Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Santamaria - August 7, 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Devon Alexander To Return on July 31, Faces Lucas Santamaria

Boxing Scene has been advised that Devon Alexander (27-6-1) will snap a two-year ring hiatus when he faces Lucas Santamaria (11-2-1) on July 31st at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The fight will be televised by FS1.

As previously reported by Boxing Scene’s Jake Donovan, the main card on FOX will feature Michael Polite Coffie against Gerald Washington in a heavyweight showdown and the Vito Mielnicki Jr.-James Martin rematch. Mielnicki, an u and coming welterweight prospect, suffered an upset loss against Martin on April 17th in Los Angeles in a bout that was also televised by FOX.

The 33-year-old Alexander was stopped by Ivan Redkach in his last fight, which took place on June 1st, 2019. He is 0-2-1 in his past three fights.

Alexander, who is from St. Louis, MO, unified titles at super lightweight and also captured a title at welterweight. His best win as a pro came against Marcos Maidana in 2012. He won his first title when he stopped Junior Witter in 2009.

Santamaria burst on the scene last year when he upset a then 22-1 Mykal Fox in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The Garden Grove, Calif. native lost a unanimous decision to unbeaten prospect Paul Kroll in his most recent bout.

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Press Release

Unbeaten welterweights go toe-to-toe as Canada’s Cody Crowley meets two-time Venezuelan Olympian Gabriel Maestre for the Interim WBA Welterweight World Championship headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 7 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting rising welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis in a 10-round duel against former world champion Luis Collazo. Kicking off the broadcast, former-two division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” will return to action for a 10-round welterweight showdown against Luke Santamaria.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“Saturday, August 7 will feature a jam-packed night of welterweight fights on FOX as boxing’s glamor division takes center stage with three intriguing matchups,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The main event will see two unbeaten fighters in Cody Crowley and Gabriel Maestre look to announce their presence in the division with a statement win in a toss-up fight. In the two opening fights, rising welterweights Eimantas Stanionis will strive for a big victory against established former champion Luis Collazo and former champion Devon Alexander will look to get back to his winning ways against Luke Santamaría. The Armory in Minneapolis is set to be home to another night of high stakes action from start to finish.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (19-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a September 2020 triumph over Josh Torres. Crowley’s 2019 run saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February, before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2016 in his triumph over Torres, after seven of his first eight pro fights came in the U.S.

"On August 7, the world will discover a new welterweight force in the division in Cody Crowley,” said Crowley. “I know that they call Gabriel Maestre the ‘Venezuelan Lomachenko’, but after I beat him for the crown, he will return to Venezuela known as the man who put me in position for my first world championship. I want to thank my team for giving me this huge opportunity. And, most importantly, I want to thank my fans in Canada, the United States and the world who have stuck by me as I've awaited this chance to shine in front of a worldwide audience on FOX."

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (3-0, 3 KOs) had an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. The 34-year-old turned pro in 2019 with a pair of impressive triumphs, stopping previously unbeaten Jeovanis Barraza before earning a TKO over veteran contender Diego Chaves. August 7 will mark Maestre’s U.S. debut professionally.

“I am very happy to make my U.S. debut on August 7,” said Maestre. “This is a wonderful opportunity for me. I have the chance to show the whole world what class I’m in and that I’m a great boxer. I’m excited to begin this journey in the U.S. on my way to becoming a world champion.”

Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) has earned a series of eye-catching victories as he has climbed up the ranks from prospect to contender, most recently earning a career-best 12-round decision over Thomas Dulorme in April. The 26-year-old from Lithuania, who now lives and trains in California, looked impressive as he picked up three solid wins in 2019, beating Samuel Figueroa via unanimous decision and scoring early stoppages against Julio Cesar Sanchez and Evincii Dixon. The undefeated welterweight continued to put the division on notice with back-to-back dominating main event performances in November and December 2020, when he notched ninth-round knockouts over Justin DeLoach and Janer Gonzalez respectively.

“I want to prove that I’m going to be the next great welterweight champion, so I know that I have to look impressive and come out victorious against Luis Collazo on August 7,” said Stanionis. “Collazo has faced the best of the best, so this will be a great chance for me to show where I stack up. I always like to bring an exciting fight for the fans, and this fight on FOX is going to be no different.”

An experienced veteran in the welterweight division, Collazo (39-8, 20 KOs) has proven a stiff test over the years for top welterweights such as Keith Thurman, Shane Mosley, Amir Khan, Andre Berto and Ricky Hatton, to name a few. The Brooklyn, New York-native was a world champion in 2005 and has sprung upsets on rising contenders with memorable knockouts of Victor Ortiz and Sammy Vasquez. After triumphing over Bryant Perrella in 2018, Collazo defeated Samuel Vargas in March 2019 and most recently lost a technical decision to Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in October 2019.

“I’m eager and excited to be back fighting on FOX,” said Collazo. “As a fighter, we wait for that call letting you know when you’re fighting and I can’t wait for this one. I believe this will be my last outing, so I am going to bring everything I’ve got come August 7.”

Alexander (27-6-1, 14 KOs) makes his return after a June 2019 defeat to Ivan Redkach stunted a previous comeback attempt that saw Alexander go 1-1-1 in fights over a 10-month stretch. Before that stretch, a period of inactivity saw him seek treatment for an addiction to painkillers and eventually prove an inspiration in returning to deliver exciting fights against Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz and Walter Castillo. The St. Louis, Missouri native had an impressive run at super lightweight and unified titles in that division before scoring victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and eventually Randall Bailey to capture a welterweight championship.

“I’m very excited and anxious to get back in there after some time off,” said Alexander. “This fight means everything to me, so I’m going into this fight with my back against the wall. I’m treating this like a world title fight. I have a chip on my shoulder because I know for a fact a lot of people are writing me off. They are about to be in for a big surprise. I can’t wait to regain my footing back in boxing as one of the best in the division. It’s been way too long. Plus, August 7 is my mom’s birthday, so that gives me even extra motivation to get her a win on her birthday.”

The 32-year-old Santamaría (11-2-1, 7 KOs) steps into the ring to make his FOX debut after dropping a decision to top welterweight prospect Paul Kroll last October. Santamaria had previously scored an August triumph over veteran contender Mykal Fox that saw him drop Fox in round one of their battle on FS1. The Garden Grove, California native also owns a decision over Willie Jones and a split draw against Marquis Taylor in his 2019 contests. Santamaría was unbeaten in 10 fights since his first loss before facing Kroll, with his only other defeat coming via a four-round decision in his third pro bout in 2015.

“I’m very thankful to my whole team for this great opportunity to compete on FOX,” said Santamaría. “People may say I’m lucky to get this shot, but I believe that luck is just when opportunity meets preparation. We’re never going to stop working and we’re going to keep climbing in this sport, continuing on August 7.”

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Devon Alexander: I Will Stop Lucas Santamaria in Five or Six Rounds

Devon Alexander (27-6-1) will return to the ring for the first time in over two years when he faces Lucas Santamaria (11-2-1) on August 7th. The fight will be part of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX all welterweight tripleheader that will also include Cody Crowley-Gabriel Maestre and Eimantas Stanionis-Luis Collazo. The action takes place at The Armory in Minneapolis.

The 34-year-old St. Louis based southpaw is hoping to get in position to fight for another world title.

He knows that this is the biggest fight of Santamaria’s career and that he can’t afford to overlook him.

“He’s a solid fighter who’s getting the opportunity of his lifetime. I’m sure he’s training like it but there’s nothing there that can stop this train pushing through on August 7th,” Alexander told Boxing Scene.

If everything goes as planned, Alexander hopes to have one more lower level fight before going after the top names in the welterweight division.

“Al (Haymon) wants another tune up this year just for me to get another feel. Then after that we want a top 5 for an eliminator bout,” said Alexander.

The former two-division champion has lost four out of his last six fights but feels rejuvenated after his time away from the ring. He feels so good that he believes he will be the first to knockout out the durable Santamaria.

“I think I will stop him in five or six,” Alexander stated.

Santamaria lost an unanimous decision in his last fight against Paul Kroll. Prior to that fight, he picked up the biggest win of his career when he upset Mykal Fox in August.

[Syntax Error]

I thought Alexander was older than 34.

By modern standards, he's still relatively young, but I don't think he has much chance of hitting the heights he did previously.

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Devon Alexander: I'll Be Fighting Santamaria Like My Life Depends On It

Boxing Scene first reported that former champion Devon Alexander (27-6-1) will return to the ring after a 26 month layoff against Lucas Santamaria in a welterweight battle.

The fight takes place on July 7th at The Armory in Minneapolis and will open up a triple header that will be televised by FOX. Mykal Fox takes on Gabriel Maestre for the interim WBA welterweight championship in the co-feature and Eimantas Stanionis will face former champion Luis Collazo in the main event.

This fight is do or die for the 34-year old Alexander. He is 1-4-1 in his last 6 fights and knows he must shine against Santamaria to get an opportunity against one of the top contenders in the division.

“I’m excited to get back in there. My love and passion is there very strong. I’m looking amazing in camp. My career can afford no more hiccups. I’m training to the limits because my back is against the wall. I’m gonna be fighting like my life depends on it. I know I have what it takes to get back into title contention. The passion and skills has to be there to get it done,” Alexander told BS.com.

Santamaria doesn’t have the prettiest record but is a vey dangerous opponent. Last year he upset a then 22-1 Mykal Fox in Los Angeles. In his last fight he lost a unanimous decision to unbeaten prospect Paul Kroll (8-0).

Alexander is a former 2 division champion whose resume includes wins over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse, Andriy Kotelnik, and Junior Witter.

He has also faced Tim Bradley, Shawn Porter and several other top names in the welterweight division.

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Devon Alexander: I See a Good Couple of Years For Me Ahead

Former-two division world champion Devon Alexander is back in hunt for a world title.

Alexander will return to the ring on Saturday night, when he faces Luke Santamaria as part of a PBC on FOX tripleheader from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The event will be headlined by a welterweight crossroads collision between unbeaten Eimantas Stanionis and former world champion Luis Collazo.

Alexander (27-6-1, 14 KOs) has been out of the ring since June of 2019 - when he suffered an upset knockout loss at the hands of Ivan Redkach. Once year prior, he dropped a split decision to Andre Berto and fought to a draw with Victor Ortiz.

The last time Alexander was able to pick up a win was back in 2017, with a ten round decision over Walter Castillo.

At 34-year-old, Alexander is looking to revive his career with a big victory against Santamaria, who is coming off a decision loss to Paul Kroll in October of 2020.

"I thank Luke for taking on this challenge. I’m just here to get some rust off and get back into title contention. That’s my purpose. I feel good, I feel strong and I’m happy. That’s the most important thing. I can’t wait to get in there and show out. I see a good couple of years for me ahead. I have to take it one fight at a time and take care of Luke on Saturday," Alexander said.

“I’m back to being myself. I’m fast and explosive, with power. I’m known as a boxer-puncher, so you’re going to see a bit of everything on Saturday. This is his biggest opportunity yet in [Santamaria's] career. I’m pretty sure he’s going to be ready and come to fight. Anybody I fight, knows they have to come ready. He knows I have a name. Any time a fighter steps into the ring, he’s a threat. I have to treat him as such.”

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Fight Night!!

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Scores were 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93 in favor of Santamaria.

Some had it closer, but it was a bit of a one to score..

[ironbeard]

Scores were 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93 in favor of Santamaria.

Some had it closer, but it was a bit of a one to score..

98-92 was too wide but Santa Maria got it done. Alexander fought credibly though.

[Syntax Error]

If Alexander wants to be an elite fighter again, he should retire.

If he just wants to pay the bills and be a gatekeeper or a scalp for up and comers, then he's got a future.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Devon Alexander: I Hurt Right Bicep in First Round, I Couldn't Get Anything Going

At The Armory in Minneapolis, Luke Santamaria (12-2-1, 7 KOs) scored a unanimous decision victory over former two-division champion Devon Alexander (27-7-1, 14 KOs) after 10 rounds of super welterweight action.

"I want to thank Devon for giving me this opportunity,” said Santamaria. “He's a great fighter. I got the opportunity and I showed up again.”

The younger fighter, Santamaria was able to control the bout with his legs and landed more impactful shots over the 10-rounds, including moments where he appeared to stagger the southpaw Alexander with counter left hooks in rounds one and nine.

"My legs were the key for me, he was trying to catch me with the left and I was able to anticipate it,” said Santamaria. “I was too quick on my feet for him. My footwork was the key. I'm ready to keep stepping up the competition."

Those impactful shots made the difference as the two fighters each landed 82 punches throughout the fight. While Alexander had the 28-13 edge in jabs connected, Santamaria landed 69 power punches to 54 from Alexander. After the fight, Alexander revealed that a right bicep injury suffered in the first round inhibited his ability to land effectively. After 10 rounds, the judges saw the fight by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93.

"I hurt my right bicep in the first round and it really held me back from getting my offense going,” said Alexander. “I tried to shake it out as the fight went on but I just couldn't get anything going. I'm disappointed."

[ironbeard]

In the 1st round of the Tim Bradley fight?