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Undefeated Devon Alexander “The Great” stunned Juan “Iron Twins” Urango with two knockdowns in the eighth round that led to a spectacular technical knockout win.
In an all-southpaw clash, Alexander swept the early rounds behind a crisp jab, keeping Urango at a distance. But the middle rounds saw the IBF kingpin make the bout a closer affair with good bodywork on Alexander.
Before Urango could cement his control over the proceedings, he was caught with a shocking counter right uppercut and fell heavily to the canvas. The Colombian slugger beat the count but could not adequately defend himself from Alexander’s follow-up assault.
WBC champion Alexander, who remains undefeated at 20-0 (13), took the IBF title of Urango, who falls to 22-3-1 (17).
“My coach told me to stay focused when Urango started bleeding [from the nose in the third round],” said Alexander. “My coach said, ‘Don’t stand there and get hit.’
“His [Urango’s] punches did not hurt at all. I was surprised by that. Speed kills everything and that’s what I have.
“We trained all camp throwing the right uppercut, ” said Alexander’s trainer Kevin Cunningham. “I told Devon to throw the uppercut, and he heard me. It was the magic shot. We trained all camp to throw that punch. We used speed to set up the power.”
“I can beat anyone,” said Alexander. “Zab, Timothy Bradley, you name it. I want to come back to St. Louis and sell out the Scottrade Center. I’m coming back to good old St. Lou with two world titles. This is very sweet.”
“I’m very happy and satisfied with my performance tonight, ” said Urango. “Devon is a great champion and he came out and did his job. I performed well but Devon won tonight.”
On the undercard, heavyweight Derric Rossy, 25-2 (14), decked veteran opponent Zack Page, 20-28-2 (7), twice but had to settle for a wide points verdict after 12 rounds.
“Page is a crafty, veteran fighter that can take a punch, no doubt about it,” said Rossy. ” He knew how to take away the space I need to land my best shots. I dropped a big right hand on him in the sixth round and had him down and almost out.
“I think I tried too hard for the knockout instead of just letting it come. I could have let my hands go more in the closing rounds, but, like I said, he’s a crafty guy.”
“I wasn’t as good as I wanted to be tonight,” said Page. ” I wasn’t in my best condition. I know that now. Rossy is a good fighter. He deserved the win tonight.”
Cruiserweight prospect Ryan Coyne, 14-0 (4), posted an eight round UD over Paul Jennette, 11-3 (8).
“I had him [Paul Jennette] hurt and almost out four of five times,” said Coyne. “I wish I could have knocked him out, but my power is getting better. I’ve been working with a strength and conditioning coach and it’s starting to come. I’m undefeated with 14 wins, so I’m happy.
“He [Jennette] came to fight, had a good chin and was in condition, but so am I.”
