CARSON, Calif. - Showtime's tripleheader telecast opened with former two-division world champion Devon Alexander (26-2, 14 KOs), of St. Louis, winning a hard-fought unanimous 10-round decision in a terrific, fast-paced scrap over determined Jesus Soto Karass (28-10-3, 18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

The southpaw Alexander, in his first fight since losing to Shawn Porter in December, was satisfied afterward.

“Overall I’m happy with my performance,’’ he said. “I’m my own worst critique, I wanted to shut him out. But he was a tough, tough competitor. I want to thank God, Al Haymon, my family and coach. We got it done St.  Louis.

“Soto Karass keeps coming, he's a tough competitor. I wanted to pace myself and see my punches more, instead of going out there and missing shots.

"I’m a good fighter with skills and I will be the best one day, I promise you.”

Offered Soto Karass: “I was trying to focus on the body, that was the plan, but I hurt my hand in the fifth round. Alexander was very fast. He was hard to hit and he has good skills. I was surprised he decided to hang in there with me and exchange.’’