'I've dreamed about it': Brandon Alexander chasing boxing dream after winning UBO title

ZANESVILLE — Boxing has opened numerous opportunities for Brandon Alexander.

From traveling the world, meeting renowned boxers and competing for titles, Alexander's years of dedication and persistence have been rewarded.

His latest accomplishment has him on the cusp of achieving a lifelong goal.

Alexander claimed the vacant Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) International Middleweight title, beating Daniel Lopez in a title fight on March 22 at the Club La Pradera in Carmen De Apicala, Colombia.

The Zanesville native relied on his jab and landed well-placed body shots to control Lopez in the first round, according to the UBO story on Facebook. He turned up his intensity in the second round, relying on combinations before knocking Lopez to the mat with a hard left hook to the body. Lopez was unable to beat the count, prompting referee Daniel Segura to wave it off.

Alexander, who improved his pro mark to 7-0 with five knockouts, will compete for the UBO Inter-continental title in June.

"Boxing is something I've done throughout my life. I enjoy the individual part of the sport, and I like the challenge," Alexander said. "The belt was open, and I met with promoters for the chance to fight for it. There's a very small percentage of boxers who get chances like this, and it's been a blessing to have that opportunity. I've dreamed about it, and it's very meaningful for it to come true."

Boxing changed Alexander's life

Alexander knew the struggles of life at an early age, but boxing provided an outlet. He started the sport when he was 12 years old in 1999, training with PAL Boxing in Zanesville.

Success soon followed, getting a chance to box in Las Vegas when he was 14. He participated in top competitions like the Silver and Golden Gloves tournaments, the PAL Nationals and the Ohio State Fair. He lost just 32 times in 165 amateur bouts and was a six-time Regional Golden Glove Champion.

Boxing instilled the traits that helped Alexander through his trials and triumphs.

It's also why he currently works with Counterpunch Combat in Newark, where he tells his story to encourage youth.

"For any kid struggling and not involved in other school sports, I recommend boxing because it leads to great discipline and builds character," Alexander said. "Being from a poor family, boxing turned my life around. It allowed me to experience the world. Boxing has provided me a great opportunity to compete and improve myself, and it's also why I give back to the community."

Alexander stood out in his amateur days, becoming a Junior Olympic Silver Medalist. He even had an opportunity to become an Olympic qualifier for the 2012 Summer Games in London, but trouble took away that chance.

His career was derailed after being sentenced to the federal penitentiary for marijuana/drug possession, but Alexander felt that misstep allowed him to reflect on his career. After his release, he turned pro in 2015 and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, to train with boxing elites like Jeff Lacy, Winky Wright and Darnell Boone, who was one of the most feared boxers in his time, noted Alexander.

"I made a mistake and served my time, but I came back to the sport to turn my life around," Alexander recalled.

He has also learned and worked with other boxing legends like Teddy Atlas, Emanuel Steward and Rasheed Warren, but a knee injury in 2020 put his career in doubt.

Alexander admitted he nearly walked away, but after watching some boxing, he wasn't ready to give up the sport he loved.

"I wanted to make the most of another chance. I was hungry and wanted see what I could do," he said. "I didn't want to give up on my dream. For me, you get out what you put in, and I felt I still had a lot to offer to the sport."

Another title bout awaits

Alexander's dedication paid off with the UBO International title, and he is scheduled to fight on June 8 for the UBO Inter-Continental title, a 10-round match, on June 8 in Medellin, Colombia.

He works with CK Promotions of Tampa, Florida, and his promoters, Jeremy Lantz and Jesus Escalera have assisted Alexander in getting these opportunities. Escalera is also a pro boxer, who has 19 wins, all by knockout,

The goal for Alexander is to eventually compete for the World UBO title, which could lead to opportunities to compete under the main four sanctioning bodies — International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO). All four recognize each other's titles and unification rules.

"This is a bigger belt and would put me in line to fight in Europe," Alexander said. "My plan is to get five or six more bouts in this year, finish the year in South America before heading to Europe."

Training for this next title has been Alexander's focus. He puts in three workouts per day, including a five-mile run and swimming at the YMCA, so he is prepared for his bout in June, which will be a 3-minute per round, 10-round match.

"It's about dedication and hard work. I have to stay in shape for what's next," he said. "I'm happy with where my career is, and there's history being made with this opportunity."

bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Brandon Alexander wins UBO middleweight belt as he chases boxing dream