Khan outclasses Alexander to win welterweight fight in Vegas

Amir Khan punches Devon Alexander during their welterweight bout Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, in Las Vegas. AP

LOS ANGELES — British boxer Amir Khan defeated Devon Alexander by a unanimous decision in a welterweight fight Saturday, using his superior hand speed and strength to dominate the American southpaw for 12 rounds.

The 28-year-old Khan consistently beat Alexander to the punch, jabbing his way to victory in the non-title fight on all three judges’ scorecards, 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110.

Khan used his jab effectively to set up combinations that earned him the bulk of points as both fighters made it to the final bell.

Khan also showed off his much-improved defensive skills, the result of working with trainer Virgil Hunter as the two posted their fourth-straight win since hooking up in September 2012.

Alexander, who looked impressive in his last fight against Jesus Soto Karass, went into the 12th round needing a knockout to win.

Khan was originally scheduled to fight the American for Alexander’s International Boxing Federation welterweight title last December in New York.

But the Briton scrapped the bout because he thought he had a chance at landing a bank-breaking dream bout with Floyd Mayweather that never came off.

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