Alexander vs. Bradley – What they bring to the table

By Boxing News - 12/28/2010 - Comments

Image: Alexander vs. Bradley – What they bring to the tableBy Mark Hepplestall: Unbeaten boxers Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley are to fight next month, the fight is a unification bout and the winner is being pushed into another unification bout with Amir Khan later in 2011. WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley has a record of 26-0, with 11 KO’s which is a 40% KO ratio, while World Boxing Council title holder Devon Alexander has a record of 21-0, 13 KO’s which makes a 60% KO ratio.

The fight is taking place at the Silverdome, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Both boxers have a similar record with Bradley having slightly better previous fights against opponents such as Lamont Peterson, Kendall Holt and a brief cameo at welterweight fighting Luis Carlos Abregu. Victories over these guys have propelled Bradley to the top of the Light Welterweight rankings even though he is yet to face a true contender in the division. Bradley won his first world title against Junior Witter who also lost against Devon Alexander, for Alexander to receive his first world title. Junior Witter is possibly the highest profile fight for either Bradley or Alexander and the lack of big names on their records may prove essential in gaining experience leading up to this fight, and also for marketing the fight.

Bradley also has a No Contest on his record, this came from the Nate Campbell, where Campbell got a cut over his left eye as Bradley leaded with his head, this is a major factor which will affect how Alexander plans for the fight as it’s not the first time Bradley has been accused of using his head.

Alexander has been selectively brought through his professional career; his only big fights include Jesus Rodriguez, Junior Witter, Juan Urango and Andriy Kotelnik. The junior witter fight ended with Witter complaining of a dislocated shoulder and pulled out, however I think he dislocated his hands as he never really let his punches fly throughout the fight and has since went back to British level. Alexander’s best fight was against Juan Urango, Alexander showed his great skills in throwing the jab to keep Urango back until he could put combinations together, his counter punching was good eventually knocking out Urango with a peach of an uppercut. Unfortunately Alexanders worst fight was his last bout against Andriy Kotelnik, in this fight Kotelnik landed the better punches and made Alexander look ineffective, possibly the sheer volume of punches Alexander thrown was able to win him the points and the fight even though the majority didn’t land. In my opinion and the vast majority Andriy Kotelnik was the victim to a hometown decision.

Alexander has the natural advantage with a 5′ 7″ height and a 71″ reach when compared to Bradley who has a 5′ 6″ height and 69″ reach. While I think they are both as skilful as each other I see Bradley having a speed advantage while Alexander has a power advantage. However looking at some of their fights it’s obvious neither has one punch power that can turn a fight on its head unlike some of the other contenders in the division. I also see Alexander as having the better chin even though it’s not been totally tested at the top level while I’m a little worried about Bradley’s chin or his balance as he gets knocked down by some of the smaller fighter yet nothing to truly worry about in this fight.

Mentally I think Bradley is affected by the big time as he wants to wait and fight lesser opposition to hype up the Bradley Vs Alexander fight, however many may see it as Bradley just not wanting to fight a real young contender, also if he does not want to fight Alexander he most likely will not want to fight Khan either.

Lastly I think both boxers can come again after a defeat as they are both good champions and skilled individuals. I cannot put my finger on the winner; I can see a decision victory for both boxers depending on how the fight pans out. If Bradley is careful when leading with his head, keeps to boxing skills and more importantly his speed, he should win a decision, but if Alexander uses his natural advantages against Bradley and counterpunches Bradley as he leads with his head later in the fight then I see knock downs and most likely a decision for Alexander.

Hopefully a good match, but I see more of a chess match then an all out war. Hopefully the winner will then step up and fight against Khan.



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