[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14046]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DEVON ALEXANDER

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in 
recognizing Devon Alexander ``The Great'' of Saint Louis, MO. It is an 
honor to celebrate and pay tribute to Devon's undefeated boxing career 
and commitment to giving back to his community.
  Devon was born on February 10, 1987, in North Saint Louis. Seven 
years later, he began his boxing career after discovering a gym run by 
St. Louis police officer Kevin Cunningham. The gym was housed in the 
basement of a former St. Louis City Police Station in the neighborhood 
of Hyde Park, which had one of the highest crime rates in the city of 
St. Louis at the time.
  Devon continued to improve in the sport of boxing, eventually joining 
the ranks of the most recognized amateur boxers in the United States. 
His long list of accomplishments stands as a testament to his love of 
the sport and personal dedication to success.
  As an amateur, Devon participated in almost 300 fights and won every 
title possible in St. Louis and many at the national level. The titles 
included four-time Silver Gloves national champion from age 10 to 14; 
three-time Police Athletic League national champion; 2001 Junior Golden 
Gloves national champion and Junior Olympic national champion before 
moving on to win the World Junior Olympics, where he was also named 
Best Boxer; 2003 U.S. National Champion for those 19 and under; the 
U.S. National Championship in 2004 in the 141-pound junior welterweight 
division; and was invited to join the U.S. National Team.
  On May 20, 2004, at the age of 17, Devon made the decision to become 
a professional boxer. He continued to win and amassed a professional 
record that stands at 20 wins and zero losses. As a professional boxer, 
Devon faced and received praise from some of boxing's most recognized 
names.
  On August 7, 2010, Devon Alexander ``The Great'' marks his return to 
St. Louis to defend his undefeated title. He is a strong example of 
what hard work and perseverance can accomplish. Devon's journey from 
adversity to success is an inspiration to countless others and it is 
truly commendable.
  Devon will use all proceeds from the ``Devon Alexander Hometown Hero 
Celebration'' that will be held on August 1, 2010, at St. Louis City 
Hall, to benefit nonprofit boxing organizations in the St. Louis 
amateur boxing community.
  Devon Alexander ``The Great'' has made the city of St. Louis and the 
State of Missouri proud.
  I ask that the Senate join me in honoring Devon Alexander ``The 
Great'' for his personal success and service to the Saint Louis 
community and to our country. I am proud to recognize this 
extraordinary Missourian and wish him many more healthy, happy, and 
successful years to come.

                          ____________________