Tag Archives: Demetrius andrade

Posted on 05/02/2022

By: Hans Themistode

For years on end, Demetrius Andrade attempted to lure Canelo Alvarez in the ring. After failing to do so at both 154 and 160 pounds, the former two-division world titlist believed that he came up with a bulletproof plan.

The Rhode Island native and former Olympian reluctantly dropped his WBO middleweight title and made the trek eight pounds north. On May 21st, at Pride Park in the United Kingdom, Andrade was set to make his super middleweight debut against Zach Parker. On the line, was the vacant WBO interim strip, placing the winner at the head of the line for full titleholder, Canelo Alvarez.

Unfortunately for Andrade, his 168-pound voyage will have to wait. As first reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, Andrade has recently suffered a shoulder injury during training camp. With an MRI scheduled to take place later today, Andrade will be informed of his immediate recovery options.

For England’s Parker, Andrade’s injury news is gut-wrenching. Following back-to-back inactive years in 2019 and 2020, where Parker would step foot inside the ring only once annually, the 27-year-old had himself a memorable 2021. Parker would go on to not only win all three of his bouts, but the super middleweight contender did so before the sound of the final bell.

With Parker well on his way to his own world title opportunity, he was ecstatic over his showdown against Andrade. While he wholeheartedly respects what the former two-division belt holder brings to the table, Parker was confident in his ability to pull off the upset victory.

Nevertheless, despite his overwhelming self-belief, Parker will be forced to wait.

Posted on 04/04/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Demetrius Andrade’s time as a 160 pounder didn’t go exactly the way he originally envisioned it.

After winning the vacant WBO crown against Walter Kautondokwa in 2018, Andrade believed that his path to big-time fights, and even bigger bags of cash, was a clear one. However, with the Rhode Island native spending much of his three-plus year title reign fighting relative unknowns, Andrade realized it was time to move on.

With another failed attempt to lure WBC middleweight titlist Jermall Charlo into the ring, Andrade was incredulous as he was mandated to defend his gold trinket against dangerous but unheralded opponent, Janibek Alimkhanualy. Instead of abiding by the rules of the governing body, Andrade has decided to try his hand at 168 pounds.

For his super middleweight coming out party, the former two-division world titlist will take on undefeated Brit, Zach Parker, for the WBO interim title on May 21st. Although Andrade has normally fought on neutral ground, he’ll face Parker in his backyard at Pride Park Stadium in the United Kingdom.

Despite the circumstances, Andrade has no issue with swapping fists against Parker several miles away from home. In fact, if Andrade is who he says he is, picking up the win on foreign territory should be no big deal.

“Who am I to say I’m the best if I can’t go over to someone else’s backyard and give them an ole ass whopping,” said Andrade during a recent press conference. “He hasn’t seen anything like this before.”

In the 27-year-old Parker, his eyes remain locked on the WBO interim crown that will be on the line come fight night. Nevertheless, in the case of Andrade, while he’s anxious to re-wrap his waist with gold, doing so isn’t his only motivation.

At the age of 34, Andrade looks back on his still growing career both proudly and unsatisfied. Having won world titles in multiple weight classes, Andrade has seemingly checked every box that he’s wanted to accomplish in the sport of boxing.

However, once Andrade officially hangs up his gloves, he hopes that with his past accomplishments and what he has ahead of him, his legacy will leave an indelible mark in the sport which will lead to his immortalization.

“I been all over the world plenty of times and this is nothing new to me. I’m ready to show and ready to make my mark. I’m not afraid to do whatever it takes to make sure that I become a Hall of Famer and have my own legacy.”

Posted on 03/03/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Both Demetrius Andrade and David Benavidez appear to be on a collision course.

For the past five years, Andrade has proudly held and defended his WBO middleweight title. Recently, however, the 34-year-old from Providence, Rhode Island has decided to ditch his world title and instead, chase another golden trinket at 168 pounds. The now two-division titlist will face off against Zach Parker for the WBO interim super middleweight crown.

With Andrade begging and pleading with Canelo Alvarez, Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, Gennadiy Golovkin, and every other big-name star in or around his weight class to face him, Benavidez appears more than willing to take him up on his offer.

The former two-time super middleweight belt holder has publicly called for a showdown against Andrade, provided of course, both men get through their respective upcoming matchups.

As Andrade prepares to take on Parker, Benavidez has begun preparations of his own. The newly turned 25-year-old will face off against David Lemieux for the interim WBC title at a yet to be determined location and date. Considering Benavidez’s propensity for knockouts, he’ll seemingly walk into his showdown against Lemieux as a sizable favorite.

While Benavidez has always been violent in the ring, as of late, he’s taken his aggression up a notch. In five consecutive contests, the pernicious knockout artist has forced his opponents to wave the white flag.

In the case of Andrade, the multiple division titlist has a proven and tested iron chin. Still, despite being durable, Benavidez envisions their possible future showdown ending with Andrade laying flat on his back.

“I know I can stop Andrade,” said Benavidez to FightHype.com. “But it would be a good fight for boxing.”

Posted on 02/16/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There are a handful of fighters that Demetrius Andrade would love to get his hands on.

The current WBO middleweight titlist has climbed to the summit of every rooftop imaginable and screamed the names Jermall Charlo and Canelo Alvarez. While showdowns against both men have failed to materialize, Andrade is now turning his attention to another fighter he’s been longing to lure into the ring.

“GGG we looking for you bro,” said Andrade to Tru School Sports. “Come on big drama show, let’s go.”

Golovkin, 39, has mostly turned a blind eye to Andrade and his brazen callouts. Presently, the current IBF middleweight belt holder is placing his attention elsewhere. First, the future Hall of Famer is anxious to truncate the title reign WBA titlist, Ryota Murata. The two were originally scheduled to face off on December 29th in 2021, in Murata’s homeland of Japan. 

But, due to the unrelenting COVID-19 variant, which forced Japan to implement new travel restrictions that prevented foreigners from entering, their contest was placed on ice. Although the pair haven’t officially agreed to a new date, Hearn recently revealed that he expects them to square off sometime in the Spring. 

Even if Golovkin were to successfully rip away Murata’s world title, Andrade may still be left out in the cold. Just a few short weeks ago, Hearn extended a two-fight offer to Alvarez that would see the super middleweight titlist face off against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, followed up by a third installment against Golovkin. 

In the meanwhile, Andrade has his own business to attend to. Despite proudly defending his WBO crown successfully five times, Andrade is on the verge of dropping said title, as he pursues his third trinket in as many weight classes. 

The Rhode Island native has now fixated his sights on undefeated British super middleweight contender, Zach Parker. The two are currently locked in intense negotiations. Should they strike a deal, their upcoming showdown would be for the vacant WBO super middleweight crown, placing the winner in the mandated position to face undisputed champion, Canelo Alvarez. 

Posted on 01/29/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Promoter Eddie Hearn rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders when the news officially broke a few weeks ago.

With WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade desperate for a big fight, Hearn attempted to petition both the WBO and WBC sanctioning bodies to enforce a showdown between Andrade and WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo.

Despite Hearn’s request, Andrade was instead mandated to face Janibek Alikmhanuly. Though Hearn respects the overall skills of the Kazakhstan power puncher, the longtime promoter revealed that Andrade could opt to move up to 168 pounds to pursue a showdown against undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez. Now, it appears as though Andrade will take his talents eight pounds north.

The WBO sanctioning body has officially acquiesced to Andrade’s desires, ordering two interim bouts. The current middleweight champion will now look to face off against England’s undefeated Zach Parker for the interim 168 pound title. As for Alimkhanuly, he’ll square off against fellow highly ranked contender Esquiva Falcao for the interim 160 pound crown.

Should Andrade emerge successful in his bid to snag the super middleweight interim title, he’ll find himself in an ideal position to land a marquee showdown against Mexico’s Alvarez.

If, however, Andrade does enter the winners circle against Parker, that doesn’t mean he’ll be immediately granted a contest against Alvarez. Presently, as first reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, Alvarez is mulling over multiple deals that could see him face off against either WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol, or former longtime rival Gennadiy Golovkin.

Ultimately, Andrade won’t be given much time to see if a showdown against Alvarez will come to fruition, as the WBO sanctioning body will need a hasty response for his next move.

“Please be advised that the parties herein are granted 10-days upon issuing this order to commence negotiations for the subject matter bout and reach an agreement,” said Luis Batista-Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee. “If an agreement is not reached within the time prescribed, purse bid proceedings will be ordered according to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”

Posted on 01/05/2022

By: Hans Themistode

After spending countless years chasing his world title dreams, Gabriel Rosado believes he’s closer than ever before to checking it off his boxing bucket list.

At the tail end of 2020, Rosado was steadfast in his belief that he was given a raw deal. Just a few days after enjoying the Thanksgiving holidays, Rosado attempted to put his rivalry with Daniel Jacobs to bed. Although he was forced to settle for a split decision loss, the Philadelphia native views that defeat as a win due to the controversial nature of the scorecards.

In an effort to continue his climb up the championship ladder, Rosado scored a knockout of the year contender against the highly touted Bektemir Melikuziev on June 19th, 2021. In his next trip to the ring, Rosado waged a 12 round war against Jaime Munguia. Though he came up woefully short, losing a wide unanimous decision, Rosado is now aiming his sights on one of the middleweight division’s longest-reigning champions.

“Eddie Hearn, let’s make a firefight!” Said Rosado on his social media account. “Demetrius Andrade got the belt, and I got the fans!!!”

For Andrade, the recent call out from Rosado follows an unwanted trend. The current WBO 160 pound belt holder has long been hoping to secure more high-profile showdowns against the likes of WBC champion Jermall Charlo, IBF belt holder Gennadiy Golovkin or newly crowned undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

Despite begging and pleading with some of the bigger names in or around his weight class to take him on, Andrade has been forced to face opponents ranked lower on the totem pole. In his most recent action, Andrade made quick work of fringe contender Jason Quigley, stopping him in two rounds.

Although the 31-year-old has prided himself on defending his middleweight crown against all comers, promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Andrade could opt to move up in weight. The reason behind Andrade’s sudden decision stems from the WBO sanctioning body mandating a showdown between Andrade and Janibek Alimkhanuly.

While Hearn respects the undefeated Alimkhanuly and the overall skills he brings to the table, the long-time promoter admitted that he would much rather see Andrade in a more significant contest in 2022.

Posted on 12/23/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Quietly but assuredly, Janibek Alimkhanuly has made his way up the middleweight ranks. The 28-year-old Kazakhstan native wrapped up a banner 2021 with a one-sided stoppage win over former middleweight champion Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam.

Though N’Jikam has been both durable and respected throughout his career, the 37-year-old was out of his league against Alimkhanuly. After hitting the deck in the third round of their contest at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Alimkhanuly spent the duration of their contest punishing his man, resulting in an eighth-round stoppage.

Shortly following the win, Alimkhanuly was elevated by the WBO as its mandatory challenger to current belt holder Demetrius Andrade. The 33-year-old slick-hitting champion first captured his world title in 2018. Since then, Andrade has run through his competition, successfully defending his crown five times, three of which came before the final bell.

Most recently, Andrade made quick work of fringe contender Jason Quigley, violently stopping him in the second at the SNHU Arena in Manchester. Despite how impressive Andrade has looked throughout his career, Alimkhanuly is confident that a showdown between them would be incredibly one-sided.

“Everyone knows that I will knock out Andrade,” said Alimkhanuly on his social media account. “This will be the easiest fight of my career.”

Although the highly ranked contender is extremely confident in his ability to strip Andrade of his WBO title, the long-time belt holder has his eyes set on showdowns against more established names. For a number of years now, Andrade has urged current WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, and undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, to step into the ring against him.

But, despite the persistent callouts, Andrade has yet to land the sort of career-defining fight he craves. If Andrade ditches his plans and opts to face Alimkhanuly, not only does his mandated title challenger believe he’ll win convincingly but according to Bob Arum, promoter of Alimkhanuly, the Kazakhstan star will prove that his name should be the only one mentioned when discussing the best middleweights in the sport.

“Kazakhstan-born warrior Janibek Alimkhanuly, who will fight for the WBO middleweight title early next year, will make his mark in 2022,” said Arum “He is the best 160-pounder in the world.”

Posted on 12/07/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For a number of years now, Demetrius Andrade has urged Jermall Charlo to face him in the ring. With Houston’s Charlo in possession of the WBC middleweight title and Rhode Island’s Andrade holding firmly to the WBO crown, the multiple division titlist would love nothing more than to unify titles. However, despite his public callouts, the two have failed to come to terms on a possible showdown.

Nevertheless, while a matchup against Jermall doesn’t appear to be on the horizon, Andrade has now turned his attention towards his twin brother, Jermell.

“I would like to fight Charlo’s little brother first,” said Andrade to several reporters. “54 Charlo you pop mad shit. Why don’t you come up here to the 160-pound weight class and try to become a two-division world champion. I have it, I have it.”

At one point, when both Jermell and Andrade campaigned at the 154-pound division, the two were set to officially square off. However, due to last-minute financial complaints made by team Andrade, their contest was ultimately canceled.

Still, even with Andrade hoping to rekindle their rivalry, both men have business to attend to. In the case of Charlo, the unified junior middleweight titlist is set to take on WBO champion Brian Castano on February 26th, in Houston, Texas. The two originally battled to a highly controversial split decision draw on July 17th. Should Charlo walk away from their showdown successfully, he’ll become the division’s first undisputed world champion since Winky Wright nearly two decades ago.

As for Andrade, the 33-year-old titleholder has recently been ordered to defend his crown against Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The Ukrainian star stamped his mandatory title shot with an eighth-round stoppage victory over Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam on November 20th.

Posted on 11/30/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Although the biggest fights for Demetrius Andrade remain at 160 pounds, the current WBO middleweight titlist is coming to grips with the idea that they may not come to fruition.

Following his most recent trip to the ring, a destructive second-round stoppage win over fringe contender Jason Quigley, Andrade continued his war of words with fellow champions Jermall Charlo and Gennadiy Golovkin.

For years now, Andrade has urged both men to step foot inside the ring against him. But, not only has Andrade failed to land showdowns against either fighter, he’s yet to land a marquee contest against any of his top-tier contemporaries.

With Andrade running thin on options, he could be on the verge of looking towards a matchup against former two-time super middleweight champion, David Benavidez. While Andrade stopped short of naming the 24-year-old as his next opponent, as the two-division titlist looks inside his crystal ball, he can see a matchup between them materializing.

“Benavidez is definitely a great fighter,” said Andrade to several reporters. “He’s somebody that in the future, we can make something happen.”

Just weeks before Andrade wrecked the title dreams of Quigley, Benavidez laid waste to fringe contender Kyrone Davis. The two matched up at Footprint Center in Phoenix Arizona, the hometown of Benavidez.

Though he showed tremendous heart, Davis was pushed to his breaking point as Benavidez pounded him throughout the night, resulting in a seventh-round stoppage win. Ultimately, Benavidez is hoping that his stellar performance will catch the attention of unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, or, to a lesser extent, WBC middleweight belt holder, Jermall Charlo.

Presently, a move up in weight isn’t in the cards for Andrade, regardless of his interest in a potential showdown with Benavidez. In any event, while the WBO titlist likes his chances against the hard-hitting young star, with no world title currently laced around his waist, Andrade isn’t willing to pursue a contest against Benavidez at this moment in time.

“That doesn’t make me a three divisional world champion. We have to move in a strategic as well too.”

Posted on 11/19/2021

By: Hans Themistode

There was something different about Demetrius Andrade.

The WBO middleweight belt holder appeared surly when discussing his upcoming showdown against fringe contender Jason Quigley. Never known for his punching power, Andrade told all who would listen that he would score a concussive stoppage win. Quigley, however, merely smiled. After two fairly quick rounds, Andrade completely wiped the smile off his face.

As the opening bell rang to kick-off their showdown at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, Andrade sat back patiently. Quigley though, stuck out his left hand as if he was using it as a measuring stick. Then, the Irish native moved side to side, waiting for the best moment to let his hands go. That moment, of course, never appeared.

With Andrade continuing to apply pressure, he landed a picture-perfect overhand left which left Quigley on wobbly legs. The WBO belt holder quickly followed it up with a barrage of punches up against the ropes. Quigley immediately slumped into the ropes and began receiving his standing eight count.

Though he would eventually climb back to his feet, Andrade attempted to close the show. Ultimately, he was forced to wait as time ran off the clock.

At the beginning of the second round, Quigley appeared to have his legs underneath him. He bounced up and down on his toes and moved well around the ring. Unwilling to allow the momentum of his first-round slip through his fingers, Andrade immediately got his offense again.

In a case of deja vu, Quigley hit the deck once more. While he managed to stagger back to his feet, Andrade refused to let him off the hook. The reigning titleholder pounded Quigley into submission against the ropes. As was the pattern of the night, Quigley found himself staring at the ceiling lights.

While he made an effort to peel himself up off the deck, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. waved off their contest before more damage could be inflicted.

Although Andrade was pleased with his victory, the 33-year-old appeared uninterested in dissecting his performance. Instead, he focused his efforts on calling out the rest of the top names in the middleweight division.

“I want to get in there with the best. I’m 31-0, WBO champion, what do I gotta keep on doing? I don’t get it. The fans need to demand these fights.”

Posted on 10/13/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez has made it known several times over that he’s willing to face any and anyone in the boxing world. Having fought as high as 175 pounds, the Mexican star has taken on some of the sport’s biggest and most notable names. Those would include the likes of Daniel Jacobs, Floyd Mayweather, Gennadiy Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Erislandy Lara.

But while Alvarez enjoys testing his skills against elite-level competition, he’s shown no interest in facing off against Demetrius Andrade. The WBO middleweight titlist has urged Alvarez to face him in the ring for numerous years and nearly came to blows with the pound-for-pound star during a recent press conference. Although Andrade holds an undefeated record and captured world titles in two separate weight classes, Alvarez doesn’t deem Andrade worthy of his time in the ring.

“He’s a horrible fighter,” said Alvarez during an interview with Brian Custer on The Last Stand Podcast. “I’m never going to fight with him. He hasn’t fought with anybody.”

Despite Alvarez openly declining a showdown against Andrade, the WBO titlist is still attempting to bait him in. Although Andrade competes at 160 pounds, one full weight class lower than Alvarez, Andrade made it clear that he’s willing to meet Alvarez in any division.

“Canelo, you going to run up to 175?” Questioned Andrade during a recent press conference. “Cool, I can meet you there.”

Even with Andrade’s willingness to meet Alvarez anywhere to face him in the ring, Alvarez is focused on more pressing matters. On November 6th, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Alvarez is set to take on IBF super middleweight champion, Caleb Plant. With Alvarez already in possession of three of the four major world titles in the division, a win over Plant would crown Alvarez as the division’s first undisputed champion of all time.

If the Mexican product manages to successfully rip away Plant’s title, he’s unclear of his next direction. Regardless of what Alvarez ultimately does, he’s made his feelings crystal clear that a showdown against Andrade is not in his future.

Posted on 10/12/2021

By: Hans Themistode

The name Canelo Alvarez has always brought a sly grin to the face of Demetrius Andrade.

For years on end, the two-division world champion has demanded that the Mexican star face him in the ring. The two campaigned at both 154 and 160 pounds for several years. But while Andrade made it his personal business to continually call Alvarez out, he was never given a contract with the pound-for-pound star’s name written upon it.

Currently, Andrade’s hopes of landing a showdown against Alvarez are dwindling. With the multiple division titlist fluctuating up and down in weight, it appears unlikely that he makes a return to 160 pounds. Alvarez’s last venture through the middleweight terrain came on May 4th, 2019. On the night, Alvarez registered a close but clear unanimous decision win over Daniel Jacobs.

Since then, Alvarez snagged a world title at 175 pounds and is currently in possession of three of the four major world titles at 168 pounds. In his next ring appearance, Alvarez will take on IBF super middleweight belt holder Caleb Plant. Should Alvarez win, he’ll become the division’s first undisputed champion of all time.

Whether Alvarez elects to defend his undisputed crown or opt to move back up to the light heavyweight division, is of no importance to Andrade. No matter what division Alvarez plants his flag next, Andrade is willing to meet him.

“Canelo you going to run up to 175?” Questioned Andrade during a recent press conference. “Cool, I can meet you there, no problem.”

Although Andrade would love nothing more than to get his hands on Alvarez, he has business to attend to beforehand. On November 19th, at SNHU Arena in Manchester, Andrade headlines a night of championship fights as he takes on fringe contender Jason Quigley.

Even with the Irish native holding a near flawless record at 19-1 with 14 knockouts, Andrade is confident that he’ll successfully defend his WBO middleweight title for the fifth time in his career.

“First things first though, I need to go out on November 19, defend my championship belt, and put on a spectacular performance, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

Posted on 10/04/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Demetrius Andrade continues to twiddle his thumbs and play the waiting game.

For years on end, the former two-division titlist and current WBO middleweight belt holder has begged some of boxing’s biggest stars to face him in the ring. Yet, no matter how many derogatory curse words he uses, and regardless of the superlative performances he puts on, Andrade is simply unable to lure his fellow champions in the ring.

With no big-name matchups on the horizon, Andrade has recently signed on the dotted line to take on middleweight contender Jason Quigley. The two are now set to face off on November 19th at SNHU Arena, in New Hampshire. He may not be the name Andrade was ultimately looking for, but the WBO titleholder tips his cap to Quigley for facing him.

“November 19, it’s me again,” said Andrade. “Jason Quigley, world rated, good amateur pedigree, decent skills, comes to fight, and hats off to him. He’s actually willing to step in the ring with me, which you can’t say for any of these other so-called top guys.”

Quigley’s world title opportunity comes across as somewhat of a surprise. Currently, the Irish native is ranked just tenth in the WBO sanctioning body. Despite his lower ranking, since running into a Tureano Johnson roadblock in July of 2019, losing via ninth-round stoppage, Quigley has reeled off three straight victories, two of which came via knockout.

Working his way back to world title contention is something that Quigley is undoubtedly proud of but Andrade represents a significant step up in competition. Not only is the 33 year old unblemished in 30 career fights but he’s mostly done so without breaking a sweat.

Nonetheless, Andrade was treated to a dog fight in his most recent contest against Liam Williams. Andrade may have scored the early knockdown in round two but it was Williams who enjoyed plenty of success down the stretch before losing a wide unanimous decision.

As Quigley prepares for his first crack at a world title, oddsmakers believe he’s in over his head. The opinion of the betting public is something that Andrade conclusively agrees with and in just over a month, the WBO titlist will look to prove that Quigley is completely out of his element.

“On November 19 though I show him that there are levels to this game.”

Posted on 07/21/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For as much as both Demetrius Andrade and Jermall Charlo don’t like each other, they share a considerable amount of similarities.

The pair turned pro in 2008 just a mere two months apart. Andrade (30-0, 18 KOs) captured his first world title at 154 pounds in 2013. Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) quickly followed him one year later to win his first world championship one year later in the same weight class. Charlo would then bring home his second world title in as many weight classes in 2018 when he nabbed the WBC middleweight title. Following the same pattern, Andrade would do the same six months later, winning the WBO middleweight championship against Walter Kautondokwa.

At the moment, both Charlo and Andrade are considered the best that the 160-pound division has to offer. To end all debate on who should be crowned the best fighter in the weight class, fans have urged both men to step into the ring with each other. However, according to Ronnie Shields, trainer of Charlo, he advises that fans don’t hold their breath.

Simply put, the fight isn’t going to happen.

“It goes back years before to when Andrade signed a contract to fight his brother Jermell and Andrade was champion,” said Shields during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Andrade backed out of the fight. Once he did that, they said they’ll never give him an opportunity to make money with them, in the sport of boxing.”

In 2014, a matchup between Jermell Charlo and Andrade was thought to be signed sealed and delivered. Their contest was set to be the co-feature to Amir Khan vs. Devon Alexander at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Team Andrade was perturbed with what they believed was a low-fight offer to face Charlo.

According to Andrade’s father, Paul, his son was offered a contract of $250,000. Those numbers, however, were deemed unsatisfactory. Instead of pulling out of the fight immediately, team Andrade waited until the week of the fight to do so. Their thought process was that they wanted to give both sides more than enough time to increase the initial offer. Once team Andrade realized that more money was not coming down the pike, they opted to remove themselves from the card.

Although Charlo was found a replacement opponent, he lost a then, career-high payday and the opportunity to fight for a world title. Both Jermell and Jermall have pointed to that infamous incident as the main reason why a showdown between them is unlikely to ever occur.

But while fans believe Jermall Charlo and his team should move past those issues of the past, Shields doesn’t have that same thought process. With a chance to set the record straight on what exactly happened nearly a decade ago, Shields pulled back the curtain on everything that took place behind the scenes.

“Of course everybody wants to see it but some things are unforgivable,” explained Shields. “To me, that’s one of those things. You denied his brother an opportunity to fight for a world title, for no reason. Well, the reasoning was, he left his promoter and went to Jay-Z. Jay-Z didn’t like the fight and told him not to take it so he didn’t take it. That’s something he has to live with for the rest of his life.”

Posted on 05/24/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For a number of years now, promoter Eddie Hearn has thrown his hands up in frustration. Although he has gotten a number of fights for Demetrius Andrade, he has failed to get the WBO middleweight titlist a marquee one. With that said, he could be on the brink of doing just that.

The 33-year-old Rhode Island native is fresh off a fairly competitive win over Liam Williams on April 17th. After sending his man to the canvas in the second round, Andrade (30-0, 18 KOs) got past a few scary moments of his own to pick up the win. With the two-division belt holder anxious to know what’s next, Hearn finally had an answer.

According to the long-time promoter, he’s made a significant offer to WBA interim titlist Chris Eubank Jr. for a showdown later on this year. Although both sides are in the infancy stages of their negotiations, Hearn made it clear that team Eubank Jr. is “very interested” in putting together a fight.

For the British native, a matchup with Andrade is exactly the sort of fight he was hoping for. During a recent interview, Eubank Jr. (30-2, 22 KOs) expressed a desire to shed his interim tag and become a full middleweight belt holder. Originally, he believed a matchup with WBA “Super” champion, Ryota Murata, would likely be next. Now, with Hearn willing to place Eubank Jr. in with Andrade instead, his world title dreams could become a reality later on this year.

After spending the better part of a year and a half on the sidelines, Eubank Jr. returned to the ring on May 1st against fringe contender Marcus Morrison. While he proved to be tough, Eubank Jr. was simply a step ahead as he cruised to a unanimous decision victory.