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Philippines, 25 Apr 2024 |
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DEVON ALEXANDER, A BOXING SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING By Greg R. Penilla, M.D. PhilBoxing.com Sun, 08 Aug 2010  St. Louis, Missouri -- It was not too long ago when Devon Alexander toils under the shadow of Cory Spinks. But his hard work and determination have paid off way ahead of schedule. At the very tender age of 23, he now holds two world championship belts, the IBF and WBC versions of the Junior Welterweight World Title. He used to be the opening act for Spinks, now it is the other way around. Indeed, Devon has come a long way. Not too long ago, except for hard core boxing fans, Devon was a virtual unknown even in his hometown of St. Louis where the baseball Cardinals and Albert Pujols are uber celebrities. In spite of an impressive win against Witter who was so outclassed that he quit, St. Louis newspaper, the St. Louis Post Dispatch did not bother to send even a lowly intern to cover his IBF-WBC Junior Welterweight unification title fight against the dangerous Urango last March which he won with an impressive 8th round knockout. Times have changed. Last year, when I wrote about the possibility of Devon Alexander being a long shot opponent of pound for pound king Manny Pacquaio, it seemed beyond reach and but a dream. I even opened the article with ? Devon Alexander who?? Not anymore. A convincing victory over Kotelnik would open doors and propel him to unprecedented heights in the world of boxing. Fast forward to August 2010, Devon is not only being finally covered by his hometown newspaper, but he is fast becoming a media favorite. Last Thursday, Fox Sports devoted a 30 minute segment chronicling his rise from the tough North St. Louis neighborhood to one of the young and emerging boxing superstars ready to take over as the new boxing royalty. He is now well recognized and rightfully so. It is reported that Coach Spagnuolo was so impressed with Alexander during their meeting that he will bring the St. Louis Rams with its newly minted $78 million dollar rookie quarterback to the fight. Boxing legends Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and the self proclaimed greatest of all time, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. might be at ringside tonight. He is ready and eager to join the boxing elite. Soon, today?s boxing superstars like Pacquiao, Mayweather, Mosley, Cotto, will pass the torch to the Alexander?s, Bradley?s and Khan?s. Yesterday, Alexander looked ripped and weighed a solid 138 ? pounds. Kotelnik at 139 ? pounds appeared ready to spoil Alexander?s homecoming. Tonight?s fight will be very exciting. A young warrior is very eager to showcase his talent to the world. A veteran world class fighter is standing in his way. Kotelnik does not want to be considered a mere speed bump. Alexander has his hands full and is aware of the repercussions of losing and winning. He trained very hard. For seven weeks, he attacked the mountains of Nevada instead of just staying in St. Louis to train. His trainer Kevin Cunningham has prepared him to be the best he can be. He devised Plan A, Plan B and Plan C to ensure a victory. He promises that there will not be a dull moment in the fight. It looks like Alexander will come out swinging from the opening bell. He is not looking past Kotelnik. Kotelnik will not allow himself to be a mere tune for an Alexander ? Bradley fight in January. Tonight will shape the future of a hardworking kid who defied difficult odds. Will tonight be Devon Alexander?s Gateway to Greatness? Click here to view a list of other articles written by Greg R. Penilla, M.D..  |
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