Former world champions Victor Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander (27-4-1, 14 KOs) fought to a majority draw in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions’ card at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas on Feb. 17.
“I absolutely thought I won the fight,” Alexander said following the bout. “The last few rounds I probably gave him, but I thought I out-landed him in the 12th. I thought I did enough to win. I gave him three rounds.”
Alexander ended up controlling the fight early on, catching Ortiz with combinations of punches. And by the third round, some swelling appeared on Ortiz’s left eye.
“The eye was tough to overcome,” said Ortiz. “I can’t really see out of it. I really had to listen to my corner. I tried to stay composed as I could, but he’s a really good fighter.”
Alexander took all of the first six rounds on two judges’ scorecards, but after the sixth, the tide turned. Alexander’s pace slowed, while Ortiz applied pressure and became the more aggressive fighter.
“I thought the decision was a little off and I thought I did enough to win,” said Ortiz. “The first few rounds were a little complicated. He’s a great boxer and he was timing me just right. I wasn’t leaving the line of fire.”
One judge ended up scoring the bout 115-113 in favor of Ortiz; however, the other two ruled it 114-114.
“I would love a rematch,” Alexander said. “That’s up to my team to see what’s next, but I’ll fight anybody. I’m a real fighter.”
“A rematch would be awesome,” Ortiz added. “If both teams agree and the fans want it, let’s make it happen.”