Tag Archives: Demetrius

Posted on 02/02/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Another fight for WBO Middleweight titlist Demetrius Andrade (29-0, 18 KOs) resulted in another win. It also resulted in a fight that no one really cared about. 

The career of Andrade has been moving at a gradual pace, to say the least. Whether he’s campaigning at the Middleweight or Jr Middleweight division, the results have been the same, which is to say that their haven’t been any results at all. 

The skill is undeniable and the charisma is always on full display with Andrade, but why won’t anyone fight him? Is it high risk and low reward? Maybe. 

But as a world champion, anyone facing Andrade has plenty to gain. Not many will jump at the opportunity to face him but there are a few people who would be willing to take on the challenge. 

Jermall Charlo 

This one has been brewing for a while now. Jermall Charlo and Demetrius Andrade just don’t like each other. They never have and probably never will either. So what do you do when you just don’t like someone? That’s simple, get in the ring and fight. 

According to promoter Eddie Hearn, he’s already sent a contract over to Charlo for a unification to take place in May later on this year. Charlo has yet to agree to the contest but this, by all accounts should take place next. Not only does Andrade need a big name opponent but so does Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs). So in essence they need each other. There’s no need to debate this one, let’s make this fight happen next. 

Billy Joe Saunders

A fight between WBO Super Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders and Demetrius Andrade was scheduled to take place in 2018. Saunders, of course, would go on to fail a drug test which led to the cancellation of the bout as he subsequently moved up in weight. Well, according to Andrade, a mere eight pounds in weight won’t deter him from making that contest happen.

“I’m willing to go up to 168 to fight Billy Joe joke ass Saunders in my next fight and that’s what I’m looking to do,” said Andrade following his win over Keeler. 

Provided Saunders (29-0, 14 KOs) doesn’t land the Canelo fight, Andrade should be next. 

Gennadiy Golovkin

Gennadiy Golovkin (GGG) and Demetrius Andrade share something in common. It isn’t there fighting style, nor is it there demeanor. At one point, GGG (40-1-1, 35 KOs) was considered the most ducked boxer in the world. That distinction now belongs to Andrade. At the age of 37, GGG is past his prime but he’s still a good enough fighter to give anyone trouble. Andrade desperately needs a big name opponent and GGG can provide him with just that.

Posted on 01/30/2020

By: Hans Themistode

No matter what WBO Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade does, he just can’t seem to catch a break. 

On Thursday night at the Meridan at Island Gardens in Miami Florida, Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) will look to defend his title for the third time against Luke Keeler. But no one seems to care. 

Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) is a relative unknown that won’t draw much of an interest from the public. Andrade on the other hand, shares the same boat as Keeler, although he shouldn’t. 

For years, everyone around the sport of boxing has said the same thing whenever they have gotten the chance to see Andrade fight. “He’s as good as anyone out there.” 

There’s no denying those words, yet, it seems as though Andrade has never gotten the chance to prove it. 

There is a funny story about Andrade. One that fully encapsulates his greatness and his frustrations. 

Years ago, before Andrade became an undefeated two division world champion, he was a young amateur with a lot of promise. The amateur scene is a much different one when compared to the professional landscape. Fighters aren’t allowed to avoid and skip over certain fighters. Instead, once you’re coming up the ranks, you have to face everyone. 

While Andrade was attempting to make a name for himself in the unpaid ranks, there was someone else on the scene that was already well established. Daniel Jacobs. Before Jacobs would go on to become a two time Middleweight champion, he was widely viewed as the best amateur in the world. 

Whenever the word “best” isn’t associated with Andrade, he wants to test that theory. When the two men met in the ring, it was supposed to be a one sided beating coming from the hands of Jacobs. Yet, it was Jacobs who came up on the losing end of that contest. 

“Boo Boo is a beast,” said trainer Andre Rozier during a recent interview. “He can beat anybody. He beat Jacobs in the amateurs when Jacobs was the guy and Boo Boo has only gotten better since then. There’s a reason why not a lot of people want to fight him.” 

What should have been a springboard for the career of Andrade, has only set a depressing downward trend. Simply put, no one wants to fight him. 

As we wait on Andrade to make another seemingly meaningless defense of his title, with the hopes of enticing someone with a big name to face him in his next ring appearance, Andrade simply sits back and watches the landscape of the Middleweight division. That landscape currently holds several big names including Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin (GGG) but even with the status they currently hold, Andrade doesn’t expect any of them to start calling.

“It takes two to tango,” said Andrade. “Why can’t we make a Billy Joe fight? As far as Canelo and GGG they have to want to do it.”

At this point, don’t ask Andrade if he believes he is an avoided fighter. He will simply turn his head sideways and and give you an outrageous look.

“It’s kind of clear. I don’t have to say it anymore. I don’t need to knock on people’s doors to make a fight. Clearly there is nobody willing and able to come and fight me for my belt.”

While, no one of note is willing to fight him, Andrade, at least for now, will just have to keep his focus on the opponents they place in front of him. They may not be the names that most fans want to hear but at some point the super stars in the division will come calling, and Andrade will undoubtedly answer.

Posted on 08/31/2019

By: Hans Themistode

No one wants to be left at the alter. Yet, for Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) he has continually been left without a partner.

For years Andrade has chased big name fighters. More often then not, he has been ignored.

High risk with a low reward has been the excuses used to avoid a fight with the former Olympian. Fans hate to hear it but it was actually a valid explanation. Andrade is good, great even. Hell some would venture to say that he’s the best fighter in the Middleweight division.

Sometimes in boxing it isn’t always about being the best. Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense.

When Andrade campaigned at the Jr Middleweight division he made it look easy. Fight after fight came with the same result, a win for Demetrius Andrade. He began calling fighters out, but to no avail. “Go win a title first,” Was what Andrade was told.

In 2013 he did just that, picking up the vacant WBO belt against Vanes Martirosyan.

Still, no one notable gave him the opportunity that he wanted. Instead of complaining, all Andrade continued to do was win, win and win some more.

His time as a Jr Middleweight led him to winning the WBO title on two separate occasions and defended it several times over. With no big fight in sight, Andrade made his move to the Middleweight division. With so many big names at the weight class, Andrade was bound to get a big fight right? Wrong.

After spending two years and once again capturing a world title, this time at his new weight, no one has seemed entirely eager about getting in the ring with him.

In recent weeks however, Andrade was linked to current WBA belt holder and mega star Canelo Alvarez as well as former unified champ Gennady Golovkin.

As is always the case with Andrade, neither fight happened with both men electing to take separate bouts. Golovkin opting to take on former belt challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Alvarez choosing to move up two weight divisions to face Light Heavyweight titlist Sergey Kovalev.

Neither Golovkin nor Canelo should be accused of ducking Andrade as they are both taking on huge challenges. Be that as it may, Andrade has no one left to face. At least, no one worth seeing him face. Andrade won’t stay idle, instead, he’ll most likely return to the ring against an inferior opponent.

It’s a shame, but it looks as though Demetrius Andrade has been left at the alter once again.

Posted on 07/03/2019

By: Hans Themistode

On June 29th the Middleweight division had two of their youngest stars on full display. WBC champion Jermall Charlo (29-0, 21 KOs) and WBO title holder Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) successfully defended their crowns.

For Charlo, he easily dispatched of Brandon Adams. Andrade on the other hand, pitched a shutout against former title challenger Maciej Sulecki. Both of these performances were eerily similar.

For starters, both men fought in front of their hometown fans. Providence, Rhode Island for Andrade while Charlo performed in front of a ruckus crowd in Houston Texas. Neither man managed to score the knockout but they dominated from start to finish. Adams managed to win one single round in his fight against Charlo while Sulecki wasn’t awarded any rounds in his contest. In short, these men put on impresive performances.

It isn’t just their most recent performances that shows some glaring similarities, but its also their measurables as well. Both champions have a standing reach of 73 and a half inches. There isn’t much of a difference in terms of height either with Andrade standing at six feet one and Charlo at six feet even.

The Middleweight division is quite possibly the most star studded division in all of boxing. With names such as Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs its understandable. However non of them, with the exception of Canelo seems to have a higher upside.

The question begs to be asked, who exactly deserves a shot at the consensus best fighter in the division, Canelo Alvarez. Both men have clamored for a shot against the cinnamon headed unified champion. Each have a case to be chosen next, but who is more deserving? It’s hard to say as they are both supremely talented.

There is one simple way to decide, have them fight one another. With non of the other top tier fighters of their division in a rush to enter the ring with them, it is time for them to step into the ring against one another.

For years a bout between these have been discussed but never materialized. With both men associated with different networks, a fight between these two doesn’t appear likely. With that being said however, they need each other, now more than ever.

Posted on 07/01/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) didn’t just defeat former title challenger Maciej Sulecki (28-2, 11 KOs) in front of his hometown crowd in Providence Rhode Island, he flat out dominated him. It was a one sided beating from start to finish. Neither of the three judges could find a single round to give to the challenger. It was the sort of performance will force the rest of the division to take notice. Simply put, Andrade was scary good. Now the question is, who’s next for the WBO belt holder?

Jermall Charlo

As Andrade was performing in front of his hometown fans in Providence Rhode Island, WBC champion Jermall Charlo (29-0, 21 KOs) was performing in front of his own hometown crowd in Houston Texas. Charlo put on his own dominant performance against Brandon Adams.

These two have been linked to each for quite some time now. They are both undefeated and belt holders in the same division. They are considered by many to be the best young fighters at Middleweight, but who is the best? It’s time we ended the debate.

Gennady Golovkin

Former unified champion Gennady Golovkin (39-1-1, 35 KOs) is still a great fighter. He proved that much as he gave Steve Rolls a beating in his last appearance in the ring. Ask fans and media alike and many will tell you that Golovkin deserved the victory in both of his contest against, Canelo Alvarez (more on him later). Instead Golovkin had to settle for a draw and loss.

The long reigning champion still has something to prove. If he can win a fight against Andrade, not only will he show that he still is one of the best fighters in the division but it will also allow him to win the one Middleweight title he never possessed.

Canelo Alvarez

Pound for pound stalwart and unified Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) has options. He can move up to Super Middleweight or even go as high as Light Heavyweight to take on bigger men. However, the cinnamon headed super star has a clear challenger in Andrade. It isn’t easy to get a fight with Canelo, but Andrade has earned it. There is a possibility of a third contest with Golovkin but to be frank, Andrade has placed himself slightly above the former Middleweight champion.

There is no need in finding out who makes the most sense for Canelo to take on next. His next test and quite possibly his biggest one is Demetrius Andrade.

Posted on 06/26/2019

By: Hans Themistode

WBO Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (27-0, 17 KOs) has always possessed all of the talent in the world. He is after all a former olympian and a two weight world champion. He has continued to tell every and anyone that would listen that he is in fact the best that the Middleweight division has to offer.

It isn’t just all talk. Andrade seems to have the total package. Speed, power and an unmatched ring IQ. Andrade has it all. Even his contemporaries have sung his praises.

No matter how good the two division world champion is, he just can’t seem to get a big fight. That is some what common place in boxing isn’t it? The better you are the more you are avoided. Andrade however, has a golden ticket in front of him.

On June 29th, in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, Andrade will be taking on former title challenger Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11 KOs). The aforementioned Sulecki is good, but Andrade should have his way with him on fight night.

This contes represents much more than just simply a title defense. It is essentially an audition.

Unified Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is believed to be not just the best Middleweight but also one of the very best fighters in the world. Currently, a third matchup between Canelo and former long time belt holder Gennady Golovkin is being discussed. Andrade has the chance to place himself firmly in the mix.

Canelo has said on numerous occasions that he wants to unify the entire division. Come Saturday night Andrade can show exactly why he should be next on the unified champions list.

The WBO belt holder can’t simply win, he has to be dominant. He needs the sort of performance that will make he fans clamor for a fight between the two.

This is his moment. He has chased all of the big names for a number of years now. With an eye catching performance against Sulecki, everything can change.

Posted on 05/06/2019

By: Waqas Ali

Saul Canelo Alvarez is on the verge of facing rival opponent Gennady Golovkin or American Demetrius Andrade.

The Mexican superstar recently defeated former world champion Daniel Jacobs in a twelve round unification bout on Saturday night.

The bout took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with over 20,000 in attendance.

Alvarez took Jacobs’ IBF middleweight title and added that to his WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine belts.

Making him one belt away from the WBO claimed by Andrade.

In the first round, both fighters were caution with their punches. Carefully not trying to get countered as they go on. In the last minute of the round, Jacobs (35-3) increased his activity level to try and steal the round.

Jacobs would take the early rounds based on his activity level and would often land some hooks on top to win rounds.

In the fourth round, Alvarez (52-1-2) came back with punches of his own and around the 43-second mark, Alvarez connected three straight left hands to Jacobs that got the pro-Alvarez crowd on the edge of their seats.

In round nine, as Alvarez continued to dominate with his power punches and swiftly providing good head movement and footwork, he was hit with a massive over-left hook by Jacobs that didn’t even drop him.

It was perhaps the most memorable punch in the entire fight.

At the end of the fight, Judges scored the fight 115-113, 115-113, 116-112 in Canelo’s favour after 12 rounds.

According to Compubox stats, Alvarez landed 188 of 466 (40%) punches thrown, whereas Jacobs landed 131 of 649 (20%) attempted.

Alvarez landed 121 of his power shots and connected at 45%. Also, in round 11 he landed 55% of his power punches.

For Jacobs, 32, this was a complete downfall statistic for him as he landed 32% in his previous eight fights. He landed 7 power shots per round in this fight with Alvarez after landing 12 per round in his previous eight fights.

Officially, Alvarez has had two bouts under the super-middleweight division and five at middleweight.

The question now remains is: Will Alvarez fight Golovkin for a third time or attempt for a fourth world title fight against Andrade?

During the build-up of the Jacob-Alvarez bout, ‘Canelo’ stated his desire to aim for the WBO belt and add to his collection.

“Nobody in Mexico has ever done that, won all four belts in one division, so that’s my motivation,” Alvarez said, before the Jacobs fight.

However, after defeating Jacobs, Alvarez is open to fighting Golovkin too.

“I’m just looking for the biggest challenge. That’s all I want. No, for me, it’s over,” he said regarding any unfinished business with Golovkin.

“But if the people want another fight, we’ll do it again, and I’ll beat him again.

“That’s why I’m here. That’s what I was born for — to fight, to defend what’s mine. I’ll fight anyone.

Gennady Golovkin is a fighter with an exceptional power ratio of 87% and known for activeness, punching ability, calculating puncher and haymaker hunting.

He had a 23 knockout win streak dating from June 2008 – March 2017.

Both fights with Alvarez were close in their respected styles and performances. Fans on the Golovkin side firmly believe that both results of the bouts were exceptional robberies.

Both GGG and Andrade have fights later this year and have to win in order to secure themselves a bout with Alvarez.
By the numbers, Golovkin who is ranked no.3 Pound for Pound (by Boxrec), throws at a high amount of 64 punches which is nine more than the average middleweight (55) and lands at 25 (39%). The average middleweight lands at just 16 (30%).

In the power punching department, Golovkin throws around 35 with a connect rate of 44%. The average middleweight throws around 31 with a rate of 37%.

With regards to Andrade, his record consists of 26 wins (16 KOs) and zero defeats.

In the amateurs, he defeated future world champions like Keith Thurman, Austin Trout and Daniel Jacobs.

The 30-year-old, who holds the WBO middleweight belt has a great sense of style of being cautionary with his combinations and as a southpaw can be a limit for his conventional opponents on landing their jab.

His body movement is a positive asset, considering the fact that he is able to move away from any return shots.

Alvarez has not faced a competitive southpaw with lateral foot movement since Erislandy Lara in July 2014 in which he only landed five jabs out of his 97 landing total. A bout with these two would be interesting.

In terms of statistical data, he throws around 60 and lands at 18 (30%). By the power punches, he attempts 32 with a connect rate of 45%.

Another fighter that has entered the debate but not on the mainstream spectrum as of yet is current WBA and Ring Magazine Super-middleweight champion. Callum Smith. The Liverpool-born fighter has a record of 25 wins and no defeats.

He’s also tall with a height 6 feet 3 inches and a reach advantage of 78 inches. Smith is known for his active punching ability and body shots. Ironically, body shots are also favouritism of Alvarez’s punching of expertise.
Especially the left hook to the body.

His notable opponents that he defeated are Rocky Fielding & George Groves.

According to a poll conducted by Editinking, out of 5,100 plus voters, 59% chose Alvarez to beat Smith and 41% for the English fighter.

Canelo vs Callum Smith

90,000 Wembley Stadium

Who wins at super middleweight?

— EditinKing Boxing (@EditinKing) May 5, 2019

The boxing world is up and rolling by naming who should Alvarez fight next. Both fights are interesting as many of the Golovkin fans want to see vengeance taken against the Mexican based on the last two disputed results. Politics is a dangerous game and has a long history with boxing. Going as far as 150 years ago. Andrade is in a good position as he could prove how much has in value of his style and skills against one of the biggest names in boxing today. Though he did not manage to prove his name against Billy Joe Saunders but no doubt against Alvarez, it will be a mega-fight. Smith is a good name and also a possible threat to Alvarez. He’s tall and possesses good power to really knock his opponent off the canvas. Being England and his hometown of Liverpool, the fight would definitely be a huge sell in the UK. Venues like the Echo Arena, Manchester Arena, O2 or even Wembley stadium would be a big attraction. Liverpool is a passionate crowd for their heroes and figures and are always behind them. It wouldn’t be a surprise to many if a crowd was a majority pro-Smith rather than pro-Alvarez in the UK.

Posted on 01/15/2019

By: Sean Crose

“It feels great to be out so soon,” says WBO middleweight champ Demetrius Andrade. “It’s the first time that has happened to me for so long…it used to be eight months or once a year, so it just goes to show the difference between the levels of promoters that you go with.” The 26-0 Rhode Island native is set to face the 19-2 Artur Akavov this Friday night at New York’s Madison Square Garden Theater in a bout that will be aired live on the DAZN streaming service. Since teaming up with British super promoter Eddie Hearn, the once inactive Andrade is on the road to being one of the more active name fighters in the business.

“Eddie is keeping me active and he knows that the more active I am the better the fighter I am,” says Andrade, whose last bout was a sound decision win against Water Kautondokwa at the TD Center in Boston last October. “Eddie wants to make a statement, show people that the way it’s done in the UK is how it should be done in the US, he’s young and I am too – we have the same hunger, he wants to be the top promoter and I want to be the top fighter. Knowing I can be one of the leading fighters on DAZN and they are doing a great job all around.”

Although well regarded, undefeated, and in possession of a title, Andrade still feels he has something to prove. He’s not, however, letting some dry spots on his resume get the better of him. “I’m undefeated,” he says, “(a) 2008 Olympian, and everyone has their time and obstacles to get over.” Matchroom Boxing, the force behind the Andrade-Akavov fight, states that “ Andrade’s clash with Akavov is part of a huge triple-header of World title action at Madison Square Garden, as TJ Doheny defends his IBF World Super-Bantamweight title against Japan’s Ryohei Takahashi.”

“I’m not satisfied,” Andrade says. “I’ve always been at the top but now I’m growing in the top of the mainstream. The boxing world knows I’m the baddest man out there but not having the right promotion behind me putting me out there has hurt me and that’s why I’ve made the changes and Matchroom and DAZN know what I can bring and they can move me to the next level – my job is to win.”

Posted on 12/22/2018

By: Sean Crose

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” WBO middleweight champ Demetrius Andrade claims. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden, where so many great fighters have fought is a true honor, and something I have dreamt about my entire life.” Andrade, who won the title last October in Boston against a game, yet vastly outgunned, Walter Kautondokwa, will indeed be fighting in Madison Square Garden as he engages in his first title defense on January 18th. The 26-0 Rhode Island native will be facing the 19-2 Artur Akavov in his first title defense, which will be aired live through the DAZN streaming service.

Matchroom Boxing which is promoting the bout, claims “‘Boo Boo’ (as Andrade is known) now wants to become an active champ as he targets unification battles in 2019.” This statement is an interesting one, as middleweight kingpin Canelo Alvarez himself now fights on the DAZN streaming service. First, though, Andrade must get past Akavov, who in 2016 gave Billy Joe Saunders (who was set to face Andrade last October before he tested positive for a banned substance) all he could handle before dropping a decision to the Englishman.

“People might not know much about Akavov,” says Andrade, “but this is a guy who went overseas and gave Billy Joe Saunders absolute hell. Most people thought that he should have won the fight.” Andrade, whose activity level was questionable before hooking up with Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn and DAZN, makes it clear that he’s now eager to challenge himself regularly. “This is an optional defense,” he says, “so I could have fought anyone I wanted, but we chose to fight a guy that we know is going to bring it all night long and a guy who in many people’s eyes beat Saunders.”

“After the fight with Saunders,” says Akavov, “I was hoping for a rematch because that fight left a lot of unanswered questions…I believe that Andrade is a better fighter than Saunders and this is my chance to answer those questions. I understand the weight of the responsibility that is on my shoulders and will give it 100 per cent.” Former lightweight champ and Vasyl Lomachenko foil Jorge Linares will appear on January’s card, as will Amanada Serano, who will be gunning for the WBO world super flyweight title. Chris Algieri, the former junior welterweight titlist, Manny Pacquiao opponent, and nutritionist of note, will be appearing on the card, as well, as part of his comeback to regain prominence.

Posted on 10/19/2018

By: Sean Crose

Major boxing returns to Boston on Saturday as Demetrius Andrade (25-0) faces Walter Kautondura (17-0) for the vacant WBO middleweight title strap. Andrade was originally supposed to face England’s Billy Joe Saunders, who won the belt after dominating David Lemieux last year. Saunders tested positive for a banned substance, however, and found himself without his title and without the ability to fight in Massachusetts. Therefore, Andrade will be facing a less well known opponent in Kantondura on Saturday, a knockout artist with a perfect record. Should he win, Andrade can expect an interesting future, especially now that middleweight kingpin Canelo Alvarez has signed on with DAZN, which airs Andrade’s fights.

Photo Credit: Demetrius Andrade Twitter Account

Tevin Farmer (26-4-1) will also be on the card. He’ll be defending his IBF Super Featherweight title against James Tennyson (22-2). Farmer, who is happy to now be teamed with DAZN, Eddie Hearn, and Lou DiBella, has his eyes on the future, but remains focused on Tennyson. ““I have a big fight on Saturday,” says Farmer, “and I’m not over-looking James. You don’t get to this level for no reason and I know he’s going to come to fight and try to beat me, but that’s not going to be easy – he needs to make sure he brings his A-game.” Should he emerge victorious on Saturday, Farmer has another known fighter in his sights.

“I want to fight Gervonta Davis,” he says.

Ireland’s Katie Taylor (10-0) will be fighting as well at the Garden this weekend. Making her third appearance in the United States, Taylor will be defending her WBA and IBF lightweight titles against the 27-5-3 Cindy Serrano of Brooklyn. Taylor is particularly pleased with the fight’s location. “The fact it’s in Boston means it’s going to be like a home from home for me in there with all the Irish support,” says Taylor.

England’s Kid Galahad will likewise be fighting on the card. The undefeated 24-0 Englishman will face the 25-1- Toka Kahn Clary. Both men will walk into the scheduled 12 round match with much to prove. An impressive win will help move the victor along in his career. Clary, who fights out of nearby Rhode Island, may have the advantage of having the live crowd before him. Yet Galahad is looking to impress as he makes his American debut.

The fights will air live on the DAZN streaming service beginning at 9 PM eastern standard time on Saturday evening.

Posted on 10/17/2018

By: Sean Crose

“I take every fight very seriously,” says 25-0 middleweight contender Demetrius Andrade. “I have since day one.” Andrade’s fight this weekend, against the undefeated knockout artist Walter Kautondokwa at the TD Center in Boston for the WBO middleweight title, caps off a journey filled with down periods and frustration. Since having teamed up with promoter Eddie Hearn, however, Andrade is happy with how things are working out. “My situation,” he says, “is great right now…had I not made the move with Eddie, I would have been fighting in England, having tune-ups or waiting around still.”

Photo Credit: DAZN Twitter Account

After fighting only three times in a three year period, Andrade won two fights in 2018 against notable opponents Jack Culcay and Alantez Fox, and is now preparing for his shot at the head of what he says might become boxing’s latest “glamour division,” the middleweight realm. “I think Middleweight can be the new glamour division in boxing,” he says. “We have big names at 160lbs and if you look at 154lbs, those guys are going to grow and they’ll have to come up – look at Jarrett Hurd, he’s a big dude. The division is hot and it’s going to get hotter.”

With names like Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin sitting atop the middleweight heap, Andrade, who has always been highly regarded, will be breathing rarefied air should be get a belt of his own this weekend. “If everyone involved with the elite does their jobs,” the outspoken Rhode Islander claims, “we can make these big fights. The window is starting to close on those fights though, people get old, people move on, and people look to run around and fight lesser guys like the Charlos do.”

“I want to fight the best,” he adds, “only and often.” Andrade was supposed to face the highly regarded Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday. Unfortunately, Saunders was popped for having a banned substance in his system and was subsequently out of the picture. In stepped Kautondokwa, a largely unknown fighter with a terrific record of 16 knockouts in 17 fights. “When you are fighting lower level opponents,” says Andrade, “you can afford to get in there four or five times a year, but at the level I want to operate at, you can’t do that.” Here is a man who clearly wants to place himself at the top of the mountain.

“I’m going to take it one step at a time, do my job against Walter, come home with the belt and we will look to get out early in 2019,” says Andrade. “I know Eddie and DAZN want to keep me active and that’s great, and if it’s going to be the rest of the elite guys, then let’s go.” DAZN, the online streaming service, will be airing the fight live this weekend. In fact, it will be airing the entire card starting at 4:30 PM eastern standard time on Saturday.

Posted on 10/09/2018

By Jake Donovan

Billy Joe Saunders’ year has gone from bad to worse in a hurry.

BoxingInsider.com has learned that the unbeaten but troubled British middleweight was denied a license by the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission (MSAC) during the board’s monthly meeting on Tuesday. The ruling greatly affects a planned October 20 show at TD Garden in Boston, where Saunders was due to defend his title versus Demetrius Andrade.

Saunders was asked to appear before the board to review his application status on Tuesday, which he did via speakerphone from England. His specific purpose for appearing was to detail the events that led to his testing positive for banned substance Oxilofrine on August 31 through testing conducted by Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).

Trace amounts of the drug were evident in his system, to which he attributed to having ingested nasal decongestant spray upon learning of the results in late September and again at Tuesday’s hearing.

Saunders made a similar—and successful argument—back home, where he was cleared by the British Boxing Board of Control. His clearance stemmed from his status being classified as “out of competition”, per United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) which follows the code set forth by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Simply put, any test conducted prior to fight night is deemed out-of-competition, a point which Saunders and his representatives argued with MSAC.

While the excuse wasn’t necessarily dismissed by the commission, it also wasn’t found sufficient enough to sway the board who unanimously voted to deny his license, according to BI source Cory Blamire, a local freelance writer who was in attendance.

The incident drew comparisons to that of Major League Baseball pitcher Michael Kopech, who was handed a 50-game ban for testing positive for the very same substance as a 19-year old in the Boston Red Sox minor-league system. Kopech, now with the Chicago White Sox, denied that he willingly took the substance but nevertheless apologized for the outcome and was forced to accept his punishment.

Appearing before a state athletic commission residing in Red Sox country—with at least two board members boasting baseball roots—proved to be a detriment for Saunders’ cause. The British Traveller didn’t take too kindly to the ruling, at first confused as to his license status before reportedly telling the board to “suck my p***k.”

The show will still go on, but without Saunders who not only is off the show but now sees his days as a middleweight titlist come to an end. Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel declared prior to the hearing that any such ruling that would result in Saunders not being able to compete on October 20 would result in his being stripped of the title.

As Saunders is granted an appeals process, Andrade (25-0, 16KOs) will remain eligible to fight for the organization’s interim title, as the unbeaten middleweight from Providence remains as the mandatory challenger. As earlier reported by BoxingInsider.com, the 2008 U.S. Olympian and former 154-pound titlist will now face the next highest-rated contender in the WBO middleweight rankings, Namibia’s Walter Kautondokwa.

Should Saunders’ appeal be denied, Valcárcel confirmed to BoxingInsider.com that the October 20 winner would then be elevated to full titlist.

Promoter Eddie Hearn—who will present the October 20 show through his Matchroom USA promotional outfit live on streaming app DAZN—was wise enough to secure a contingency plan in the event Saunders would not be able to compete. Kautondokwa (17-0, 16KOs) signed a contract on September 28 provisionally agreeing to face Andrade should the title become vacant.

The bout will mark a massive leap in competition for Kautondokwa, a former member of Namibia’s national amateur boxing team before turning pro in 2013. The unbeaten knockout artist—who turns 34 in November—will also be making his stateside debut, taking on a vastly more experienced boxer in Andrade, who will be fighting less than an hour from his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island.

Andrade hasn’t fought since a 12-round win over Alantez Fox last October, with the upcoming show marking 52 weeks to the day of that very ring appearance.

Meanwhile, Saunders will have to turn elsewhere for his next payday.

The 29-year old was due make the fourth defense of the title he won in a 12-round decision over Andy Lee in Dec. ’15. His title reign has been plagued by injuries and more infamously known for the fights that didn’t happen than the few defenses he’s managed in nearly three years.

For this event, Saunders (26-0, 12KOs) to earn a career-high purse for this event, which in part would help subsidize a £100,000 fine handed down by the BBBoC for his role in a social media video where offered a local woman (and apparent drug addict) £150 worth of drugs to perform a sex act.

It was hoped by Saunders and his team that he would at least be cleared to fight on October 20, which would’ve at least provided a high note to an otherwise miserable year. He came into 2018 on the heels of a 12-round whitewash of former middleweight titlist David Lemieux last December, but has now seen three scheduled bouts this year fall by the wayside.

Saunders was due to face countryman Martin Murray this past March, a bout that was postponed to June but ultimately canceled altogether when the reigning titlist claimed a training camp injury. It was widely speculated—by Murray, among others—that Saunders withdrew to instead make himself available in the event that Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin were unable to reach terms for their rematch.

It became moot when Alvarez and Golovkin fought again on September 15, four months pushed back from their original May 5 date. The postponement was due to Alvarez receiving a six-month suspension for having tested positive for Clenbuterol earlier in the year. The wildly popular boxer from Mexico attributed it to contaminated meat, an ongoing epidemic in his home country.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission accepted his response and documented proof that came with it, but still held him responsible for any substance that enters his body, regardless of means of consumption. Saunders was among Alvarez’ most vocal critics, his comments having since coming back to haunt him in light of recent developments.

Posted on 08/28/2018

Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Boxing USA:

“I am thrilled to be bringing this triple-header of World championship action to the TD Garden in Boston.

“We want to take major fight nights to major cities across America that haven’t had the chance to witness this great sport in the flesh, that’s why we’re in Chicago on October 6 and then in Boston on October 20 – we’re taking this great sport to great cities in great arenas like the TD Garden with the best night of boxing the city has seen.”

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland

Billy Joe Saunders – Hertfordshire, England – 26 (12) – 0 – defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade

“This is such a big fight. The two main men at Middleweight at the moment is GGG and Canelo – and neither of them want to fight me or Demetrius. There’s a lot of smoke and mist in the division right now, and when it clears up I will be the man standing there.

“All jokes and trash talk aside, this is going to be a really good fight. Does anyone want to fight Demetrius? No. Does anyone want to fight me? No. We have to fight each other to prove who the number one guy is. Technically, we are the best two in the division, and the winner is going to be number one. I’m World champion, I’ve been more active, I’ve boxed the better opposition – but I have to beat this man.

“David Lemieux is a bum, a bum – he’s not worth talking about and I don’t take any credit from beating him. But I’ve been in with and easily handled World-class opposition – I’ve been in with Chris Eubank Jr and dealt with him, been in with Andy Lee and dealt with him, Willie Monroe had no heart or desire to win.

“There’s too much at stake in this fight to even think about losing – and I will prove that I am number one. If I turn up at my 100 per cent best, it’s good enough to beat him. He’s a great fighter and he’s been avoided, our paths have crossed and we have to fight. The winner is number one.”

Demetrius Andrade – Providence, Rhode Island – 25 (16) – 0 – challenging WBO World Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders.

“It’s an honour to be fighting at the TD Garden, we’re giving you the best fight in boxing this year, you have to be there.

“Billy Joe is a great fighter, an undefeated southpaw, he’s ugly looking, but he can fight – but your boy Demetrius Andrade always come through. Never have I failed to come out with the victory.

“It’s going to be an entertaining build up and I’m thrilled to be working with Eddie Hearn, he’s bringing boxing at the highest level out here – there’s no sport like boxing, and we’re showcasing it in Boston.

“We’re going to be in shape to do 12 rounds, I know I have the bigger dog inside me than Billy Joe, and I’m going to unleash that on him on October 20.”

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland

Tevin Farmer – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 26 (5) – 4 (2) – 1 – defending his IBF World Super-Featherweight title against James Tennyson.

“It’s been a long time coming for me to fight as a World champion. October 20, we’re coming to bring the pain. The last time I fought in Boston I fought Emanuel Gonzalez in June 2014 and it changed my life.

“I don’t know much about James but you don’t get to this level for no reason and I know he’s going to come to fight and try to beat Tevin Farmer. I’ve been one of the hottest fighters over the last few years, to beat me, he’s going to need to bring a knife and a gun because it’s not going to be easy – he needs to make sure he brings his A-game.”

James Tennyson – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 22 (18) – 2 (2) – challenging IBF World Super-Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer.

“It’s amazing to be involved in such a huge bill in a great city like Boston – and it’s going to be even better when I leave with the IBF World title.”

Katie Taylor – Bray, Ireland – 10 (5) – 0 – defending her WBA and IBF World Lightweight titles against Cindy Serrano.

“It’s great to be here, I love this city and it’s going to be like a homecoming fight for me with all the Irish fans living here. I want to thank Cindy for taking this fight, these are the types of fights that I absolutely relish, it’s going to be a really exciting clash alongside some brilliant fighters on the rest of the bill, I can’t wait.”

Cindy Serrano – Brooklyn, New York (born in Puerto Rico) – 27 (10) – 5 – 3 – challenging WBA and IBF World Lightweight champion Katie Taylor.

“Katie is a tremendous fighter and a hard worker so I know it’s going to be a hard fight, but a great fight. I am a great fighter too and not only can we both fight, we look good doing it – and we’re going to prove that on October.

Kid Galahad – Sheffield, England – 24 (15) – 0 – facing Toka Kahn Cleary in a final eliminator for the IBF World Featherweight title.

“We’re not here to play marbles, we’re here to take over. I’m over here to hurt this man, real bad. Me and Billy Joe Saunders are not joking – we’re coming to get big wins and in style.

Toka Kahn Cleary – Providence, Rhode Island – 25 (17) – 1 (1) – facing Kid Galahad in a final eliminator for the IBF World Featherweight title.

“It’s great to be on this huge bill alongside my big brother Demetrius Andrade and a lot of great fighters. I work very hard in the gym and I belong on the big stage, I promise you that after October 20, Toka Kahn Cleary is going to be fighting for a World title.”

Posted on 08/24/2018

By: Sean Crose

Some press conferences are boring. Some are so over the top, they’re off-putting. Friday’s kickoff for the WBO middleweight championship of the world between champion Billy Joe Saunders and Demetrius Andrade was downright entertaining. Andrade decided to show his patriotism for the crowd gathered in Boston by dressing as a colonial soldier while England’s Saunders had some gems of his own to deliver. The fight, which goes down October 20th at Boston’s TD Garden, is being promoted by Eddie Hearn, and will have a strong undercard, featuring such notables as Tevin Farmer, Katie Taylor and Scott Quigg.

“The red jackets are here!” Andrade yelled in reference to the red uniformed British soldiers who used to occupy Boston at the dawn of the American Revolution. “We look good,” Saunders quipped in response, “but we’re mean m—–f—–s!” It may have been a bit vulgar at times, but this kickoff was as good natured as it was rowdy. Here were two fighters, both flamboyant, who seemed to actually like each other on a personal level, but were not afraid to go at it with the verbal jabs. Unlike last year’s Mayweather-McGregor pre fight tour, no one here seemed to be trying too hard.

“Billy Joe Saunders, yes, he’s a great fighter,” said Andrade. “Southpaw. Undefeated. Ugly looking. But he is a great fighter, yes.” Saunders took a moment to note the seriousness nature of the boxing business. While bringing up the fact that Canelo-Golovkin 2 is currently boxing’s big ticket, he added this dig at his fellow middleweights: “Does anybody want to fight Demetrius Andrade?” he asked. “Does anybody want to fight me? No.” Saunders made it clear that the two best men at middleweight aren’t Canelo or Golovkin, but Andrade and himself. “Technically,” he said, “we are the two best in the division and the winner of this fight will prove to be number one.”

Aside from the fact that there seems to be no bad blood between the combatants, another thing that separates Saunders-Andrade from Canelo-GGG 2 is the fact that both Saunders and Andrade are known as scientific fighters. In other words, the slickness and skill of both men can supersede the thrill factors that they can being to a bout. Saunders’ match last year against a way over his head David Lemieux, however, showed that slickness and skill can make for an entertaining fight. “This is going to be a really, really good fight,” said Saunders. “October 20th you have to be there,” claimed Andrade, “you have to see it.”

Posted on 08/22/2016

Demetrius Andrade Will Rise
By: Brandon Bernica

The first time I glanced at Demetrius Andrade doing work in a boxing ring, I was floored. Right before he was scheduled to fight Vanes Martirosyan for the WBO junior middleweight crown, I decided to scout out this former Olympian. Immediately, his form grabs your attention. Somehow his pristine punches freeze his opponents just out of range. If said opponents try to overextend into his space, he slides to the sides, knowing full well how badly they’re going to whiff before they even punch. His real genius, however, is in his return, in how he seems to choose the right punch at the right time to optimize every exchange for his benefit.

If you think I’m mistaken, I wouldn’t blame you. Andrade is a promoter’s dream – a true talent with proven skills and unbridled confidence. His resume isn’t sparse, either, consisting of wins against well-known contenders like Martirosyan and Willie Nelson. But before you take your money to Bank Andrade and deposit every cent of stock you own, listen. Because Andrade’s story feels incomplete, and it has nothing to do with his performance inside the ropes.

The truth is, Andrade struggles to find an enclave in boxing’s revolving carousel of niches. Not to his own fault, he fights with gusto and barks for any top-dog to go against him. As you start peeling the layers back from Andrade’s career, you notice that the only figures lacking confidence in his abilities are the team around him. Promotionally, Andrade’s never been pushed as an attraction, and it shows in the gun-shy nature of Banner Promotion’s matchmaking for him. Fans have had nothing to get excited about – no big fights, no buzz, no engendering to the public. When he signed a deal to appear exclusively on the Showtime networks, many believed that would be the beginning of an Andrade run at stardom. Instead, Showtime has been reluctant to showcase him, despite little rationale behind that decision. Training-wise, he’s outlasted multiple changes at the helm. While anyone would call it foolish to believe that men like his father and the great Virgil Hunter couldn’t see the prospects in his future, clearly the issue of consistency behind his career lingers.

If anything, Andrade should have the fans in his back pocket, right? Wrong. Fans just haven’t developed any large swell of support for Andrade despite his credentials. One theory behind this disappointing turn out (or turn-away) might be the color of Andrade’s skin. Boxing fans quickly identify black fighters as slick boxer-punchers, lazy bylines moving uninspired, predetermined narratives. And the thing is, Andrade is slick and is a boxer-puncher. But he’s so much more than that. He loves to mix it up. He uses the ring as his playground, bobbing and weaving and punching from every angle the sun shines on. Yet much of this is missed when you box him into stereotypes, limiting perspective to what you expect to see over what you actually see.

If Demetrius Andrade’s story seems unfair, consider this: the man’s thrived under the radar. He grew up in the sliver of the nation in Rhode Island, away from the burning lights of fame. In 2008, his Olympic experience was overshadowed by the likes of Raushee Warren, Gary Russell Jr., and Deontay Wilder. Even against Martirosyan, it was Vanes, not Andrade, who was expected to blossom at the professional level. His ship has tossed and turned amongst the waves already. Fortunately, he’s a pro at righting the ship, thriving in the undertow of boxing. One day, everything will fall in place, or, just maybe, it won’t. To spin an old adage – don’t blame the player, blame the game.