Devon Alexander Joins Golden Boy Promotions

Golden Boy Promotions has announced that former junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander "The Great" has enlisted Golden Boy Promotions to co-promote him with his own company, The Great Promotions.  Alexander previously was promoted by Don King.

"I am extremely excited to join forces with Golden Boy Promotions, the premier promoter in our sport," said Alexander. "Golden Boy has several fighters in their stable, in and around my weight division that would make great fights for me. I look forward to challenging the best in boxing in the coming years."

Alexander (22-1, 13 KO's) won the WBC super lightweight title in August 2009 by stopping Junior Witter in eight rounds. Seven months later, the southpaw added the IBF World Title with an eighth round technical knockout win over power-punching Juan Urango.

After a win over Andriy Kotelnik in August 2010, Alexander lost a 10-round technical decision to Timothy Bradley in their unification bout after several head-butts affected his vision. Alexander rebounded from that loss in June with a controversial 10-round split decision victory over the tough, highly-regarded Lucas Matthysse.

"Devon Alexander's resume and talent speak for themselves and he's a perfect addition to our team both as a boxer and as a promoting partner," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "With everything he's accomplished so far, it's hard to believe that he's only 24, but that's good news for boxing fans because it's clear that the best is yet to come for him."

"Devon Alexander is one of boxing's most talented and accomplished young stars," said Drexel Stith, COO of The Great Promotions. "We here at The Great Promotions are happy to partner with Golden Boy Promotions, and with this partnership I believe Devon's career will be catapulted to super stardom."

Alexander is at a bit of a crossroads in his career.  A southpaw blessed with great hand speed, athleticism, and upside, Alexander had been crawling up many a pound-for-pound list.

However, as his opposition improved, Alexander has struggled. His fight against Kotelnik was close, as Kotelnik was able to repeatedly time Alexander and score.  Moreover, his win over Matthysse was viewed as a gift hometown decision as Alexander faded down the stretch.

For Alexander, the issue might not be his promoter so much as the training he is receiving.  After all, his last three fights all involved some of the top names in the division, so he is landing big fights.

The real problem for Alexander is honing his raw talent, and transforming it into a polished, skilled product in the ring.  Too often, however, Alexander seems to be lost and lacking in ring generalship -- flicking a measuring jab without trying to connect, or failing to make mid-fight adjustments.

We will see if his promotional change can cure those ills.

By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor of The Daily Sports Herald