Demetrius Andrade might be a bit older, but he’s finally gotten his big-fight wish. On November 25th, at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 35-year-old will take on David Benavidez.
It always seemed likely that the Rhode Island native would get his hands on the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Jermall Charlo, Gennadiy Golovkin, and Jaime Munguia. Yet, for whatever reason, none of those showdowns came to fruition. Some may call it the business of boxing but Andrade has another word for it…ducking.
Still, regardless of how long it took, the former two-division titlist is a happy man. In Benavidez, Andrade is facing a young, hungry fighter with a ton of momentum. But, even after watching the 26-year-old dismantle Caleb Plant in the championship rounds, Andrade isn’t unnerved in the slightest. When recently asked where his confidence stems from, the former Olympian explained that his slick defensive attributes are the root of his inflated ego. It’s also the main ingredient that will lead him to victory.
“I think you’re gonna see Demetrius Andrade at his best finesse game,” Andrade told Fight Hub TV. “My movement, my ability.”
Don’t be fooled by Andrade claiming that his legs and perpetual movement will be relied upon. He knows good and well that he won’t be able to use simply one aspect of his game. That said, Andrade is convinced that he isn’t just some one trick pony. As he sifts through his resume, he remembers the time when he planted his feet and stood in the pocket with Jason Quigley, resulting in a second-round stoppage win. He also recalls outboxing Maciej Sulecki over the course of 12 rounds.
Come November 25th, he isn’t exactly sure how things will play out. However, Andrade has a feeling that he’ll be able to implement a bevy of game plans on the night.
“There’s nothing I can’t do. I can adjust, I can do a lot of things, I can fight multiple ways in seconds.”
By Hans Themistode