Boxing Preview: Juan Urango vs. Devon Alexander

The Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT hosts the Devon Alexander vs. Juan Urango light welterweight unification clash this evening in a much anticipated 140 pound battle of southpaws.

23 year old Alexander, 19-0 (12), will have to show that his dominant WBC title winning effort against Junior Witter in August wasn’t more of a matter of Witter’s streakiness rather than Alexander’s own skill.

The St. Louis native does possess blindingly fast hands and he’ll need them against his very tough Colombian opponent Urango, 22-2 (17).

Now residing in Florida, 29 year old Urango won the IBF light welter crown in June, 2006 with a stoppage of Naoufel Ben Rabah before losing it to Ricky Hatton by decision seven months later.

Urango regained the title a year ago with a decision over Herman Ngoudjo before jumping up to welter to unsuccessfully challenge WBC titlist Andre Berto, losing by a wide points margin.

Most recently, Urango stopped big punching former WBO champ Randall Bailey in the 11th frame in August and will obviously hold a significant advantage in experience once the bell rings against Alexander.

But Witter also was much more seasoned than Alexander and that proved to be of no value whatsoever against the quick Missouri man.

The sturdy Urango must cut off the ring and not give Alexander room to box, soaking up the WBC champ’s shots on the way in to force a close quarters rumble where Urango’s strength advantage could tip the balance in his favor.

If Alexander can control the pace and keep distance, it could be a long night for the IBF king, who will likely lose on points.