Unbeaten world champions Devon Alexander and Tavoris Cloud risk their boxing crowns tonight in a title triple-header that also includes hometown hero Cory Spinks.
Southpaw Alexander will defend his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight crown against former World Boxing Association super lightweight champion Andriy Kotelnik of Ukraine.
Cloud, the IBF light-heavyweight champion, will face Jamaican Glen Johnson while Spinks defends his IBF light-middleweight crown against Cornelius Bundrage in an all-American bout.
Alexander, 20-0 with 13 knockouts, fights in his hometown against Kotelnik, 31-3 with one draw and 13 knockouts, and looks forward to potentially bigger fights down the road if he can keep his crowns.
“Most people don’t get an opportunity like I have and I want to make the most of it,” Alexander said. “I know if I take care of this there are bigger opportunities down the road and I am ready.”
Kotelnik, a veteran of facing foes before their home fans, warned that he was prepared as well.
“Taking me lightly would be a big mistake,” he said. “Devon, when you go over what happens, I think it’s going to remind you of a horror movie.”
Cloud, 20-0 with 18 knockouts, made his confidence clear yesterday.
“We are going to win. We are definitely going to win,” he said. “I don’t think Glen Johnson is the fighter he used to be and I don’t think I will have any problems winning the fight.”
Johnson, 50-13 with two drawn and 34 knockouts, hopes to reclaim the crown at age 41. He dropped his past two world title fights to American Chad Dawson and last held a major crown, the one Cloud has, in 2004.
“I don’t have to talk a lot of noise,” Johnson said. “It’s all about stepping in the ring and doing what you do.”
Spinks, 37-5 with 11 knockouts, faces a mandatory challenger in Bundrage, 29-4 with 17 knockouts.
“I’m fighting a tough guy in Bundrage and I know he’s going to bring his ‘A’ game,” Spinks said. “Cory Spinks is ready for anything he brings. Expect a spectacular performance.”
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