Reigning WBC and IBF Light-Welterweight Champion Devon Alexander make his second WBC and first IBF Title defense against German-based Ukrainian Andriy Kotelnik on Saturday night at the Scottrade Center in St Loius, Missouri.
Since turning pro in 2004, Alexander “The Great” has amassed an impressive 20-0 (13 KO’s) record. However, he became prominent with his 2008 landslide points win over the experienced former WBO Champion DeMarcus Corley.
In 2009, Devon faced former WBC Champion Junior Witter, for now, vacant strap, and dominated the 35-year-old over eight rounds. When Witter retired with a hand injury, there were no doubts when the scorecards were totaled.
Earlier this year, Alexander took on two–time IBF Welterweight Champion Juan Urango in a mouth-watering unification clash. He produced a devastating uppercut in the eighth round and finished Urango with another flurry of punches.
Kotelnik, who lost his WBA Title to the dominant Amir Khan in his last outing with one judge, Juan Manual Garcia Reyes, not even awarding him a round, will be looking to get his career back on track quickly but faces a challenging task against the unified champ.
“In the future, I am willing to fight all the guys who say they are the best…because at the end of the day, the best will prevail.”– Devon Alexander.
12 Rounds with Devon Alexander
(ROUND 1) When and how did you get into boxing, Devon?
(ROUND 2) Who influenced you as a young boxer?
(ROUND 3) What amateur titles did you win?
(ROUND 4) You have beaten some great fighters on your superb unbeaten run, but who was the most formidable opponent?
(ROUND 5) How do you rate upcoming opponent Andriy Kotelnik?
(ROUND 6) Who are you looking to fight in the future?
Second-half
(ROUND 7) What is your motivation?
(ROUND 8) Favorite boxing venue?
(ROUND 9) What would you change about boxing?
(ROUND 10) Who would you have loved to fight?
(ROUND 11) The big debate is still surrounding a possible super-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, If the fight goes ahead, who do you think will come out on top Devon?
(ROUND 12) And Finally…. Devon Alexander, Tell us something about you that we don’t yet know?
“Thanks for the opportunity Phil.”
WBN Editor Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram, and Twitter @worldboxingnews.