By Dan Ambrose: Undefeated light welterweight prospect Devon Alexander (14-0, 8 KOs) takes a step up in opposition tonight when he goes up against Panamanian Miguel Callist (24-6-1, 17 KOs) at the Scottrade Center, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Alexander, 21, the former 2004 United States Amateur light welterweight champion, will be defending his lightly regarded WBC Continental Americas light welterweight title against the 33 year-old Callist. Alexander, a volume puncher known for his counter punching ability as well as his ability to slip punches, is coming off his best performance of his career, a 12-round unanimous decision over the hard-punching veteran DeMarcus Corley in January 2008.

The victory was somewhat tainted, however, in that Corley seemed not in to the fight and only rarely threw any punches. When he did, though, Corley looked better than Alexander, although talented, doesn’t have enough power to break eggs. The fight turned out to be one big glorified sparring match with Alexander doing pretty much what he wanted, winning by almost by default given Corley’s lack of interest in fighting back for most of the bout.

An excellent body puncher, Alexander was docked a point for low blows in the 12th round. He has a tendency to grunt aloud every time he throws a punch, something that is frequently annoying to listen to and reminds me somewhat of lightweight Antony Peterson. Alexander will likely have little problems with Callist tonight. However, I see bigger problems for Alexander as he moves up the latter in the light welterweight division. He’s going to have to work on his power because there other fighters in the division that can do the same things he can, only with a lot more power. Plus, his lack of power means that he’s going to get few knockouts once he steps it up and will have to win his fights by 10 and 12-round decisions, taking a lot of punishment in the process of winning.