Ivan Redkach upsets Devon Alexander

In a fight to to remain relevant, Ivan Redkach (23-4-1, 18 KOs) likely sent Devon Alexander into retirement by stopping the two-division title holder in round six at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California, Saturday night.

Redkach, 29, had bounced back from a brutal knockout at the hands of John Molina Jr. in 2017 to win two fights in a row. Alexander, 32, entered the fight with high hopes—having completed an intense training camp with Hall of Fame shoo-in, and part-time trainer, Roy Jones. Alexander (27-6-1, 14 KOs) felt he was primed to give a great performance, but in the end, it was Redkach, fighting officially in the welterweight division for the first time, who delivered.

Alexander worked the body and boxed well in the opening stanza. Redkach did better in round two, wobbling Alexander with a solid left hand. Alexander regained some control of the fight in round three by working his jab. Problem was, he couldn’t hurt Redkach.

In round four, another Redkach left caused Alexander’s legs to shake. The St. Louis native tried to fight back, but the clock was ticking. Trading shots on the inside in round six, Redkach let fly with a fierce uppercut that stiffened Alexander’s legs and sent him face first to the canvas.

Alexander got up, but his legs were quacking. Underdog Redkach went for the kill, flooring Alexander seconds later. The gusty former champ pulled himself up again, but he was obviously done for the night. Seconds later, a number of blows collapsed Alexander for the third and final time. The referee waved off the contest.

The time was 1:10 into round six.

“It’s just feels really good,” said Redkach in the ring. “I’m really happy right now.”

“I’m devasted about it," Alexander said in an article by Bob Velin posted on www.premierboxingchampions.com.