Alexio says this is
his final fight in Hawaii

By Mike Fitzgerald
Star-Bulletin

Dennis Alexio said this will be his last fight in Hawaii -- and he hopes to go out with a bang.

On Barrington "Pit Bull" Patterson's head.

Alexio (64-1 with 59 knockouts and the undisputed world kickboxing champion) takes on Patterson (36-1 with 32 KOs) tomorrow night at Blaisdell Arena.

Patterson, a native of England who said he is a former gang member there, really let Alexio have it at a press conference earlier this week.

Patterson called Alexio a sissy, among other more X-rated terms, for wearing his grass skirt.

"I don't think it will go five rounds," Patterson sneered. "I'll finish it as quickly as possible.

"He is an old man. He should have retired years ago. Look at him. I'm bigger and stronger."

Even after Patterson took off his shirt to show off his bodybuilder frame, Alexio just stared calmly into the audience. Then he countered the insults with borderline praise.

"This guy is capable of administering some damage," the Hawaii resident said. "If he wasn't, he wouldn't be here."

Alexio said he isn't planning to retire from kickboxing and will continue to live in Hawaii. He will also pursue an acting career.

There will be eight undercard bouts, which start at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 545-4000.