Devon Alexander (22-1, 13KOs) and Timothy Bradley (27-0, 11KOs), both universally ranked in the top five at junior welterweight and looking to move up in the near future, share more than their appearance in a disappointing ten round technical decision in January of this year.
At present they are both promotional free agents.
And if quotes from the likes of Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer and Top Rank boss Bob Arum are to believed, neither is short of potential suitors looking to sign them.
In an interview with FightHype earlier today Floyd Mayweather also voiced his interest in signing Devon Alexander to Mayweather promotions, and in the past has referred to the St. Louis native as his successor.
Mayweather promotions does have the possible benefits of allowing Alexander access to Golden Boy opponents as well as spots on Floyd’s undercards.
What isn’t so certain is what will become of the company after Mayweather himself has retired permanently. Mayweather’s main motivation in starting his promotional company was seemingly to make more money from his own fights by insisting on co-promoting himself.
If Mayweather really intends to develop his company in the future however could be a shrewd move for Alexander.
Perhaps not surprisingly it could well be Mayweather’s current promotional partners in Golden Boy who prove his biggest rival in attempting to sign Alexander.
Golden Boy can not only secure Alexander regular fights and television dates, but can also match him up against other stars on their roster. Amir Khan or Victor Ortiz being the main draws in and around welterweight currently and Saul Alvarez quickly developing into a major draw at 154lbs.
Alexander also recently traded words with Golden Boy fighter Paulie Malignaggi across both twitter and a series of interviews, intending to pave the way for his welterweight debut.
Since then Malignaggi has stated that Alexander won’t be his next opponent, (likely due to Alexander now being a free agent), although the two are both still open to the fight happening at some point, possible towards the end of the year.
Top Rank have similarly voiced interested in Alexander although are more strongly rumored to be linked to previous opponent and current WBO light welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley.
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Bradley is currently in the middle of a legal battle with his previous promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson Promotions who are alleging breach of contract and that he owes them one more fight, which for now means being forced to sit on the sidelines.
Shortly before Bradley’s free agency became official, in his mind if not his former handlers’, Top Rank’s Bob Arum was asked about the possibility of signing him, prompting Arum to hint that he was indeed interested.
Arum has also mentioned several times the possibility of matching Bradley against Manny Pacquiao, although presumably with the proviso that Bradley signs with Top Rank first.
So who will end up where?
Bradley looks a safe bet to announce a deal with Top Rank in the near future although the real question will be how long he is forced to stay out of the ring due to his ongoing litigation.
Where Alexander will end up isn’t quite so clear at the moment, although presumably Top Rank wouldn’t want to sign both he and Bradley. This being the case Golden Boy would seem the most likely option, unless Alexander’s friendship with Mayweather intervenes and sees him sign with Mayweather promotions.
Brad Ellis, Pitt: “Alexander might not want to fight Floyd if they are friends so he could be tempted if Top Rank puts in an offer”
