DETROIT—In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day national holiday on Monday, we asked Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley—two young, undefeated American world champion boxers who will meet in a title unification match on Jan. 29 at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich. (HBO: 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)—for their thoughts on Dr. King, and the influence he had upon them.
Devon Alexander: “Martin Luther King was legendary. Without him, I don’t believe things would be like they are today. We might still be struggling for basic equality. He was a major figure in the black community. He taught non-violence and tried to make peace between people. No drama. He just wanted to bring people together. All Americans should be proud of who he was and what he stood for. It made him a world figure, a historical figure.
“His influence on me in particular is that I remember him telling black people to be proud and not to be ashamed of who you are. It sounds simple, and it is, but it’s also very important. He always said everybody should be treated equally. I like all races and people and believe in equality. No man should get better treatment simply based on their race or color, and I think Dr. King taught me that in the words he wrote, the way he spoke and the way he led people.
“He was a great leader for all Americans. He wanted all children to be able to go to school and not be discriminated against. He did not believe in segregation. Dr. King was a hero to us all, and he will never be forgotten. I have the opportunity every day to go out and achieve whatever I want to, and it is because of him that I get that chance.”
Timothy Bradley: “Martin Luther King was a realist, a man who had a dream to stop slavery and give all people equal freedom. He stood by his beliefs. He was a warrior with a warrior mentality. He did not take ‘no’ for an answer and because of his determination, he was unfortunately taken from the people that he freed.
“Due to what he accomplished, I have had opportunities that I might not otherwise have had today, and I am grateful for the freedom that he not only gave me but all the other African Americans living in this United States of America today.
“My family and I celebrate Martin Luther King Day all the way through February by joining together with the community at certain celebrations to honor black history month. It is our distinct pleasure and honor to be there in remembrance of one of the greater leaders in our time, Dr. Martin Luther King.”
HBO videos on Alexander and Bradley:
HBO Boxing: Ring Life – Devon Alexander
Ring Life takes an intimate look inside the life of Devon Alexander. Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/u/1/CCL0CWerL0Q
HBO Boxing: Ring Life – Timothy Bradley
What inspires Timothy Bradley in and out of the ring? Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/u/0/YC55PfMm5Es
HBO Boxing: Alexander vs. Bradley Look Ahead
HBO Boxing commentators Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Roy Jones preview the upcoming World Championship Boxing telecast. Devon Alexander vs. Timothy Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29 at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT on HBO
http://www.hbo.com/#/boxing/fights/2011/01-29-devon-alexander-vs-timothy-bradley/video/look-ahead.html/
HBO Boxing: Alexander and Bradley Greatest Hits
Take a look at the best moments in the young careers of Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley. Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/a/u/2/C6eXvVN9iOA
HBO “Buzz” piece from the initial New York City press conference
Go with The Buzz as it announces the January 29 fight between Devon Alexander and Timothy Bradley. Alexander vs. Bradley happens Sat., Jan. 29th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on HBO
http://www.youtube.com/hbosports#p/search/0/z-cPnHyM66g