Earlier today at Barry?s Boxing on the East Side of Las Vegas, IBF and WBC Jr. Welterweight champion Devon Alexander continued his training for his August 7th showdown with former champion Andriy Kotelnik. The 23-year old Alexander is coming off of an impressive 8th round stoppage over Columbia?s Juan Urango this past March in what was considered a serious coming out party for the St. Louis native.
Following his stoppage of Urango, Alexander and his trainer Kevin Cunningham let it be known that they were eyeing any and all challenges at 140 pounds and in particular wanted to tangle with WBO king Timothy Bradley. Undefeated himself, Bradley is regarded by many as the cream of the Jr. Welterweight crop but he seems less than interested in matching his skills with Alexander at the moment and is instead locked into a July 17th date with Carlos Abregu at 147 pounds.
To his credit, Bradley has said in previous interviews that he would love a chance to face Alexander but doesn?t feel there is enough money connected to the fight at this time. Alexander now has Kotelnik on his radar but has shrugged off any notions that he is having trouble getting geared up for the contest and seems fully focused on his Ukrainian opponent.
Inside of Barry?s Boxing, Alexander could be found sparring with once beaten Cortez Bey and the two men put in some serious work. Years ago Bey was taken in under the wing by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and you can see many of Floyd?s nuances in Cortez? style. Alexander countered with his speed and combination punching from his southpaw attack and looks to be in solid shape despite still being over a month away from fight night.
Following his workout Alexander revealed that he still has Timothy Bradley on his wish list and also mentioned Amir Khan as a possible foe in the future. While many people were overly impressed with Khan?s May 15th stoppage over Paulie Malignaggi, Alexander noted that he saw flaws in the Lancashire fighter?s attack and would relish the opportunity to face him. While there are some appealing fights to be made Alexander still claimed to be fully focused for Kotelnik and his tireless work in the gym spoke of such.
Expect more from Alexander and Cunningham later in the week?
For a picture by picture look at Devon Alexander training for his August 7th date with Andriy Kotelnik please click on the image gallery or slideshow below?
