Moments ago at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley scored a technical decision over previously unbeaten WBC champion Devon Alexander in a fight that failed to live up to the high expectations many had coming in. The contest was halted by a ringside physician moments into the tenth round after Alexander, who moments prior had absorbed a nasty head clash from Bradley, was unable to see. Scores of 98-93, 97-93 and 96-95 were read in the Palm Springs, California fighter’s favor. The bout was a tactical affair that actually seemed to be closer than two of the cards indicated. Bradley had success through rushing in and attempting to score with hammering shots while Alexander was at his best while boxing from a distance and catching Bradley charging in with left hands. In the third round Alexander suffered a grotesque cut over his right eye after taking a head butt straight on from his 27-year old foe.
Bradley was able to elicit a greater response from the crowd due to key moments of aggression but Alexander fought a composed fight and scored effectively himself. The bout was looked at as boxing’s first big event of 2011 but unfortunately there was little in terms of drama or excitement in the air.
Following the contest Bradley revealed he would welcome a shot at WBA champion Amir Khan or former interim titlist Marcos Maidana while noting that WBO welterweight king Manny Pacquiao is his eventual goal.
Alexander was classy enough in defeat but made mention of how affected he was from the head butts he absorbed in the fight. The St. Louis fighter said that there was a rematch clause in the contract and that he will be looking forward to a second tussle with Bradley. Alexander trained for the Bradley fight at Barry’s Boxing in Las Vegas and will likely be returning to the area for his next fight, regardless of who he will be facing next.
