By Ryan Burton

Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona - Former two division world champion Devon Alexander (26-4, 14KOs) returned for the first time since the December decision loss to Amir Khan, and failed to make the type of statement he was looking for by struggling to a ten round unanimous decision loss to 50-1 underdog Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4KOs). The scores were 96-94, 97-93, 97-93.

Martinez has snapped a two fight losing streak. He suffered an fifth round injury stoppage against Josesito Lopez last April and then a controversial ten round split decision loss to Robert Guerrero this past June.

Martinez was very aggressive and looking for a big counter at the start. There were a lot of rough tactics from Martinez in the early going to upset the mental state of the former champion. Alexander was staying close, choosing to trade because his hands were a lot faster and his punches were sharper.

In the middleweight rounds, it was an ugly fight with a lot of holding and an overall clash of styles. Martinez would often press against Alexander and push him to the ropes but smother his own punches at the same time. Alexander had the openings right in front of him and failed let his hands go as Martinez continued to press the action.

As the fight entered the late rounds, Alexander did a lot of complaining in his corner and his trainer Kevin Cunningham was pushing him to keep his head in the bout. Martinez was able to take advantage of Alexander's mental lapses and landed some good shots during these moments. Alexander looked sloppy as the fight came to a close and was drawn into Martinez's brawling pace.