Philippines, 16 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


DEVON ALEXANDER, A BOXING SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING


PhilBoxing.com




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..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • “The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.