up his defense against the fast-punching Alexander.
ALEXANDER
· Needs to keep jabbing and turning Bradley.
· Needs to stay outside where he has an advantage rather than engaging Bradley inside in a slugfest.
· Must keep moving to his right, away from Bradley’s right, where he can dictate the action.
GREATEST JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT (140 lbs.) Champions
1. AARON PRYOR—WBA champion 1980-’83 (Record in jr. welterweight title bouts: 9-0)
2. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ—WBC champion 1989-’94; 1994-’96 (Record in title bouts:13-2-1)
3. BARNEY ROSS—World champion 1933-’35 (record in jr. welterweight title bouts: 8-0)
4. ANTONIO CERVANTES—WBA champion 1972-’76;1977-’80 (Record title bouts: 19-3)
5. KOSTYA TSZYU—IBF champion 1995-’97; WBC 1999-2004 (Record in title bouts: 14-2)
6. NICOLINO LOCHE—WBA champion 1968-’72 (Record in jr. welterweight title bouts: 6-2)
7. DUILIO LOI—World champion 1960-’62; WBA 1962 (Record in title bouts: 4-2)
8. WILFRED BENITEZ—WBA champion 1976-’77 (Record in jr. welterweight title bouts: 4-0)
9. CARLOS ORTIZ—World champion 1959-’60 (Record in jr. welterweight title bouts: 3-2)
10. TONY CANZONERI—World champion 1931-’32: 1933 (Record in title bouts: 3-3)
–Bert Randolph Sugar
Co-author of
“The Ultimate Book of Boxing Lists”