The 24 year-old surprised everyone with his first choice at 147lbs as the former WBA title holder at 140lbs is a renowned power puncher and could well be even heavier handed with the added luxury of the extra weight.
Alexander does have one advantage for the bout though as it takes place at his home venue – the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri and will represent his fourth career outing at the arena in the last three years.
The southpaw, who is ranked number one by the WBC at his new weight, has been easing into training over the Christmas period and will now step up his sessions with the fight just over eight weeks away.
“Training is going as good as it can be,” Alexander told World Boxing News.
“We will be brining sparring partners in from January 3rd and we are going to work. The camp is smooth right now so I am happy.
“After my victory, I plan on seeking the best out there and I won’t be ducking anybody. I want the best this division has to offer.”
The best at the moment also happen to be the pound for pound number one and two in the world in Pacquiao and Mayweather.
Add to those the likes of Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz, Paulie Malignaggi, Mike Jones and Kell Brook and there are some mouth-watering fights in the offing for Alexander to whet his appetite before challenging the best.
