The Ring’s No. 1-rated tremendous middleweight David Benavidez is a stable favourite to beat two-division titleholder Demetrius Andrade, however most envision a aggressive bout. Picture by Amanda Wescott / Showtime
On Saturday, former two-time tremendous middleweight titlist David Benavidez will face two-division beltholder Demetrius Andrade in a 12-round contest on the Mandalay Bay Resort & On line casino in Las Vegas.
The 2 will meet in what guarantees to be an absorbing conflict of kinds on Showtime Pay-Per-View (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).
Benavidez, The Ring’s No. 1-rated tremendous middleweight behind champion Canelo Alvarez, is an offensive beast, a bodily imposing stress fighter with pace and energy. He grew to become the youngest fighter to win a brilliant middleweight world title when he edged previous Ronald Gavril (SD 12) to gather the WBC belt. He beat Gavril (UD 12) way more comprehensively in a rematch.
The Arizona native was later busted for cocaine use and stripped of the title, nevertheless he impressively regained the belt from Anthony Dirrell (TKO 9). Sadly, Benavidez missed weight in his first protection of his second reign and misplaced the belt on the size. The 26-year-old has fought 4 occasions since, notably demolishing former middleweight titlist David Lemieux (TKO 3) and, most just lately, beating former titleholder Caleb Plant (UD 12).
Benavidez knocked out David Lemieux in three rounds. (Picture by Esther Lin/Showtime)
Andrade was a standout newbie who received gold on the 2007 world championships and represented the U.S. on the 2008 Olympics. As an expert, the Rhode Island native holds wins over Vanes Martirosyan (SD 12), Willie Nelson (TKO 12), Maciej Sulecki (UD 12) and Liam Williams (UD 12).
Nevertheless, the cerebral southpaw is simply too ring savvy for his personal good and he’s struggled to safe a defining battle. The 35-year-old bounced round promoters earlier than he signed with PBC and made his debut with the corporate earlier this yr with a dominant factors win over Demond Nicholson (UD 10).
Benavidez (27-0, 23 knockouts) confirmed final outing he was able to fixing a puzzle from an astute boxer when he got here on sturdy within the second half in opposition to Plant. May he should do one thing comparable right here? Though Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) has been an expert for 15-years, he’s by no means been in a position to land an enormous battle, till now. Can he reap the benefits of his massive alternative? This would be the first southpaw Benavidez has confronted since he stopped Denis Douglin (TKO 10) in 2016. Will that current one thing of an issue for Benavidez? Andrade has fought most of his profession at 154 and 160. Now he’s in with an enormous, sturdy 168 pounder, who shall be aggressive. Can Andrade maintain him off?
On-line playing group William Hill lists Benavidez as an 2/7 (-350) favourite, whereas Andrade is priced at 5/2 (+250); the draw is eighteen/1 (+1800).
Right here’s how the specialists see it: THE RING
DOUG FISCHER: BENAVIDEZ MD
“I favor the youthful, naturally larger and busier fighter, however I feel Andrade will flip again the clock and put forth recreation and aggressive efficiency that takes Benavidez the gap. I do know Andrade is motivated and assured, simply as Benavidez is, and teaming up with veteran coach Andre Rozier and having a very good camp on the SNAC compound within the Bay Space makes me suppose he’ll have the sport plan and stamina to carry off the aggressive and antagonistic youthful down the stretch. Though I feel Andrade’s awkwardness, mobility and timing (particularly with is left hand) will hassle Benavidez in the course of the early rounds, and perhaps into the center rounds, the Arizonan’s stress, volume-punching and underrated counterpunching will take over the second half of the battle (on the official judges’ scorecards if not bodily). It is likely to be shut, however I feel Benavidez will get the nod.”
ANSON WAINWRIGHT: BENAVIDEZ UD
“That is actually intriguing type match up. There’s a lot on the road for each males. The victor would be the No. 1 challenger to Canelo Alvarez and a dominant win for both places them entrance and middle for that battle subsequent yr. Andrade has the type to offer Benavidez numerous hassle along with his motion, we noticed that with Caleb Plant earlier this yr. I anticipate Andrade to offer Benavidez suits early however sluggish however certainly the youthful, stronger, naturally larger man will start to have increasingly more success and within the later levels of the battle put it on Andrade. It’ll be aggressive however Benavidez will win a simply however shut unanimous determination.”
LEE GROVES: BENAVIDEZ UD
“This battle presents a satisfying distinction of kinds and can administer a stern take a look at for each, however I consider there are a number of elements working in opposition to Andrade. First, he’s 9 years older at 35. Second, he’s coming off a 322-day layoff and shall be competing for under the second time since November 2021. Third, whereas he’s undefeated, he has but to satisfy somebody who has the combo of measurement, work fee and energy of the 26-year-old Benavidez, who needs to be thought of a younger veteran. Fourth, Benavidez is the bigger and stronger man, and his protection is healthier over the long run than one would possibly suppose. Lastly, Andrade shall be experiencing the intense lights of a big-time pay-per-view fundamental occasion for the primary time whereas Benavidez went by that drill earlier this yr in opposition to Plant and carried out nicely. Benavidez has become a methodical starter and a quick finisher whereas Andrade has produced very quick begins solely to shift into cruise management later. I consider Benavidez will climate no matter early storm “Boo Boo” dares to attempt to assert his management within the second half of the battle on his technique to a transparent determination victory.”
DIEGO MORILLO: BENAVIDEZ TKO 10
“Truthfully, I’ve by no means been a fan of Andrade’s type. A few of his fights nonetheless rank among the many least thrilling I’ve ever seen. At 35, his nice footwork appears to be eroding, and in opposition to a pure quantity puncher like Benavidez he’ll get caught in the end. I’m betting on the latter.”
MARTY MULCAHEY: BENAVIDEZ UD
“It isn’t the massive Canelo battle all of us need for David Benavidez, however it’s not a foul matchup both. I can’t consider I’m saying this a couple of 35-year-old skilled, with 32 victories, who has held a world title… however Demetrius Andrade has not fought anybody to organize him for Benavidez. Perhaps 8-years in the past Andrade had the pace to befuddle and win rounds in opposition to Benavidez, however no extra and I don’t suppose he can match the ring generalship of Benavidez. On prime of that, Benavidez is the naturally larger and stronger man who will put on on Andrade. As soon as Benavidez constantly cuts off the ring it’s battle over, with Andrade retreating right into a defensive shell handing a lopsided unanimous determination victory to Benavidez.”
RON BORGES: BENAVIDEZ UD
“Demetrius Andrade is a nightmare to face. He’s slick, fast and has superior lateral motion and understands the irritating worth of sustaining correct vary and angles. In line with CompuBox stats the 32 opponents he has confronted have a stunningly low 17.9 % connection fee, which means that over 82% of the time opponents have did not land in opposition to him. Discuss irritating! These abilities have left the 35-year-old Andrade undefeated and a two-time world champion with out having the type of punching energy that causes opponents to suppose twice earlier than throwing. That type is in full distinction to David Benavidez, the undefeated 26-year-old undefeated tremendous middleweight who has knocked out 23 opponents on his technique to a 26-0 document. If kinds make fights there couldn’t be too extra contrasting type than the slick, affected person Andrade and the uber aggressive, mixture firing Benavidez. The latter has constructed his profession on pressuring opponents till they put on down whereas the previous has made his bones by irritating simply these sorts of opponents. Benavidez should cope with some tough moments throughout which he shall be made to seem like a clown. The issue for Andrade is that he should cope with a relentless stress opponent who whereas he has struggled with slick boxers earlier than he ultimately has damaged them down, as he did with Caleb Plant.
“For Andrade to win he can not merely play protection and make Benavidez look dangerous. Sooner or later he should take just a few dangers himself to pile up sufficient factors to win a choice. He can win a choice however his margin for error shall be a slim one. Too slim, in the long run, to outpoint Benavidez, who will ultimately put on him out by sporting him down as a result of slick protection and embarrassing moments received’t be sufficient to maintain Benavidez lacking all night time. Benavidez by unanimous determination.”
NORM FRAUENHEIM: BENAVIDEZ UD
“A lot of the measurable benefits are on Benavidez’ facet of the ledger. He’s larger, a super-middleweight, quickly to be at gentle heavy. He’s youthful, 26-years-old and simply shifting into his prime. He’ll be 27 on December 17. However Benavidez additionally has no illusions. His battle with 35-year-old Demetrius Andrade is 50-50, he says. Translation: It’s tough. It’s no secret why Andrade is considered one of his technology’s most-avoided fighters. His complete ability set typically represents a puzzle. It could possibly make you look dangerous. Benavidez is aware of that. However he additionally is aware of he has the vitality that comes with youth. In a take a look at of his persistence and maturity, search for him to make use of it in a lot the identical method he did in punishing Caleb Plant within the later rounds for a scorecard victory final March.”
Demetrius Andrade outclassed powerful Demond Nicholson in his tremendous middleweight debut. Picture by Amanda Westcott-SHOWTIME
BOXING INSIDERS
DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): ANDRADE SD
“I feel everyone within the battle commerce is speaking about this battle. I’m wanting ahead to a real world-class battle, boxing wants it and whereas fairly just a few of the specialists will lean in the direction of Benavidez. I’m leaping ship and going in the direction of Andrade, who has but to indicate simply what he’s able to, as there may be a lot extra to return from him, I’m positive. I consider Andrade fights to the extent of his opposition. I might anticipate Benavidez to get off to a fast begin and take the early rounds, however I really feel Andrade would be the stronger within the second half of the battle and take management. I don’t see a KO from both boxer and consider Andrade will win by a 12-round break up determination.”
MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): BENAVIDEZ TKO 10
“Very attention-grabbing battle on paper. Demetrius Andrade is a way more gifted boxer than individuals might imagine. A quick southpaw is at all times difficult, however Benavidez has confirmed prior to now that he’s an entire boxer: Quick and technical along with being highly effective and difficult and I feel the battle goes to be about these two features. After a detailed begin to the battle, I see Benavidez taking management within the second half of the battle and eventually stopping Andrade on the finish of the battle. Benavidez TKO 10.”
CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER PROMOTIONS): BENAVIDEZ TKO
“Whereas Andrade is a really expert southpaw and will make issues slightly difficult, I consider Benavidez given his measurement, energy, age and the exercise degree vs (Andrade who has been a lot much less energetic and missing important opponents). For all these elements I consider Benavidez stress and punishment will give him the sting. I see Benavidez stopping Andrade late.”
CHRISTIAN MBILLI (SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER): BENAVIDEZ PTS
“I feel it’s going to be an excellent battle, and I can see Benavidez profitable on factors.”
ERIK BAZINYAN (SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER): BENAVIDEZ
“I feel Benavidez ought to win him, however Andrade could be very slick boxer it may get tough. I feel it will likely be attention-grabbing.”
TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): BENAVIDEZ TKO 11
“Whereas I wouldn’t be stunned to see Andrade outpoint Benavidez, I simply suppose the previous’s inactivity comes again to hang-out him right here. Benavidez is a reality machine and he exerts a lot stress. He’ll know learn how to battle this sort off type and can frequently deprive Andrade of the time and distance he desires. I anticipate the wheels to fall off Andrade within the championship rounds.”
JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): BENAVIDEZ TKO
“That is such an essential battle for each guys, Andrade has been petitioning for an enormous battle for a very long time, and for no matter cause it simply by no means materialized for him. In the meantime, Benavidez is aware of {that a} potential battle with Canelo Alvarez is on the road. Previously, we’ve seen Demetrius coast to determination wins with out displaying any sense of urgency to complete the battle, that is one thing that you may get away with when combating some guys, however I don’t suppose you are able to do that with David Benavidez. He’s the exact opposite, continually making use of stress, utilizing his measurement and attain to his benefit all through the battle. I feel he shall be method too bodily and overwhelming from the opening bell for Andrade, finally resulting in a stoppage win for the Mexican Monster.”
ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): BENAVIDEZ UD
“This can be a battle for the followers. This can be a battle that has two of probably the most averted fighters within the division, a conflict of kinds if there ever was one. I consider that Benavides has the power and the dimensions benefit. Nevertheless, Andrade will present him troubles that he hasn’t seen earlier than. Andrade will present motion and boxing ability he has by no means seen earlier than along with his motion however in the long run after a really aggressive bout we are going to see Benavides a winner by 12-round unanimous determination.”
RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): BENAVIDEZ PTS
“I actually like this battle as a result of it has three components I get pleasure from: 1) Neither fighter is aware of what it’s to lose, 2) A real distinction in kinds and three) Its a tricky one to select. I see the battle taking part in out in three levels, early rounds to Demetrius, center rounds shut however Benitez approaching with relentless stress, and late rounds dominated by David. I see Benavidez profitable a choice.”
RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): BENAVIDEZ TKO
“It’s an attention-grabbing battle. Each battle kinds make for a can’t miss battle. Punches in bunches. I don’t see this battle going the gap as each shall be there to battle. I like Benavidez to win inside the distance as he’s and would be the most energetic of the 2, and will have extra punching energy.”
WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): ANDRADE UD
“Demetrius Andrade is the older fighter on this one, at age 35, taking over David Benavidez, who is just 26. Each unbeaten champions will come to win, and I’m anticipating a barnburner of a battle! The laborious punching Benavidez will strive his finest to get a fast knockout however will depart himself open for Andrade’s slick, fast southpaw proper jabs and laborious straight lefts. Errors shall be made by Benavidez permitting Andrade to win rounds utilizing his boxing abilities, scoring with jabs and one-two combos. I see Andrade taking a factors win in a battle the place he may lose some rounds however have sufficient within the financial institution to win on all three playing cards in a detailed battle.”
RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): BENAVIDEZ TKO 10
“Andrade must field, field and field use his awkwardness. Simply maintain shifting can’t be a sitting duck. Benavidez shall be attempting to show his deserves Canelo battle subsequent. He’ll carry it from the start. Punches in bunches and constant physique assault. I consider Benavidez wins by TKO late. Benavidez TKO 10.”
JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): BENAVIDEZ UD
“I feel it is a very attention-grabbing battle, stylistically. I must say that Andrade seemingly creates quite a lot of issues for David over the primary half of the battle and I wouldn’t be stunned if he’s main going into the seventh or eighth spherical. After that, although, my intestine tells me that David shall be a lot stronger over the past quarter of the battle and can ramp up the stress and punch output to return away with a more in-depth than anticipated however unanimous determination victory.”
Remaining Tally: Benavidez 18-2
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