Tim Bradley unified the WBO and WBC junior welterweight belts Saturday night with a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Devon Alexander after the fight was stopped in the 10th round following an accidental clash of heads.
The result marked a disappointing end to what had been a riveting clash between two of the quickest, most talented fighters in any weight class. Most ringside observers appeared to agree Bradley was in control of the fight when Alexander began complaining about his vision.
“It was burning. I’ve never been head-butted like that. He’s got a big head,” Alexander said of his opponent.
For his part Bradley never stopped coming, refusing to let Alexander’s probing jab and rapid-fire combinations dissuade him from pursuing his quarry. Bradley’s right connected repeatedly with Alexander and appeared to do more damage than the southpaw’s left.
Both fighters looked to be in peak fighting condition, firing punches in bunches and anticipating each other’s moves seemingly several steps in advance. The shorter man, Bradley attempted to get inside and work while Alexander tried to use his jab to keep Bradley at bay. When that didn’t work, Devon “The Great” resorted to clutching to evade the heavy shots to his body.
Toward the end of the fight Alexander began dropping his left, opening himself up to the overhand right that Bradley landed a couple times to good effect. If there is a rematch, here’s hoping the fans get a more satisfactory result.
