At the
beginning of the summer in which he will celebrate his eightieth
birthday, promoter Don King will once again make boxing history in
Missouri with a dynamic card containing four world
championships.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The “Show Me Something Great … In The ‘Show Me’ State!” event this Saturday at the Family Arena will mark the return of rising super lightweight star Devon Alexander “The Great” (21-1, 13 ko’s) as he looks to rebound from his first professional loss.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He will face a stern test in the form of Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse (28-1, 26 ko’s), a top contender and owner of a gaudy 92 percent knockout percentage.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>There was a media conference call last Tuesday featuring Alexander, Matthysse and their crews to discuss their progress as they prepared to break camps.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Trainer Kevin Cunningham talked about working out “The Great” in the thin air of Monument, Colorado, in the shadow of Pikes Peak.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He said, “There are a bunch of ranches and farmland up here, and it’s a beautiful place to train. We didn’t run Pikes Peak, but we are at 7,500 feet so we didn’t need that.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>His young charge echoed those sentiments, saying, “It’s good to be back. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we are sparring and on Tuesday and Thursday in the gym. I am ready to rock and roll.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>When asked about criticism regarding his loss to Timothy Bradley in January, both the trainer and his fighter did not shy away from the line of questioning.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Cunningham said, “I wasn’t surprised by (the criticism),” adding, “I lay the blame on Devon and me, and that’s where it should be laid. We accept full responsibility for coming up short in a great opportunity that was before us, but I’m telling you we won’t come up short on June 25.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Alexander added, “I hate to lose. That fight taught me I had to do what I needed to do. In any circumstance and any obstacle there is in that ring, I need to get through it. I didn’t follow the game plan.” He added, “I have to stay focused. No matter how high the stakes are, you have to stay focused and follow the game plan.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>When asked why they chose such a ferocious opponent in the hard-charging Matthysse, Cunningham was equally candid.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Cunningham said, “I call him ‘the Beast.’ I think he’s a beast, and he’s got the highest knockout percentage in the division and that makes him the biggest puncher in the division. If you want to claim you are the best in your division, these are the type of fights you need to take on.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Matthysse was asked through a translator about his thoughts as camp winds down for him in Oxnard, California.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He said, “This is a very important fight for me. It is going to be a tough fight that I’m dedicating to Argentina.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>When asked if he’s worried about fighting in Alexander’s backyard and the likelihood of winning a decision, he laughed and said, “No, I’m not worried at all. I train for a knockout. I can’t worry about a decision and I can’t let it get to a decision, and that’s what I’ve been working for.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He added, “I don’t like to predict rounds. That is not my job. If it does go the distance, I have to respect the judges.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”> Four champ bouts
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”> The four championship bouts that fans in attendance can look forward to at the HBO-televised gala include light heavyweight Tavoris Cloud (21-0, 18 ko’s) facing Yusaf Mack (29-3-2, 17 ko’s).
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Heavyweights Bermane Stiverne (20-1-1, 19 ko’s) and Ray Austin (28-5-4, 18 ko’s) will clash for the WBC Silver strap.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>St. Louis
own Ryan Coyne (16-0, 6 ko’s) will defend his WBC-USNBC cruiser
crown against David McNemar (13-0, 10 ko’s).
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The IBF junior middle hardware will also be up for grabs when Cornelius Bundrage (30-4, 18 ko’s) steps in to duel Brooklyn’s top ranked challenger Sechew Powell (26-2, 15 ko’s).
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Don King joined the call and said, “We have the biggest show that has ever been in Missouri, with four world title fights plus Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ and Lucas Matthysse. So we need to make certain the people get what they pay for and get what we promise.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The card’s roster sent a current through the local boxing community when it was announced, and fans tell me they look forward to the return of their local hero as he continues his climb to the summit of the sport.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $125 and $300 and can be purchased at the Family Arena box office and all MetroTix outlets, including online at metrotix.com or charged by phone at 314-534-1111.
