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Tonight’s bout between WBC light welterweight champ Timothy Bradley (26-0, 11 KO’s) and WBO light welterweight title holder Devon Alexander (21-0, 13 KO’s) is more than just a fight—it’s a new beginning for boxing.

It’s not too often that fans get to witness the emergence of a legitimate contender in the sport, but at approximately 10:30 p.m., boxing enthusiasts around the world could see the next great American pugilist.

According to several boxing analysts and the betting odds in Las Vegas, Bradley, who is known for his quickness and punching precision, is the favorite to win the fight. His undefeated record, loaded with victories over exceptional veterans including Luis Carlos Abregu, Lamont Peterson, Nate Cambell and Kendall Holt, speaks for itself

Nevertheless, Alexander, a southpaw known for his power, is held in high regard by many for his notable victories over Andriy Kotelnik, Juan Urango and Junior Witter.

Alexander also holds a slight advantage in height and reach over Bradley, which might be a factor in the fight as well.

This fight could also be one for the ages because both fighters not only fighting to unify the two light welterweight title belts, but there has been speculation that the victor could land a fight against boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Undercard

Although undercard fights can be boring at times, there will be some great local talent on display tonight, starting at 7 p.m. in the Pontiac Silverdome.

Undefeated Detroit boxer Vernon Paris (23-0, 14 KO’s), who was shot in 2006 and stabbed in 2008, will square off against Baltimore’s Tim Coleman (18-1-1 five KO’s).

Detroiter Darryl “Peoples’ Champ” Cunningham (21-2, ten KO’s) will also be in the ring, facing Alberto Mercedes (14-16, ten KO’s).