PONTIAC, Michigan ? Undefeated Americans Devon Alexander and Tim Bradley meet Saturday in a world light-welterweright title unification fight that could send the winner against Manny Pacquiao or Amir Khan.
Southpaw Alexander, the World Boxing Council champion, is 21-0 with 13 knockouts while Bradley, 26-0 with 11 knockouts, holds the lesser-regarded World Boxing Organization crown.
Barring a Pacquiao deal to face unbeaten welterweight Floyd Mayweather, the fighter who emerges unbeaten at the Pontiac Silverdome puts his name on the short list of contenders for the Filipino star, who fights Shane Mosley in May.
“Boxing right now is at a low,” Bradley said. “We are the most talented division in boxing and we are going to bring it back just like the old days.
“This is the best fight in boxing because you are not going to see Manny and Floyd fight any time soon.”
Until then, Alexander and Bradley hope they can generate some attention.
“This is the biggest fight outside of a Pacquiao versus Mayweather,” said Alexander. “Two undefeated champions going at it toe-to-toe — it’s going to be an amazing fight.”
Another appealing matchup for the winner would be with England’s Khan for an all-but undisputed division title, with Khan owning the World Boxing Association crown and the International Boxing Federation title vacant.
“The winner of these two fights will definitely have to fight Amir Khan,” Bradley said. “Nobody knows who is number one ’til we get in the ring.”
Alexander “the Great” dismisses Khan’s claim to be the division’s top man no matter which American wins.
“Khan is an OK fighter. He?s no big deal,” Alexander said. “I don?t know what all the hype is about but he has a little power behind him. People think he’s more than what I think he is.
“We shouldn?t be dwelling on Khan. I’m seeking greatness. Will Khan take the fight? That’s the problem. I think he’s being pampered.”
Bradley sees Khan as the more immediate foe to dispatch before thinking about a Pacquiao or Mayweather.
“There is so much business to take care of at 140 pounds before I would think about the Pacquiaos and the Mayweathers, which I would like to do.” Bradley said.
“Each weight class needs one king and that?s what we are going to do at 140.”
