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 | |
| Nickname(s) | The Great |
| Rated at | Light welterweight Welterweight |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Reach | 71 in (180 cm) |
| Born | February 10, 1987 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 30 |
| Wins | 26 |
| Wins by KO | 14 |
| Losses | 4 |
Devon Alexander was born on February 10, 1987. He is an American professional boxer. People call him "Alexander the Great." He used to hold important boxing titles. These include the WBC and IBF championships in the light welterweight division. He was also an IBF champion in the welterweight division.
Contents
Devon Alexander's Life Story
Devon Alexander grew up in a neighborhood called Hyde Park in north St. Louis, Missouri. Many people helped him when he was young. These included former NFL players Eric Drain and Demetrius Johnson. His school principal, Frank Muelhauser, and PE teacher, Brad Slinkard, also guided him.
Later, he joined a boxing gym. This gym was started by Kevin Cunningham. Kevin used to be a police officer. He became a boxing trainer. The gym was in the basement of an old police station. Kevin wanted to help kids stay out of trouble. About thirty kids joined his boxing program. One of Devon's training partners, Cory Spinks, also became a welterweight champion.
His Amateur Boxing Journey
Devon Alexander had a great amateur boxing career. He won 300 fights and lost only 10. His coach, Kevin Cunningham, taught him everything.
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. In 2003, he became the United States national champion for boxers aged 19 and under. The next year, in 2004, he won the United States light welterweight national championship.
Devon almost made it to the Olympics. He reached the final round of the 2004 Olympic trials. He fought Rock Allen and the match ended in a draw. Devon was knocked down once. He lost the fight on a tie-breaker.
Becoming a Professional Boxer
Devon Alexander started his professional boxing career at age 17. His first fight was against Vincent Torres. Devon won by technical knockout in the first round. This happened in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.
On January 19, 2008, he fought DeMarcus Corley. Corley was a former champion. The fight took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Devon easily won this fight. All the judges agreed he was the winner.
Winning Light Welterweight Titles
On August 1, 2009, Devon Alexander fought Junior Witter. Devon won the fight and became the WBC light welterweight champion. Witter stopped fighting after the eighth round. He said his left hand was hurt again. Devon was ahead on all the judges' scorecards when the fight ended.
Big Fights and More Titles
Devon's next big fight was against Juan Urango from Colombia. This fight was to combine two titles. It happened on March 6, 2010, in Connecticut. It was shown on HBO. Devon trained for this fight in Las Vegas. He used a house lent to him by boxing promoter Don King.
Devon Alexander defeated Juan Urango by TKO in the eighth round. Devon landed an uppercut that knocked Urango down. Urango got up, but Devon attacked again. He hit Urango with a hook, and Urango fell again. The referee stopped the fight because Urango was too dazed to continue. This was Urango's first time being knocked out.
In his next fight, Devon faced Andreas Kotelnik. Kotelnik was a former champion. The fight was in Devon's hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Many famous people watched, including members of the St. Louis Rams, Evander Holyfield, and Floyd Mayweather. Devon won the fight by a unanimous decision. However, some people thought the decision was controversial.
On October 22, 2010, Devon lost his IBF Junior Welterweight title. This happened because he did not fight the top challenger, Kaizer Mabuza.
Challenging Timothy Bradley
Devon's next big fight was on January 29, 2011. He fought Timothy Bradley. Devon lost this fight in the tenth round. The fight was stopped because of an accidental head-butt.
A Close Win Against Lucas Matthysse
On June 25, 2011, Devon Alexander fought Lucas Matthysse. Devon won by a split decision. This means some judges thought Devon won, and others thought Matthysse won. It was a very close and controversial fight.
Moving Up to Welterweight
On February 25, 2012, Devon Alexander moved up to the welterweight division. He had a strong performance against Marcos Maidana. Devon landed many right hooks. Maidana seemed surprised by Devon's speed and power. Only one judge thought Maidana won a round. This impressive win earned Devon a chance to fight for a title.
Devon was supposed to fight Randall Bailey in September 2012. But Bailey got injured and could not fight.
Winning the Welterweight Title
Devon Alexander returned to the ring on October 20, 2012. He fought Randall Bailey in Brooklyn. Devon won the IBF Welterweight title by a unanimous decision. This means all the judges agreed he won. The fight was slow-paced. Bailey did not throw many punches. Devon won his third world title in his second weight division.
Devon's next fight was planned for January 19, 2013. He was supposed to fight Kell Brook. But Brook injured his ankle during training. The fight was moved to May 18, 2013. Some people in boxing wondered if Brook was truly injured. They thought he might not have been ready to fight Devon.
Devon then lost his next two big fights. He lost his championship belt. He also lost his spot as a top contender in boxing.
Losing to Shawn Porter
Devon lost his IBF Welterweight title to Shawn Porter on December 7, 2013. Shawn Porter won by unanimous decision. Later, Kell Brook defeated Shawn Porter for the IBF Welterweight belt. This made it seem less likely that Brook had avoided fighting Devon earlier.
Losing to Amir Khan
Devon Alexander lost the WBC Silver Welterweight title to Amir Khan. This fight happened on December 13, 2014. Amir Khan won by a very clear unanimous decision.
See Also
- Kevin Cunningham
- Scott Lively
- Adrien Broner
