By Dan Ambrose: Former two-division world champion Demetrius Andrade believes he’s got the ability to defeat WBC interim super middleweight champion David Benavidez.
The highly skilled southpaw 2008 U.S. Olympian Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) possesses the power, skills, size & defensive ability to neutralize the offense of the highly touted former two-time WBC 168-lb champion Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs).
A loss for the 26-year-old Benavidez would end his hopeless dreams of landing a Canelo fight once and for all. It’s already sad with the way Benavidez & his dad, Jose Sr., have been pushing for the Canelo fight without facing anyone of real talent, with the exception of Caleb Plant.
Andrade is another one who has been pursuing Canelo from 154, 160 & now 168 and ignored. What differentiates Andrade from Benavidez & Jose Sr. is his realistic attitude about Canelo.
Demetrius knows Canelo will never fight him, so he’s not complaining about it night & day and sounding helpless.
The two top 168-pounders are in negotiations for a fight expected to take place in December.
The contest winner will be in an excellent position to challenge for the world titles against the winner of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo fight if they don’t vacate the WBC belt.
Andrade vows to expose Benavidez’s flaws
“I saw his style. Yes, his thing is him being strong, him being bigger. We’re all strong; we’re all big. Yeah, he can fight; he’s skillful,” said Demetrius Andrade to Fight Hub TV about David Benavidez and their potential fight in December.
“I know what holes I can get in there and create, and there are holes already there for the taking,” said Demetrius.
This is a big step up in class for the 15-year professional Andrade, as he’s fought no one near as talented as Benavidez during his long career. Andrade has arguably been avoided due to his slick southpaw style, power & size.
Unable to get fights against the Charlo brothers, Billy Joe Saunders & Canelo, Andrade has had to settle for fringe-level opposition.
Of course, Andrade has shot himself in the foot by choosing not to fight guys like Zach Parker & Janibek Alimkhanuly, which has led to criticism for failing to take tougher fights.
Demetrius didn’t look all that impressive in his debut at Super Middleweight last January against journeyman Demond Nicholson. He appeared sluggish, and his power, which had been formidable at 154 & 160, had no effect at 168 on Nicholson.
Andrade’s opposition since 2013
Demond Nicholson
Jason Quigley
Liam Williams
Luke Keeler
Maciej Sulecki
Artur Akavov
Walter Kautondokwa
Alantez Fox
Jack Culcay
Willie Nelson
Dario Pucheta
Brian Rose
Vanes Martirosyan
Freddy Hernández
“It’s just that I have the ability to do that. And so come fight night, that’s what I’m going to do, is expose and show the holes,” said Andrade about Benavidez.
“I have the ability and the will and the drive and the athleticness to be able to beat somebody like Canelo and beat somebody like David Benavidez,” said Andrade.
Demetrius to make it ugly
“We’re getting ready. They’re saying they can make this fight happen,” said Demetrius. “We’re going to try and make it happen, and I’m like, ‘Let’s make this [Benavidez] happen. I’m getting prepared for this fight because this is a big moment for the sport of boxing.
“It’s time to get tuned up, get focused, and do what we need to do. We’re going to get there. It’s time to get ugly, real ugly,” said Andrade, talking about his approach to his fight with Benavidez.
“I’m here at Andre Rozier’s gym. I’m out here looking to get my best work, my best focus, and the best camp strategy. Getting organized, focused, and having the right people around me to elevate this victory. So, we’re going to get this atmosphere right,” Andrade said.
