Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri–Yet another chapter was written in the Jekyll and Hyde career story of Devon Alexander (23-1, 13 KOs) as the 25-year-old St. Louis native rebounded from three consecutive poor performances with a dominant unanimous decision win over Argentina’s Marcos Maidana (31-3, 28 KOs) by scores of 100-90, 100-90, and 99-91.
Alexander fought expertly in the ten-round welterweight contest, using his edge in speed from the outside and tying up on the inside, constantly employing changes in angles and pace that kept Maidana uncomfortable and always guessing. At times, the former junior welterweight titlist even appeared to be relatively heavy-handed.
Reminiscent of his 2010 domination of Juan Urango, Alexander reminded the world why he was so highly regarded before hitting the 18-month career snag that, officially, saw him go 2-1 against Andriy Kotelnyk, Timothy Bradley, and Lucas Matthysse, but easily could’ve been 0-3.
The secret to success for Alexander may be to match him well and keep him fighting against wide-swinging sluggers with poor footwork, at least until he can mature as an overall fighter. At welterweight, the pool of decent, but vulnerable challengers is deep, so if Team Alexander chooses to turn 2012 into a rebuilding year, it’s definitely a viable option.
As for Maidana–nothing has changed. He’s a big puncher, tough guy, and honest battler whose technical flaws will always cost him dearly against world class technical fighters. The best bet for “El Chino” would be to return to the thinning herd at junior welterweight where his power is a bigger factor and the top fighters appear bound for a shot at welterweight glory.
On the televised undercard, fans saw what happens when a solid, competent fighter meets one with superstar potential, as Adrien Broner (23-0, 19 KOs) defended his WBO super featherweight title against the previously undefeated Eloy Perez (23-1-2, 7 KOs) via KO 4.
Perez was never really in the bout, losing the first three rounds and then getting dropped by a straight right hand and follow-up chopping right that rendered him unable to continue.
On the non-televised undercard, lightweight prospect, Sharif Bogere (22-0, 14 KOs) stopped Sergio Rivera (25-9-2, 16 KOs) in the third round of a scheduled ten.
Also, heavyweight prospect, Deontay Wilder (21-0, 21 KOs) scored a TKO 3 victory over Marlon Hayes (23-11, 11 KOs) in an eight-round contest.
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