Premier Boxing Champions on ESPNwill feature live coverage on Wednesday, Oct. 14 of Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) against Mexican Aron Martínez (19-4-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout, from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The co-main event showcases featherweight champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs), making his U.S. debut, vs. Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs).
Fighter backgrounds:
A world champion at 140 and 147-pounds, the 28-year-old Alexander is making his 2015 debut looking for a performance that will vault him back into title contention. Alexander owns victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse, Randall Bailey and Lee Purdy. The St. Louis-native is 4-2 in world title fights with his most recent victory coming via a decision over Jesus Soto Karass.
The 33-year-old Martinez is coming off of a decision loss to Robert Guerrero, in a fight where Martinez dropped Guerrero for the second time in his career and appeared within seconds of being awarded a stoppage victory. Born in Mexico, but fighting out of Los Angeles, Martinez has fought professionally since 2004 and racked up 10 straight victories between 2009 and 2012.
Born in Barry, Wales, Selby picked up his world title with a technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Gradovich in May. The 28-year-old has victories over previously unblemished fighters including Joel Brunker, Ryan Walsh, Viorel Simon, Corey McConnell and Stephen Smith. Selby will be making his first start in the United States on October 14.
The Mexican veteran Montiel has won world titles across three weight classes throughout his career that began as a 17-year-old in 1996. He won his first world title in 2000 over Isidro Garcia and went on to have title winning performances over Pedro Alzacar, Ivan Hernandez, Z Gorres, Ciso Morales and Hozumi Hasegawa. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel has an eight-fight win streak heading into this match and returns to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2011.
