BOXING
David Benavidez serves Demetrius Andrade first defeat and challenges Canelo Álvarez
The ‘Mexican Monster’ retained the World Boxing Council interim super middleweight title after Andrade threw in the towel after the sixth round.
David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) is ready to face Saúl Canelo Álvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) after retaining his title as interim WBC champion on Saturday. The Mexican Monster defeated Demetrius Andrade by technical knockout (32-1, 19 KOs) when Boo Boo’s corner threw in the towel after the sixth round at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After three rounds in which Andrade danced around the ring, Benavidez sent him to the canvas in the final moments of the fourth round with a neat uppercut. In the fifth round, the doctor evaluated ‘Boo Boo’ after incessant punishment from the Mexican Monster as it became increasing obvious that the fight would not go the distance.
The sixth round was a nightmare for Andrade with Benavidez dominating from the bell. ‘Boo Boo’ had trouble staying on his feet and lost his mouthguard as soon as the round began. On two occasions he had no options other than to desperately cling onto El Bandera Roja to avoid falling to the canvas. After the bell rang, his corner decided not to punish him further and threw in the towel.
David Benavidez era starts
After the fight, Benavidez said that once again, he has proved his critics wrong. “I’m not surprised, I know how hard I work in this camp and I’ve been telling everybody for a long time that the fights are won in the training camp. I didn’t leave any stone unturned in the training camp, I work my ass off. And I think it just shows. A lot of critics were saying that Boo was going to outbox me, that my defence is not good, I’m gonna get hit... they said the same thing with Caleb Plant and I continue to keep shutting up the critics up. It’s better the critics keep their mouths shut because I’m listening to everything you guys are saying!”
Gauntlet down to Canelo Álvarez
He added that it was an honor to fight on the last Showtime broadcast and that everyone wants the fight between him and Canelo Álvarez. “I think that’s the only question that people want to hear. I got three WBC belts right here, I’m the best in the division. If they want to give me an opportunity now or later, I’m gonna keep winning. Like I said, I want to be the best of my generation by the time I’m done. My job is not complete until I make that happen. I’m the youngest super middleweight champion of the world, three-time world champion. Give me the fight we all want to see,” Benavidez said. “Who wants to see David Benavidez versus Canelo Álvarez? Let’s get it”
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz threw down the gauntlet, adding, “Okay, let me get the statement for Canelo. Regardless of the result, if Canelo fights Benavidez, he will be an idol - if he fights him... If he doesn’t fight him, he will never be an idol. If he wins, he’ll be the best and if he loses, he’ll have the balls to go with best. So, Canelo, don’t run any more! I tell you what, I’ll give you a thousand dollars now if you tell me any other fight beside Canelo and Benavidez. Give me another fight that everyone wants!”