What can we learn from the Alexander vs. Maidana fight?

By Scott Brown: As a fight fan I pick out a number of fights a year to attend. Living in the Chicago area, I am at somewhat of a disadvantage to attend some fights. Luckily, the Marcos Maidana vs. Devon Alexander fight is at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo and that’s just close enough to draw me out of my hole.

This Saturday, Feb 25, the battle will take place. When choosing a fight to attend, it’s definitely a plus to have legit fighters on the card and it doesn’t hurt to have reasonable prices. This fight has both. Before writing an article I like to believe the fantasy that I have entertaining individual thoughts and opinions that have some validity in reality but that’s not always the case. One reality I like to expose is what are the possible ramifications of a Alexander or a Maidana win.

Some quick notes: this is both boxers first professional fight at 147lbs in a few years. This weight ain’t a bad idea either there is plenty of money to go around at this weight. Both prizefighters have the frame to fight at 147lbs as well with Alexander standing at 5’8 and Maidana at 5’9. Let’s see whose power and quickness will follow them into the ring.

Let’s tell it like it is a bit. Devon Alexander could easily be 0-3 in his last 3 fights. Many critics have him losing his fights with Matthyse and Kotelnyk. Jabbing air and grunting loudly seemed to do the trick when he was under Don King promotions. Now that he is under Golden Boy let’s see if he can quiet his critics who also remember him quitting in the Bradley Head butt bowl. Alexander’s last good outing came against Jaun Urango. Juan Urango politely ate an uppercut and has been sitting out ever since. Alexander does have more than a puncher’s chance but he’s gotta dig deep; deeper than that quit job vs. Bradley. On the other hand Maidana has fewer questions to answer but he is known as a warrior who has defensive flaws and perhaps stamina issues. Maidana also showed a lot of heart and power in his Ortiz fight. Maidana gained a lot notoriety in his Khan battle but failed to ultimately conquer Amir Khan. Let’s see what their prospective wins could mean.

An Alexander win could possibly mean: Well, after following boxing for a few years we know there is a thing called “home cooking”. At this point, this could really ruin Alexander and damage the sport. Just recently we have had issues: (Cloud vs. Campillo, Lara vs. Williams) which are extreme examples. Alexander’s stock would definitely fall in this situation. He’d be known as a protected fighter.

Alexander close battle: If the fight is close, I will call it semi-legit because there’s no way it goes for Maidana decision wise but Alexander gets respect for a close battle and moves on.

A legit win for Alexander: This could propel him back in the spotlight of the sport. A lot of ills will be forgotten. There will be talk of him learning from his mistakes and feeling stronger at 147. Amir Khan could appear weak if Maidana is handled so easily.

A Maidana win: This most likely spells KO or a win from multiple knockdowns. A split decision or decision will need multiple knockdowns. I don’t see him winning a close decision or fight that he is up 2 rounds. A Maidana win gives him great momentum and leverage. This would cement his win over Ortiz. He will still have the barbarian mystique. This could earn him a fight with Bradley, rematch with Khan, or even Pac-Man fight.

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