It feels like a lot of fans are overlooking super middleweight Demetrius Andrade, but yesterday at the Los Angeles press conference, the man nicknamed 'Boo Boo' stood toe-to-toe with undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavidez to promote their upcoming SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, November 25, will take place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Andrade, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, picked up two world titles in two different divisions but oddly saw all of the best fighters of his era stay away from him. Signing with Matchroom Boxing seemed to signal a turning point, but after a Billy Joe Saunders fight fell through, his tenure with Matchroom was best seen with him having frustration in not landing a Canelo Alvarez fight despite being on the same platform, DAZN, as Canelo. Now, Andrade is fighting one of the best fighters of the modern era and one who many are not calling out. Oddly, when he first signed with Matchroom Andarade seemingly called this fight as he said at the SNAC System Gym in San Carlos, CA, that he'd move up and beat David Benavidez if Canelo wouldn't fight him. Five years later, it seemingly happened the way he saw it then.
“This is the Super Bowl of the 168-pound division," said Andrade. "This is the biggest fight that can be made. The two most avoided fighters. Yes, I haven’t fought the best because the best doesn’t want to fight me. He can have that same claim. But the time is now. This is the fight."
Andrade, who is a New England native, has traveled the world in order to take his career to the next level. By his side throughout the whole process has been his father, Paul. In a very sincere moment, Andrade reflected on the fact that both fighters will have their fathers behind them - and training them. Albeit, Jose Benavidez Sr., would later say that David Benavidez would stop Andrade in this fight, it still was a sincere moment, that Andrade hadn't had prior as his career has been summed up as goofy for the most part over the past decade. From goofy antics in and out of the ring to goofy quotes when seeking fights.
“It’s great to see these father-son relationships," said Andrade reflecting on something he can relate to. "David and Jose Sr. are coming together and making it work. I have that as well. The bond is special. I know that he’s going to have the love in his corner and I’m going to have the love in my corner.
Looking beyond the immediate battle, Andrade seems himself similar to a Marvin Hagler. Someone who was largely avoided, even wearing the 'WAR' hat that Hagler made famous. This is Andrade's version of Marvin Hagler versus Thomas Hearns, this is his Mount Everest. At the dais, Andrade spoke to legacy as much as destiny as it appeared this is the type of fight he has been waiting on since turning professional.
“I’m looking to conquer the whole super middleweight division," said Andrade. "This would be my third weight class. That’s what gives me the right to say I’m the best. This is bigger than Canelo. This is way bigger than that. We can’t just sit back and wait for him. David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade is the biggest fight.”
