The names Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley might not ring a bell for the average sports fan.

But boxing fans have circled January 29 on their calendars in anticipation of one of the biggest fights in 2011.

The undefeated Alexander and Bradley will step in the ring Saturday night on HBO to unify their junior welterweight titles.

Just like he did last August, Alexander spoke with BET.com before his fight to discuss what challenges Bradley will present in the ring and why this fight is happening at the Silverdome in Detroit.

BET.com: How is training camp coming along?

Devon Alexander: Training is good. We are preparing to go 15 rounds. We are ready to rock and roll. We are just putting the finishing touches on camp.

What’s this about you staying in one of Don King’s houses in Las Vegas?

We are stationed here in Las Vegas in one of Don King’s houses. The one that Mike Tyson would stay at. I’m sleeping in the bed that Mike Tyson slept in. The bed is huge, so I only take up half of the bed.

What challenges will Timothy Bradley present in the ring?

He’s going to come in there and try to muscle me around. He’s just going to think that I’m not suppose to be in the ring with him. He’s bigger than me, so I’m just preparing for him to be a bully.

I asked Bradley if he had a problem fighting in St. Louis and he said yes. Would you have a problem fighting in his homestate of California?

I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind. It just depends on what my promoter and manager think. I don’t get into that. I wouldn’t mind. If you’re a real champion and say you’re a real champion, I’m the bigger draw. I can draw over 10,000 people in my hometown. Come on to my hometown if you’re a real champion.

It seems like the decision to fight at the Silverdome  and poor ticket sales is overshadowing what should be a great fight. Is that the case?

Yeah, that’s crazy. That’s poor judgment on Gary Shaw’s part. The fight could be in Alaska. This fight is more important than the Silverdome. I’m just going to come in there … two people could be in the arena. I’m just coming to get the victory.

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day last week, what does it mean to have two young black fighters headlining on HBO?

It means a lot. We didn’t have the right to use the same water fountains and same bathrooms, so for us to get an opportunity like this to be treated equally, it means a lot.

Do you have a relationship with Bradley outside the ring?

No, not outside the ring. I knew him as an amateur. He was a cool dude. We spoke and everything like that. Right now, it’s not hot until after the 12^th round.

As a fighter, do you get tired of hearing about Mayweather-Pacquiao when Bradley-Alexander could be the fight of the year?

Yeah, but this is boxing and they are looking at the top of the sport and the cash cows. They are going to continue to bring it up. Bradley-Alexander is going to be an excellent fight. I think it’s on the caliber of Mayweather-Pacquiao. It’s not the same money or anything like that but I think two undefeated fighters fighting is a big deal.

If you defeat Bradley, who is next?

The sky is the limit. I’m going to be the number one in the division. We are just going to have to see what happens and what my promoter and manager says.

You can beat Timothy Bradley if …

I can beat Timothy Bradley if I come in myself and follow the gameplan.

TAGS: Boxing, Catching Up With, Devon Alexander, HBO

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