David Benavidez solidified his claim as the leading contender to face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez with a sixth-round stoppage of former two-weight world champion Demetrius Andrade (32-1, 19KOs), turning around a slow start into a powerful finish.
A strong opening three rounds from Andrade was ultimately unravelled by Benavidez in the fourth, landing a heavy right hand on Andrade’s forehead, which ultimately floored him and wrestled the momentum entirely in favour of Benavidez.
A dominant fifth round, which continued into the sixth for Benavidez, ultimately paid dividends, forcing a sixth-round stoppage for Benavidez following the conclusion of the round. Andrade’s corner team withdrew their man to allow him to fight another day.
A strong showing from the 26-year-old Benavidez extended his record to twenty-eight wins, with twenty-four of those wins coming within the scheduled distance.
2023 has been a strong year for Benavidez as a whole, factoring in his come-from-behind victory against former IBF world super-middleweight champion Caleb Plant in March, which many see as a fight of the year contender.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Benavidez staked his claim to be the next man to face undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (60-2-2, 39KOs).
Benavidez and Canelo have long been touted as possible opponents, and that speculation only intensified following Canelo’s arrival at Premier Boxing Champion in June of this year following his decision to part ways from Matchroom Boxing.
A three-fight deal was agreed between PBC and Canelo, which commenced in September with Canelo dominating Jermell Charlo over twelve rounds.
Benavidez first defended his decision to face Andrade, believing that a fight with Andrade was more appealing to the public than facing the likes of David Morrell and Jermall Charlo.
“I just look at the facts. People want to see this fight more than Carlos Adames and Charlo. That’s why that fight hasn’t happened.”
Benavidez continued by saying that he felt that Canelo had no one else left to fight other than him, suggesting that he would be patient until he got his opportunity to face Canelo.
“I’ve been winning the fights I was supposed to win in fantastic fashion. He [Canelo Alvarez] has nobody else to fight,” said Benavidez about Canelo Alvarez. “If they want to give it to me now, later, or whenever. I’m not going anywhere. “I’m going to keep giving you guys the fights that you want to see.”
Benavidez finalised, saying it is now his era to dominate the super-middleweight ranks.
“I just want to say welcome to the David Benavidez era.”
