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On Feb. 21, 2025, light heavyweight boxer Demetrius Alexander, (above) who fights out of Salt Lake City, fought on the inaugural pro boxing Rival Series card, which is part of Ogden-based All Heart Promotions.
That night, Alexander scored a four-round decision against a tricky, unorthodox opponent, Slava Mayzus. It took Alexander a couple of rounds to figure out Mayzus, but he finished the second half of the bout strongly.
This Saturday night, at Rival Series IV, at Ogden's Golden Spike Exhibit Hall, 1000 N., 1200 West, Ogden, Utah, Alexander returns to the ring in an intriguing local bout. He faces Shon Cross, of Sandy, in a four-round tussle. Cross, a trainer and gym owner, launched his pro boxing career in 2025. He's fought twice on Rival Series cards, winning his pro debut and losing via decision in his last fight.
"Training has been going great," Alexander told Utah Fight Game. "With my opponent not wanting to cut weight I've been able to train and stay healthy the entire camp."
Alexander's head coach for training is Joe Bish at Die Standing gym. "Typically, I'm training six to seven times a week, sparring, strength and conditioning, swimming, as well as incorporating time for recovery," added Alexander.
Utah Fight Game notes that Cross has shown a good jab and resiliency in his two bouts. Alexander says he's prepared to challenge Cross. "My opponent is taller and wants to keep the distance so I'm looking to take away his jab and close the gap," he said.
It's been more than a year since Alexander fought. (More on the reason why below) He is eager to be more active. I always told myself I'd like to get to 10 fights and see where it goes from here. This is fight number 7 (Alexander is 3-3) and I'm feeling in a good place so we will see what the rest of 2026 has in store," Alexander said.
Another bout matches local Isaiah Velazco against Kaeo Meyer. Velazco, a super welterweight, scored an impressive pro debut KO win. Meyer is 0-2.
Also, experienced Ogden super featherweight Isaiah Rodriguez, 3-3, fights Cruz Guadalupe Carbajal. He is 0-6 but lost a majority decision in a Rival Series card last year.
Undefeated local boxer Bobby Tabile, 3-0, faces a tough test when he fights the aforementioned Mayzus, 1-2-1, who as reported gave Alexander a tough bout last year. It will be a middleweight four rounder.
In a featherweight bout, Samuel Flores makes his pro debut against Shane Bridges, 1-6.
Jason DeCarlo of All Heart Promotions serves as matchmaker for the Rival Series cards. "I feel like these are the best matches we've had yet. I'm looking forward to the show."
DeCarlo points to a super lightweight bout between Dillan Nguyen, 2-0, and pro debuting Ricky Mamone as a potential "fight of the night." ... "Bobby and Slava will be a great fight too," DeCarlo added.
Other bouts on the card include super lightweights Emmanuel Aldair Gonzalez Secion, 1-0, versus Zaden Clark, making his pro debut. And super lightweight John Castro, 1-0, fights debuting Sergio Mamone. Both Castro and Gonzalez Secion scored wins last year on previous Rival Series cards.
AND BACK TO ALEXANDER
The reason Demetrius Alexander has not boxed since the premiere Rival Series card is because he has become a father. He and his wife Taylor have a son who just turned eight months old.
"Being a dad is amazing. I genuinely enjoy being a dad and when I get to look back with my son when he's older I'll get to tell him about my glory days a bit!" Alexander said.
Saturday night doors open at 6 p.m. The boxing matches start at 7 p.m. at the Golden Spike Exhibit Hall. Advance tickets are $85 for VIP, $95 at gate. Tables for eight are $1,000. Tickets can be obtained from boxers or from All Heart Gym,1968 N 2000 West, Farr West, UT, 84404. E-mail is allheartboxingshows@gmail.com.
-- Doug Gibson
