Devon Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devon Alexander |
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Alexander (right) vs. DeMarcus Corley, 2008
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Devon Eugene Alexander |
| Nickname(s) | The Great |
| Rated at |
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| Height | 5 ft 8+1/2 in |
| Reach | 69 in |
| Born | February 10, 1987 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 37 |
| Wins | 27 |
| Wins by KO | 14 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Draws | 1 |
Devon Alexander, born on February 10, 1987, is an American professional boxer. People call him "Alexander the Great." He used to hold important boxing titles. He was a champion in both the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Contents
Devon Alexander's Early Life and Boxing Journey
Devon Alexander grew up in a part of St. Louis, Missouri, called Hyde Park. This area was known to be a bit tough. When he was young, many people helped guide him. These helpers included former NFL players Eric Drain and Demetrius Johnson. His school principal, Frank Muelhauser, and PE teacher, Brad Slinkard, also supported him.
Later, Devon joined a boxing gym. This gym was started by Kevin Cunningham. Kevin was a former police officer and security guard. He turned into a boxing trainer. He opened the gym in the basement of an old police station.
About thirty kids joined Kevin Cunningham's boxing program. He wanted to help these kids stay out of trouble. He hoped to keep them off the streets and focused on boxing. Another boxer from this gym, Cory Spinks, also became a welterweight champion.
Devon Alexander's Amateur Boxing Career
Devon Alexander had a great amateur boxing career. An amateur boxer competes for fun or experience, not for money. He won 300 fights and only lost 10. Kevin Cunningham was his coach during this time.
Devon won the Silver Gloves championship four times. He won these titles between the ages of 10 and 14. He was also a three-time national champion in the PAL. He won the Junior Golden Gloves and Junior Olympics national titles too.
In 2003, he became the United States national champion for boxers under 19. The next year, in 2004, he won the United States light welterweight national championship. Devon almost made it to the 2004 Olympic team. He fought Rock Allen in the final trials. The fight was a draw, but Devon lost on a tie-breaker.
Devon Alexander's Professional Boxing Career
Devon Alexander started his professional boxing career at age 17. A professional boxer fights for money. His first fight was against Vincent Torres. Devon won by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. This means the referee stopped the fight because one boxer could not continue safely.
On January 19, 2008, he fought DeMarcus Corley. Corley was a former champion. Devon easily won this fight by a unanimous decision. This means all the judges agreed that Devon won.
Winning the Light Welterweight Title
On August 1, 2009, Devon Alexander fought Junior Witter. Devon won this fight to become the WBC light welterweight champion. Witter stopped fighting after the eighth round. He said his left hand was hurt. Devon was ahead on all the judges' scorecards when the fight ended.
Big Fights and Title Defenses
Devon's next big fight was against Juan Urango from Colombia. This fight was on March 6, 2010. Devon won by TKO in the eighth round. Devon hit Urango with an uppercut, which made him fall. Urango got up, but Devon kept attacking. He hit Urango again, and the referee stopped the fight. Urango had never been knocked out before.
After that, Devon fought Andreas Kotelnik on August 7, 2010. This fight was in Devon's hometown of St. Louis. Many famous people, like members of the St. Louis Rams football team and boxers Evander Holyfield and Floyd Mayweather, watched the fight. Devon won by a unanimous decision. However, some people thought the decision was controversial.
Later, on October 22, 2010, Devon lost his IBF Junior Welterweight title. He lost it because he did not fight the top challenger, Kaizer Mabuza.
Losing the Light Welterweight Title
Devon Alexander's next fight was on January 29, 2011, against Timothy Bradley. Devon lost this fight. The fight was stopped in the tenth round because of an accidental head-butt. The judges then decided the winner based on their scores up to that point.
On June 25, 2011, Devon fought Lucas Matthysse. Devon won this fight by a split decision. This means some judges thought Devon won, and others thought Matthysse won. In the end, more judges scored it for Devon.
Moving Up to Welterweight
On February 25, 2012, Devon Alexander moved up to the welterweight division. This means he started fighting at a heavier weight class. He fought Marcos Maidana and performed very well. Devon landed many strong punches. Maidana seemed surprised by Devon's speed and power at this new weight. Only one judge thought Maidana won a single round. This impressive win earned Devon a chance to fight for a title.
Winning the Welterweight Title
Devon Alexander fought for the IBF Welterweight title on October 20, 2012. The fight was in Brooklyn, New York. He won the title by a unanimous decision against Randall Bailey. Devon controlled the fight easily. He won his third world title in his second weight division.
Devon was supposed to fight Kell Brook on January 19, 2013. But Brook got an ankle injury, so the fight was moved to May 18, 2013. Devon's team wondered if Brook was truly injured or just not ready to fight him.
Devon then lost his next two big fights. He lost his championship belt and his spot as a top contender.
Losing the Welterweight Title to Shawn Porter
Devon lost his IBF Welterweight title to Shawn Porter on December 7, 2013. Porter won by a unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight clearly for Porter.
Losing to Amir Khan
Devon Alexander lost the WBC Silver Welterweight title to Amir Khan on December 13, 2014. Khan won by a very clear unanimous decision. The judges' scores showed that Khan won almost every round.
Devon Alexander's Boxing Record Summary
| 37 fights | 27 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 14 | 3 |
| By decision | 13 | 6 |
| Draws | 1 | |
Images for kids
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Alexander (right) vs. DeMarcus Corley, 2008
See also
- List of male boxers
- List of southpaw stance boxers
- List of world light-welterweight boxing champions
- List of world welterweight boxing champions
