Carson Jones to Devon Alexander: Step up to the plate!‏; Jones responds to Kevin Cunningham!‏

In an age where fighters build their records up by partaking in gross mismatches, Oklahoma City based welterweight contender “Mr.” Carson Jones is a boxing rarity.

 

The youthful but experienced 26-year-old began his career without true direction, taking a number of early losses against world class opposition. Since March 2009, Jones has an excellent 18-2-1 record with 13 wins by knockout. Along the way, Jones, whose overall professional ledger is 34-9-3 (24 KO’s), steamrolled previously unbeaten knockout king Tyrone Brunson, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams, welterweight contender Said Ouali and former title challenger Michael Clark.

 

In July 2012, Jones lost a hotly contested majority decision in the hometown of Kell Brook in one of the best fights during that calendar year. Dubbed as “Special K” due to his diverse talents, Brook dominated all 27 of his opponents up to that point. Against Jones, a bruised and bloodied Brook survived a number of rough moments and never considered a rematch.

 

Fast forward to 2013, where Brook found himself pitted against IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander; or so we thought. The two were scheduled to fight on multiple occasions, with each man pulling out of the fight due to an injury. On Saturday, May 18, Brook-Alexander was finally scheduled to take place on Showtime, but Brook suffered another injury that forced him to withdraw, leaving the champion without an opponent.

 

“I know a lot of guys are calling out Alexander and I can’t blame them,” said Jones, the IBF’s 7^thrated contender. “But how many of them have been through hell in a gasoline suit? Which one of them went overseas and got the short end of a decision against a fighter that is considered one of boxing’s next bright stars? Can anybody else out there vying for this fight claim to have faced the level of opposition I have? The answer is no.”

 

Jones also believes that his fan-friendly style would make for a great fight and a bout with Alexander would produce two winners; Carson Jones and the spectators.

 

“After Alexander’s sleep-induced fight with Randall Bailey, I think the boxing world needs an exciting fight. I do not run from my opponents. Unlike Bailey, I will cut the ring off and force him to fight my fight just like Tim Bradley did. Alexander’s known as Devon “The Great” but does his name mean anything? If he’s true to his moniker and wants to show how great he his, all Team Alexander has to do send me a contract and see me in the ring on May 18!”

 

Jones is currently in training with the hopes of facing Alexander or another top welterweight in the immediate future.

Jones responds to Kevin Cunningham!‏

Earlier today, Kevin Cunningham, trainer of IBF welterweight titlist Devon Alexander, took a shot at contender Carson Jones. Less than 24 hours ago, Jones, the IBF’s 7th rated contender and a former USBA champion, offered to face Alexander May 18 after his original opponent Kell Brook withdrew for a second time due to an injury. Jones, who has a deceptive record 34-9-3 with 24kos since he took many fights earlier in his career as an opponent, was abruptly rejected by Cunningham.

Jones, who said he respected Cunningham as a trainer before he hurled insults in his directions, believes that he only said that to keep his fighter away from a tough bout.

"These guys claim to be tough and from the streets of St. Louis, but how tough are they? The truth is that boxing wise, Devon’s anything but tough. Aside from quitting against Bradley, he’s been protected by his promoters and the premium cable networks. They want to talk about my 9 losses but forget what tough really is.

"I lost a few controversial fights and the only time Devon’s had any controversy, he received gift decisions in hometown. Cunningham and Alexander know deep down that records are overrated and there are plenty of 25-0 guys who can’t fight a lick. I earned my way up the rankings by knocking out quality fighters when my back was against the wall and that is something they can’t dispute no matter how hard they try."

Jones also views his close loss to the aforementioned Kell Brook as a reason of why he’s more than worthy for the title shot.

"I went into Brook’s hometown, gave him hell and lost a very close decision. From what I’ve heard, Brook offered good money to face him in England but Team Alexander was too scared. I proved that I am a real fighter time and time again by facing whoever, wherever and whenever. Can Devon do the same or are you guys into playing the matchmaking game and pretending all the people in boxing are idiots and actually believe these undefeated stiffs can fight. They call him Devon “The Great” Alexander, but he’s acting like a coward. Man up and take the challenge. I’m ready to go!"

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Alexander vs. Maidana Is Official: February 25th In St. Louis, Adrien Broner will also be fighting on the card.

DEVON ALEXANDER "THE GREAT", Former Two-Time World Champion

"These last few fights at 140 pounds were hard for me to make weight. I'm going to be stronger and faster at 147.

"Maidana is coming to tear my head off, but I'm going to be ready, 110%."

MARCOS "EL CHINO" MAIDANA, WBA Super Lightweight World Champion
"I'm excited to fight in the United States again. This is the Mecca of boxing.

"I dedicate my life to boxing and I'm taking this fight very seriously."

ADRIEN "THE PROBLEM" BRONER, WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion
"I've been coming to St. Louis since I was 8 and Devon is like a big brother to me. Fighting here is going to feel like I'm at home.

"He's a feather-fisted puncher in the featherweight division...not a good combination against me who punches like a middleweight.

"I don't play with my career, I take this seriously. You can play other sports, but not boxing and he's playing boxing. I box for real.

"February 25 there's going to be a 'Problem' and I will be victorious."

ELOY "PRINCE" PEREZ, Undefeated #1 Rated WBO Junior Lightweight Contender
"I want to thank Adrien for giving me a shot at 'The Problem.' I'm excited to fight for the world title.

"I have one message for Adrien, I'm not a bean burrito kind of guy, I'm a lasagna kind of guy."

DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO of Golden Boy Promotions
"We have all the makings of a great fight in this main event. You have to have great fighters to make a great fight and we have two of the best in the game today.

"When fighters move up in weight class, most of them dip their feet in the pool, but these guys are diving right in by facing each other.

"The co-featured fight could possible steal the whole show on February 25. You don't see a lot of young, hungry fighters that are both undefeated fighting each other these days."

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Alexander's Trainer
"We're bringing a killer into Devon's hometown who is going to try and take him out, but that's the business of boxing. Devon is going to slay the killer on February 25."

SEBASTIAN CONTURSI, Maidana's Advisor
"We are happy to be here. It's been a long road with the cancelation of the Guerrero fight, so Marcos is very anxious to back in the ring. As usual, we will bring a war to St. Louis and, as everyone knows, Marcos always delivers!"

LEVI SMITH, Broner's Co-Trainer
"We came here to defend the title. We're going to show you fireworks and give Eloy a boxing lesson on February 25."

SAM GARCIA, Perez's Co-Trainer
"This is what we have worked towards for many years. This is a great sports city known for its world champions, so what better place to win our first world title than in St. Louis?"

"Alexander vs. Maidana," a 10 round welterweight fight taking place on Saturday, February 25 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with The Great Promotions and Universum Box Promotions and sponsored by AT&T and DeWalt Tools. Also featured will be Adrien Broner vs. Eloy Perez in a 12 round fight for Broner's WBO Junior Lightweight World Title which is presented in association with R&R Promotions. The fights will be broadcast live on HBO's Boxing After Dark at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Devon Alexander: Marcos Maidana is coming to tear my head off‏

A classic stylistic match-up between the archetypal boxer against the feared heavy hitter takes place on February 25 at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis as former super lightweight world champion Devon Alexander clashes with macho El Chino; Marcos Maidana. Alexander is relishing the bout - to be competed at 147lbs - and has indicated that he will be ready in order to compete against a Maidana who has one intention - decapitation.

Alexander stripped away his shades to engage in a tense head to head with Maidana. Credit: Hogan Photos

Alexander. Credit: Hogan Photos

"These last few fights at 140 pounds were hard for me to make weight," said Alexander (22-1-0, 13ko) in St Louis this week. "I’m going to be stronger and faster at 147. Maidana is coming to tear my head off, but I’m going to be ready, 110 per cent."

Trainer Kevin Cunningham echoed the sentiment made by his fighter and pointed out the potent threat El Chino poses: "We’re bringing a killer into Devon’s hometown who is going to try and take him out, but that’s the business of boxing. Devon is going to slay the killer on February 25."

Alexander, despite his boxing skills, still has to convince commentators and fight fans that he is a big-time contender. The 24-year-old looked every bit of a world-beater in 2009 and 2010 when he scalped Junior Witter and Juan Urango, however, his three fights since have been questionable.

Against Bradley, in a two-belt unification contest in January, last year, he lost a technical decision in the tenth round due to cuts, however, he attracted criticism for the manner in which he appeared to willingly seek an exit route out of the fight. His heart, desire and willingness to take a punch at elite level consequently came into question. And, in the fight both before and after Bradley, Alexander was the main benefactor of fishy judging and hometown cooking as he secured dubious points victories over Andriy Kotelnik and Lucas Matthysse.

Following the censure regarding his heart, Alexander, however, has been moved into what should be applaudable fights as he has taken on two of the biggest pound-for-pound punchers in the modern game one directly after the other. What would have been more convincing would be to do so away from St Louis.

Maidana. Credit: Hogan Photos

"I’m excited to fight in the United States again," said Maidana (31-2-0, 28ko), unflustered by the prospect of trading leather in the city his opponent was born and raised in. "This [the US] is the Mecca of boxing. I dedicate my life to boxing and I’m taking this fight very seriously."

Maidana's adviser, Sebastian Contursi, added: "We are happy to be here. It’s been a long road with the cancelation of the Guerrero fight, so Marcos is very anxious to back in the ring.

"As usual, we will bring a war to St. Louis and, as everyone knows, Marcos always delivers!"

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Post-Fight Ring Quotes; "SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT" Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse

A great night of professional prizefighting in St. Charles in front of a raucous and noisy crowd of 6,238 fans at The Family Arena.

Post-Fight Ring Quotes

Devon Alexander: “Matthysse is a rough and tough fighter. I brought the fight out in me because people had their doubts about my abilities as a boxer.

“The knockdown [first of his career] was a flash knockdown [in the fourth round]. I had to pull it out. I was having flashbacks from my last fight with Bradley, and I wasn’t going to lose two fights in a row. As a matter of fact, I’m never going to lose again.”

Kevin Cunningham: (trainer and manager of Devon Alexander) “I didn’t enjoy watching a rugged, tough guy like Matthysse in there with my fighter. I knew it was gonna be tough. I didn’t want to see my fighter trading with a puncher like Matthysse, but because of all the criticism he took after the Bradley fight, he felt he had something to prove in his hometown.

“I think when Devon reviews the tape of the fight, he’ll see that he was at his most effective when he was using his boxing skills to the fullest.”

Lucas Matthysse: “I gave it my all. It was a tough fight but I thought I won. Once again, I was robbed. He’s lucky he won the fight. I thought when I put him down, I’d finish him off but I couldn’t.”

Tavoris Cloud: “Yusaf Mack is a good fighter. I can’t take nothing away from him. I just caught him with some good shots.

“If you noticed, he was tiring down. I heard him breathing hard during the last three rounds. I was telling him, ‘You’re tired, aren’t you?’

“The whole game plan was to go to the body. He wasn’t hurting me. I knew he was a bouncy-bouncy guy, an in-and-out guy. I wore him down with body shots and took him out.

“Jean Pascal is here tonight. If he’s ready, I’m ready. I’m ready for anybody.”

Yusaf Mack: “He kept clipping me on the top of the head. I kept telling the ref about it but he only warned him once. The ref told me to stop holding him.

“I thought my plan was working well.

“The first shot in the corner dazed me but it was on the top of the head. The final punch was on top of the head also.”

Bermane Stiverne: “I knew he was going to try and box me but he often drops his right hand. I kept listening to his corner. Whatever they said, he did. So I started anticipating that. It became a big advantage for me.

“I was a little too lax but I felt good tonight. I was looking for the perfect shot instead of establishing my jab. The perfect shot did come in the 10th round. It was a short shot, a half-hook right hand that did him in.”

I’m on my way to my first world championship. I can feel it. I still have a lot to learn and I can get better.”

Ray Austin: “I was waiting ‘til he [the referee] reached eight [in his count during the 10th round]. In the dressing room before the fight, he told me as long as I am up by nine it would be OK. Then I got up and bounced around to let him know I was ready. So I got up at eight and bounced around on my feet to let him know I was ready and he stopped the fight. How many rounds do you think I won? [Austin was winning on two cards at the time of the stoppage.]

Ryan Coyne: “There was a reason David McNemar had never been defeated before tonight. He’s a good fighter, tough opponent, tough guy.

“It was very hard to adjust to his style on such short notice after preparing all camp for Guillermo Jones [WBA cruiserweight champion, who was injured the week before the fight].

“Thanks to all my loyal fans who showed up to support me tonight. I will be in my first world championship fight very soon.”

David McNemar: [McNemar was in his locker room after the fight, face down and bawling. After a few minutes, he composed himself.] “Fuckin pussy! Tell me how I lost that fight. Did he outwork me? I came to St Louis on six days’ notice. I sparred twice. I won that fight.

“To be so close to having them give me those belts so I could have taken it home to Parkersburg, West Virginia.

“What big shots [from Coyne]? He doesn't hit hard. I want to fight him again [This was McNemar’s first fight since 2007).]

Cornelius Bundrage: “I was happy with my performance but I felt I could have done better. Sechew is a good fighter. He’s rated higher than me in Ring Magazine. It was a hard fight but I refuse to lose. I grinded him out. All credit to god.”

Sechew Powell: “It was a god fight. He fought just like we thought he would. I didn’t follow the game plan. I should have thrown more combinations.”

Cory Spinks: “I was a little rusty but I had a good time out there tonight. Shakir Ashanti gave me some good work and it was great to be fighting in my hometown.

“This whole week has been inspirational for me. I think I can win another world championship, and the road started tonight.”

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Devon Alexander Ready For Lucas Matthysse On Saturday At The Family Arena in St. Charles Hometown Star Ready for Argentine Knockout Artist

Twenty-four-year-old Devon Alexander “The Great” (21-1, 13 KOs) walked into his St. Louis gym today for a media workout looking like a mature fighter who knows what is at stake in his 140-pound showdown against Argentine knockout artist Lucas Matthysse on Saturday at The Family Arena in nearby St. Charles (HBO: 9:45 p.m. ET/PT)

When asked about his first loss, suffered at the hands of Timothy Bradley in a pivotal match designed to help determine supremacy at the 140-pound weight limit, Alexander was resolute in his reply.

“I want to show people why I was considered one of the best at 140 pounds,” Alexander said, “and I want those people who believed in me to know that they were not wrong.

“I am one of the most capable and dangerous fighters in the division, a former unified world champion that wants to return to the top. My goal is to prove my greatness and be International Boxing Hall of Fame material before I hang up my gloves.”

His trainer, Kevin Cunningham, echoed and expanded upon his fighter’s comments.

“I’m not too concerned because it’s not like Devon got beat up against Bradley,” Cunningham said. “He just didn’t do as well as he should have.

“Now he has the man I believe is the most dangerous at 140 pounds in front of him on Saturday night, this kid from Argentina, Lucas Matthysse, so this is an opportunity for Devon to answer any questions about how good he can be. I believe he will shine.”



Twenty-four-year-old Devon Alexander “The Great” (21-1, 13 KOs) walked into his St. Louis gym today for a media workout looking like a mature fighter who knows what is at stake in his 140-pound showdown against Argentine knockout artist Lucas Matthysse on Saturday at The Family Arena in nearby St. Charles (HBO: 9:45 p.m. ET/PT)

When asked about his first loss, suffered at the hands of Timothy Bradley in a pivotal match designed to help determine supremacy at the 140-pound weight limit, Alexander was resolute in his reply.

“I want to show people why I was considered one of the best at 140 pounds,” Alexander said, “and I want those people who believed in me to know that they were not wrong.

“I am one of the most capable and dangerous fighters in the division, a former unified world champion that wants to return to the top. My goal is to prove my greatness and be International Boxing Hall of Fame material before I hang up my gloves.”

His trainer, Kevin Cunningham, echoed and expanded upon his fighter’s comments.

“I’m not too concerned because it’s not like Devon got beat up against Bradley,” Cunningham said. “He just didn’t do as well as he should have.

“Now he has the man I believe is the most dangerous at 140 pounds in front of him on Saturday night, this kid from Argentina, Lucas Matthysse, so this is an opportunity for Devon to answer any questions about how good he can be. I believe he will shine.”

Devon Alexander “I want to show people why I was considered one of the best at 140 pounds and I want those people who believed in me to know that they were not wrong.

“I am one of the most capable and dangerous fighters in the division, a former unified world champion that wants to return to the top. My goal is to prove my greatness and be boxing hall of fame material before I hang up my gloves.

“Lucas Matthysse is one of the most dangerous guys out there, a big puncher. But they said the same thing about Juan Urango and I put him out on his back.”

Kevin Cunningham, trainer and manager of Devon Alexander: “We had a tremendous training camp in Colorado Springs.”

On concerns coming off the loss to Tim Bradley: “I’m not too concerned because Devon didn’t get beat up by Bradley, he just didn’t do as well as he should have. Tim has a history of head butts, which played out, but we take full responsibility for not doing what we were capable of.

“Now he has the man I believe is the most dangerous in front of him on Saturday night, this kid from Argentina, Lucas Matthysse, so this is an opportunity for Devon to answer any questions about how good he can be. I believe he will shine.”

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

City of St. Charles Hosts World Championship Weigh-In For Don King Productions "Show Me Something Great... in the 'Show Me' State"

The City of St. Charles, Mo., and its Mayor, Sally Faith, have rolled out the red carpet for Don King by hosting Friday afternoon's Official Weigh-In at their beautiful and historic downtown area supporting the boxing promoter's "Show Me Something Great... in the 'Show Me' State" world championship boxing event taking place on Saturday at The Family Arena in St. Charles.
Show Me Something Great -- YouTube Promo -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PApZuwtgHZY

“We hope everyone throughout the St. Charles County area will stop by the historic district to support Don King bringing this tremendous HBO-televised event to our community,” said Mayor Faith. “This is a great way to showcase the sport along with the city of St. Charles,” she added. “We’re also excited at the prospect of showcasing the fact that the city is NOT under water!” The Weigh-In event is free and open to the general public.
“This is the Show Me State, so I need the people in the St. Charles area to be present for my Weigh In to let everyone around the country know that St. Charles supports big events like world championship boxing,” Don King said. “The hospitality and outreach of St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith, The Family Arena and the citizenry has been heartwarming. I look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, June 24 in the St. Charles historic district.” Promoter Don King will bring Devon Alexander “The Great” (21-1, 13 KOs) back to the St. Louis area on June 25 to face a significant test in his hometown from noted Argentine knockout artist and World Boxing Organization No. 3 ranked contender Lucas Matthysse (28-1, 26 KOs). King will support the Alexander-Matthysse main event with a history-making fight card that will mark the first time four world championships have been presented in Missouri during a single event.

Undefeated International Boxing Federation light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (21-0, 18 KOs), from Tallahassee, Fla., will defend his title against IBF No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack (29-3-2, 26 KOs), from Philadelphia; rising heavyweight Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne (20-1-1, 19 KOs), from Haiti, will square off in a World Boxing Council heavyweight elimination bout opposing Ray “The Rainman” Austin (28-5-4, 18 KOs), from Cleveland; World Boxing Association cruiserweight champion Guillermo “El Felino” Jones (37-3-2, 29 KOs), from Colon, Panama, will meet undefeated WBC USNBC champion Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne (16-0, 6 KOs), from St. Louis; and IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (30-4, 18 KOs), from Detroit, will defend his title against IBF No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Sechew Powell, from Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Weigh-In is open to the public, and Don King, Mayor Faith and additional St. Charles dignitaries will be attending.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT..Don King Will Make Missouri History by Presenting Four World Championships Including Undefeated Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne

SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT...‏Don King Will Make Missouri History by Presenting Four World Championships Including Undefeated Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne in His First World Title Fight
King will support the Alexander-Matthysse main event with a history-making fight card that will mark the first time four world championships have been presented in Missouri during a single event.
Devon Alexander Returns Home
To Face Knockout Specialist Lucas Matthysse On June 25 at The Family Arena in St. Charles


Dozens of billboards and bus shelters recently went up in the St. Louis area to promote Don King's history-making, four-world-championship fight card on June 25 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo.Also, see link to brief HEC-TV (St. Louis) feature on educational outreach efforts being done by Devon Alexander:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mZvr9RfSQ

Alexander, 24, skyrocketed to become the World Boxing Council super lightweight champion at age 22. The talented southpaw became a unified world champion last year after defeating then-International Boxing Federation 140-pound champion Juan “Iron Twins” Urango.

Alexander’s career undefeated streak was snapped on Jan. 29 by World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich. After suffering numerous head butts throughout the contest, referee Frank Garza halted the match in round 10 after consulting with the ringside physician. The judges favored Bradley 96-95, 97-93 and 98-93.

Rather than opting to face a lesser opponent, Alexander has chosen a dangerous puncher in Matthysse, 28, from Chubut, Agrentina. Matthysse has a career knockout percentage over 92 percent with 26 of 28 victories coming by knockout.

In his most notable bout, Matthysse came within a whisker of knocking out five-time world champion Zab “Super” Judah in the 10th round on Nov. 6 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Matthysse tagged Judah with a brutal right hand in the 10th round that sent Judah to the mat. Later in the round, Matthysse landed a sweeping left hook that staggered Judah again. Judah managed to escape the round and finish the fight—winning by the slimmest margin possible. One judge favored Matthysse 114-113, but the remaining two scorers favored Judah by a point, 114-113.

Matthysee and Alexander have a common opponent in former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley. Matthyssee knocked Corley down nine times en route to an eighth-round win by technical knockout on June 21 in Argentina. Alexander won a unanimous decision over Corley in 2008 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The winner of this match will become the top contender at the 140-pound weight limit.

Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud vs. Yusaf “Mack Attack” Mack
IBF Light Heavyweight Championship

Tavoris Cloud returns to the Gateway City after successfully defending his IBF light heavyweight crown in a slugfest against former world champion Glen Johnson on Aug. 7 at Scottrade Center. Cloud won a unanimous decision by the identical scores of 116-112.

Cloud possesses an 81-percent knockout ratio, even though his last three fights were won by unanimous decisions. Possessing an aggressive style and a plethora of power in both hands, Cloud is a throwback fighter that likes to overwhelm his opponents with brute force.

His tenacity and vaunted power have caused other world champions to avoid facing him. Yusaf Mack does not have that luxury as he has been named by the IBF as the mandatory challenger to Cloud.

Mack is a 31-year-old veteran from Philadelphia. He remained unbeaten in his first 24 matches, fighting between middleweight and super middleweight. Mack settled in at the 175-pound light heavyweight limit beginning in 2008, and he promptly reeled off five straight victories.

He fought well in a pivotal fight with respected former light heavyweight world champion Glen Johnson in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on Feb. 5, 2010, before being stopped by technical knockout in the sixth round.

In his last appearance, Mack defeated Otis Griffin on March 4 in Los Angeles. This was an IBF elimination bout, which put Mack in line to next face Cloud. He is also the reigning USBA light heavyweight champion; former NABA and NABF light heavyweight champion; and former USBA super middleweight champion.

Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne vs. Ray “The Rainman” Austin
WBC Silver Heavyweight Championship

Emerging heavyweight Bermane Stiverne and title-tested veteran Ray Austin will meet in an important WBC elimination bout with ramifications at the top of the sport.

Stiverne has a staggering 86-percent knockout ratio with an equally stunning 14 first-round knockouts. Only two of his fights have gone the distance. Most of his victims have fallen prey to his powerful right hand.

Austin has hovered at the top of the heavyweight division for the last five years, having faced Wladimir Klitschko, Andrew Golota, Sultan Ibragimov, Odlanier Solis and DaVarryl Williamson, among others.

This will clearly be the toughest opponent yet for Stiverne. A win here would set up bigger fights in the future. Austin will be trying to prove that he is still a force in the heavyweight division.

Guillermo “El Felino” Jones vs. Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne
WBA Cruiserweight Championship

WBA cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones will receive a test from undefeated hometown fighter Ryan Coyne who holds the WBC USNBC national cruiserweight championship.

Jones began his career at 147 pounds but it took him adding and astonishing 53 pounds and fighting at the 200-pound limit before he won his first world championship, a 10th-round technical knockout over Firat Arslan in 2008. Jones is a gifted athlete and true fighter who has an uncanny ability to find a way to win in almost every circumstance.

The Panamanian lost a disputed split decision in 2005 to future world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, but he rebounded to defeat former world champions Kelvin “Concrete” Davis and Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite.

In his last appearance, Jones scored an 11th-round technical knockout over respected former interim WBA cruiserweight world champion Valery Brudov when the two met on Oct. 2 in Panama City, Panama.

Coyne graduated from St. Charles High School where he was named “St. Charles County Football Player of the Year” in 2001. He played collegiate football at University of Missouri from 2001 to 2002. Injuries shortened his football career, and he returned to St. Charles to pursue a boxing career while earning a bachelor’s degree from Lindenwood University in 2005.

He has made steady progress in his boxing career, maintaining an unblemished record since turning professional in 2006. He won the WBC-USNBC national title last summer at Scottrade Center in St. Louis by knocking out Warren Browning in the ninth round.

Coyne also is known for having fought into the semi-finals during the fourth season of The Contender, televised on Versus, before suffering an accidental headbutt that forced him to leave the competition.

Coyne trains out of the Sweat Pound 4 Pound Gym in Clayton, Mo., under the tutelage of trainer Jose Ponce. The addition of strength and conditioning expert Matt Brown has helped “The Irish Outlaw” to increase his power.

Cornelius “K9” Bundrage vs. Sechew Powell
IBF Junior Middleweight Championship

IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage has an old score to settle with Sechew Powell. After a stunning fifth-round technical knockout over Cory Spinks in St. Louis on Aug. 7 to win his first world title, the Emanuel Steward-trained Bundrage immediately looked to avenge his first loss as a professional, which came at the hands of Powell in 2005.

Powell is a southpaw who won his first 20 fights before running into Kassim Ouma at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2006, where he lost by decision. His only other loss came against Deandre Latimore in 2008, a defeat he avenged in his last appearance on March 3, 2010, winning a majority decision over St. Louis’s Latimore in an IBF elimination bout that earned Powell the right to face Bundrage, the newly crowned champion.

Bundrage was also a fast starter, having won his first 21 fights before running into Powell. He later did what Powell was unable to do, winning a unanimous decision over Ouma when he faced the Ugandan in 2008.

Bundrage went on to face future world champion Yuri Foreman in 2009. The bout was ruled no contest after an accidental clash of heads in the third round left Foreman unable to continue. Bundrage immediately went on to take the title from Spinks in his next match.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Undefeated WBC No. 1-Ranked Super Lightweight Opens His Final Workout to the Media

ST. LOUIS—Undefeated World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight and mandatory challenger Devon Alexander “The Great” opened his final workout today to the media in his hometown Marquette Gym in St. Louis prior to departing for Rancho Mirage, Calif., to make his first appearance in a world championship boxing match.

Alexander will face former WBC super lightweight champion Junior “The Hitter” Witter on Aug. 1 for the same title that was recently vacated by Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, who, ironically, is fighting on the same SHOWTIME-televised doubleheader (9 p.m. ET/PT) at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort and Spa against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell.

“I’ve watched tapes on Junior Witter,” Alexander said. “He’s a crafty, slick fighter that likes to take pot shots at you when he gets the opportunity. My goal is to give him something where he will not be able to stay with that all night. I want to dominate him for 12 rounds. I want to be smart and aggressive at the same time.”

Alexander has had the same promoter, Don King, since he turned professional and the same trainer, Kevin Cunningham, since he began boxing as an amateur.


“From what I’ve seen in Witter, I see an experienced, savvy veteran that can be awkward at times but I think a sharpshooter like Devon can make him pay for his mistakes,” Cunningham said. “Witter does have the edge in experience but Devon has fought guys all over the world going back to his amateur days. Youth, speed, talent and persistence are things that Devon is blessed with so he can overcome anything he put his mind to.

“I think at some point in this fight it’s going to come down to the fact that Junior Witter is going to realize he’s in the ring with a young, hungry and extremely talented fighter that will prove that he wants it just a little more.”

Raw Quotes

Devon Alexander “The Great” - “It means a lot to me to be fighting in my first world championship match. I started in boxing when I was 7. I come from a rough St. Louis neighborhood where most people go to jail or end up dead. I heard gun shots every night where you have to hit the ground and check to make sure the bullets didn’t hit you. This is a tremendous opportunity God has blessed me with to be fighting for a world title.

“There are 13 kids in my family including me and I’m the only one that can change my family’s direction and give them more opportunities to succeed in life. I want to show them a different way of life.

“I’m a natural southpaw. I’ve got speed and power but I don’t force my power. I can box on the outside like Sugar Ray Leonard or stand in the middle like Iron Mike, either way is fine with me.

“When the bell rings, the game plan turns on. I feel my opponent out and I try to dictate my style onto him and adjust to whatever he brings. For example, in my last fight against Chuy Rodriguez—a good fighter from California—my coach told me to feel him out and pop the jab. Rodriguez turned out to be a scrappy guy, but I knew I was too much for him if I stayed in my game rather than play to his strengths.

“I trained my whole career alongside Cory Spinks. He is so slick and fast and I’ve always tried to become as crafty as he is. He taught me to relax and have fun in the ring and not be over-anxious. The name of the game is to hit and not get hit and I had a front row seat to one of the best at that. I definitely try to carry those abilities into the ring with me.

“I’ve watched tapes on Junior Witter. He’s a crafty, slick fighter that likes to take pot shots at you when he gets the opportunity. My goal is to give him something where he will not be able to stay with that all night. I want to dominate him for 12 rounds. If he’s still there, I want to be there all day for him, giving him punches in bunches where he gets more than he gives. I want to be smart and aggressive at the same time.”

Kevin Cunningham and Devon Alexander
Kevin Cunningham (trainer and manager of Devon Alexander, and Cory Spinks) “Training has gone great. Devon is peaking at the right time. He’s been excellent in training and sparring. He’s looking spectacular.”

“The kid is definitely ready. Since he was an amateur, he has always been above the curve, advanced. When he fought in the national Golden Gloves, he asked me to doctor his birth certificate because he was three months short, he wasn’t 17 yet. I put him in with the adults and he won the whole thing when he was 16. He’s always been ready so I know he’s ready for his first world championship fight.

He had nearly 300 amateur fights. He’s undefeated at 18-0. He’s been successful in three 12-round fights on his way to his first world championship. He’s faced a former world champion, a world title challenger in Miguel Callist and some top contenders. He’s definitely ready.

“From what I’ve seen in Witter, I see an experienced, savvy veteran that can be awkward at times but I think a sharpshooter like Devon can make him pay for his mistakes. Witter does have the edge in experience but Devon has fought guys all over the world going back to his amateur days. Devon has sparred with some of the top professional fighters in the world as well so it’s just a matter of him executing in the ring.

“Youth, speed, talent and persistence are things that Devon is blessed with so he can overcome anything he put his mind to. It’s just a mater of execution. I think at some point in this fight it’s going to come down to the fact that Junior Witter is going to realize he’s in the ring with a young, hungry and extremely talented fighter that will prove that he wants it just a little more.”

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Jesus Rodriguez vs. Devon Alexander in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS—Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez, a winner in 11 of his last 12 matches, signed a contract today to face undefeated World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” on Friday, April 24 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis and on SHOWTIME®.

Alexander (17-0, 10 KOs) is the Gateway City’s fastest-rising star, and Rodriguez (19-3, 5 KOs), from Salinas, Calif., will look to give him a stiff test in a match scheduled for 10 rounds.

The main event will feature two more St. Louisans battling for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship when former four-time world champion Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks (36-5, 11 KOs) meets IBF No. 6-ranked contender Deandre “The Bull” Latimore (19-1, 16 KOs).

Both fights will be televised on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT (10 p.m. CT, delayed on the West Coast). A full undercard will be presented. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The event is promoted by Don King Productions with Spinks vs. Latimore presented in association with Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Alexander, a 22-year-old phenom trained and managed by Kevin Cunningham, was recently named mandatory challenger to the WBC 140-pound champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, so he has his first world championship match riding on this fight.

Devon Alexander and Kevin Cunningham,


Bradley added the World Boxing Organization 140-pound title to his resume by defeating then-champion Kendall Holt on April 4, also on SHOWTIME, which means Alexander will next face a unified world champion if he can get past Rodriguez.

“A world championship fight is what I have been working towards my whole life,” Alexander said. “To earn that chance in front of my hometown fans in St. Louis would mean a lot to me.”

Alexander’s promoter Don King sees a bright future for this budding star.

“Devon Alexander has all the skills to become a world champion and he’s going to earn his first title shot by defeating Jesus Rodriguez in St. Louis on April 24,” King said. “Not only is Devon a great fighter but he’s an outstanding individual, a young man the people of St. Louis can be proud of.”

Rodriguez’s three losses have all come against undefeated fighters. He lost his debut against a fighter also making his first appearance in 1999 and against two fighters who remain undefeated: Vladimir Zykov, who had 15 wins when he faced Rodriguez in 2006, and Mike Alvarado, who had 19 wins when Rodriguez dropped a 10-round decision when they met on Feb. 15, 2008.

It should be noted that Rodriguez defeated Omri Lowther, a highly decorated amateur who was undefeated in nine fights as a professional when they met in 2007. Rodriguez won an eight-round unanimous decision.

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©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

ST. LOUIS—The three best boxers in St. Louis will be showcased on the same Don King-promoted fight card at Scottrade Center on Friday, April 24.

The main event will feature the long-awaited hometown showdown for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship between former four-time world champion Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks (36-5, 11 KOs) taking on IBF No. 6-ranked contender Deandre “The Bull” Latimore (19-1, 16 KOs).

Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks
The co-feature showcases the Gateway City’s fastest-rising star, undefeated World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” (17-0, 10 KOs) meeting an opponent to be announced.

Kevin Cunningham and Devon Alexander “The Great”


Both fights will be televised on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT (10 p.m. CT, delayed on the West Coast). A full undercard will be presented. Doors open at 6 p.m.

“I love St. Louis and I’m happy to have the top three prizefighters from this great American city on the same card at Scottrade Center,” King said. “Spring is almost here so it’s the perfect time to meet me in St. Louis on April 24 to see the best of the old and best of the new. It's going to be what we call a Lou thing.”


The event is promoted by Don King Productions with Spinks vs. Latimore presented in association with Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.


Spinks, 31, is a former undisputed welterweight champion who also held the IBF junior middleweight championship, a crown he won in St. Louis on July 8, 2006, by winning a majority decision over then-champion Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin.

Spinks lost that title at Scottrade Center on March 27, 2008, dropping a split decision to Verno Phillips after making the decision to split with his longtime trainer and manager Kevin Cunningham. Spinks and Cunningham have since reconciled and are working together again, and Phillips has vacated the title to move up to the middleweight division. Spinks thinks he will regain the title because his vast world championship experience will be too much for his 23-year-old cross-town rival.

“Deandre faced my stablemate Devon Alexander in the amateurs when they were both coming up,” Spinks said. “My question to Deandre is who have you faced? The first time he met a guy with a winning record, Ian Gardner knocked him out in three. He stopped Sechew Powell in his last fight but he’s not ready for me yet.”

Latimore, 23, met Powell in the biggest fight of his young career during his most-recent appearance on June 11 at the Hard Rock Times Square in New York. Powell had earned the IBF’s No. 1 ranking in the junior middleweight division and was mandatory challenger to face the newly crowned champion Phillips but decided to face Latimore first.

The match was competitive until the seventh round when Latimore broke through, hurting Powell with a right hook. Latimore rocked Powell again with an uppercut before pinning him in a corner. Powell’s lack of an appropriate response led the referee to halt the contest in a major upset victory for Latimore.

Latimore co-promoter Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment, is looking forward to the event.

“It is an honor to work on this show with Don King, as well as co-promote boxing’s next great young champion, Deandre Latimore, with our partner Rumble Time Promotions,” DiBella said. “The Battle of St. Lou will guarantee high drama.”

Alexander, a 22-year-old phenom who is also trained by Cunningham, was recently named mandatory challenger to the WBC 140-pound champion, so he has his first world championship match riding on this fight.

“A world championship fight is what I have been working towards my whole life,” Alexander said. “To earn that chance in front of my hometown fans in St. Louis would mean a lot to me.”

Spinks won his first world title by defeating Michele Piccirillo in 2003 to become the IBF welterweight champion. He added the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association 147-pound titles by defeating Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga later that year.

After successfully defending his crowns with a unanimous decision win over Zab “Super” Judah in a seesaw affair in 2004 that saw both fighters hitting the canvas, Spinks agreed to a rematch with Judah in front of a record crowd of 22,370 in his hometown on Feb. 5, 2005. Judah scored a technical knockout in round nine to spoil Spinks’s homecoming.

After moving up to 154 pounds and becoming world champion again, Spinks took a one-time gamble at 160 pounds to challenge then-World Boxing Council and -World Boxing Organization middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor at the FedEx Forum in Memphis on May 19, 2007.

Taylor experienced tremendous difficulty exerting his will over Spinks, who proved he could compete at the higher weight by darting in and out of range while landing during exchanges. Ringside experts and judges had difficulty agreeing on a winner after the fight went the distance. In a rarity, one judge favored Spinks by the wide margin of 117-111, while another judge favored Taylor by the same score. The third judge favored Taylor 115-113 to break the deadlock.

Nick Charles will describe the ShoBox action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood serving as expert anlyst The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phil dir directing.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com.

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©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Devon Alexander‘The Great’Wants to Fight Nate Campbell; Undefeated WBC No. 1-Ranked Super Lightweight,Wants to Face the Former Unified Lightweight

BOCA RATON, Fla.—Undefeated 22-year-old World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” (17-0, 10 KOs) has made the brash move of actively pursuing a match against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs).

“I will fight anyone that Don King or the television networks want me to fight,” Alexander, a St. Louis native, said from his South Florida training camp. “I want to prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world, and what better way to do that than to take on a guy who was the king of the lightweights before making the recent decision to move up to junior welterweight.”

Alexander’s longtime trainer and manager Kevin Cunningham, also from St. Louis, knows this would be a dangerous match but believes his young charge is ready to make the move.

Kevin Cunningham and Devon Alexander


“There is no question this would be a big step up in terms of opposition for Devon, but it’s a challenge he’s ready to have,” Cunningham said. “Somebody brought up Nate Campbell to face Devon. I’m all for Nate vs. The Great. HBO has expressed interest in making it happen, so we’ll see.”

Cunningham also believes Campbell’s previous experiences should play a role in negotiations.

“Nate has always talked about all of the fighters who ducked him on his way up,” Cunningham said of the 36-year-old former world champion. “Now he has this opportunity. The ball is in his court. It will be interesting to see if he will welcome this challenge from a worthy young foe.”

Cunningham also noted that the winner of this fight could face the winner of the upcoming 140-pound world-championship unification match between Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt. Bradley currently holds the WBC crown and Holt is the World Boxing Organization titleholder.

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©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved