Boxing returns to HBO this Saturday when Devon Alexander and Juan Urango meet in a light welterweight unification bout. The fight emanates from Uncasville, Connecticut with the HBO Boxing After Dark broadcast beginning at 9:30 pm ET. Read on for a breakdown of the fight as well as staff predictions.
Devon Alexander vs. Juan Urango (IBF/WBC Light Welterweight Title)
Money Line: Alexander -450; Urango +300
Devon Alexander, 19-0 (12 KOs), captured the WBC light welterweight title in his last fight against Junior Witter and he’s on a fast track towards unification. Alexander is a 23-year-old southpaw from St. Louis and he’s quickly moving up the 140-pound ranks. His slick boxing and stellar defense have carried him this far and it just so happens to be the perfect formula to befuddle the hard-hitting Urango. Alexander’s chin will be given its biggest test to date. His ability to withstand Urango’s power will be the key for Devon Alexander to capture another title.
Juan Urango, 22-2-1 (17 KOs), has held the IBF light welterweight title for over a year, this being his second run with the title. More is known about Urango than Alexander. Urango is a strong puncher with a durable chin. His two losses came against quicker fighters in Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto. Alexander is quicker than both so it’s prudent that Urango corners Alexander and wears him down, specifically to the body. Urango shouldn’t be too concerned with Alexander’s pop, allowing him to attack fearlessly. Catching up to him and landing shots, however, will prove to be the key for Urango to gain another title.
Staff Picks
Corey: I have to back the still green Devon Alexander in this matchup. He is the much better boxer between the two, and I don’t think he has to brawl with Juan Urango if he doesn’t want to. Urango, simply put, can’t keep up with slicksters like Alexander unless he draws them into a brawl. This fight should be smooth sailing for Alexander, who will counter-punch his way to a wide unanimous decision on the cards, 118-110, with a chance of scoring a stoppage if he plants his feet and turns it up on a gassed Urango in the championship rounds.
Trent: If Alexander can take Urango’s punch then it will not only put him in the driver’s seat for the fight, but it will serve notice to the rest of the light welterweights. I don’t expect Alexander to put himself in harm’s way and it will lead him to a shutout win over Urango. The Colombian can end the night early, creating intrigue for the fight, but he doesn’t have a gameplan other than ‘attack.’ I don’t think he can resist the temptation to brawl and Alexander will use that to his advantage on his way to winning all twelve rounds.
