By Rob Soucy
Just a few days after a scintillating performance and dominating knockout victory over Willie Nelson, Demetius “Boo Boo” Andrade’s star has never shone brighter! The notion that the former WBO champ doesn’t have a television friendly style is a distant memory. Fights against Jermell and Jermall Charlo as well as Erislandy Lara are being talked about and these are the fights that Andrade has been calling for.
“I want anyone who’s name begins with a ‘C’ and ends with an ‘O.’ Charlo, Canelo, Cotto,” said an animated Andrade at Saturday’s post fight press conference. “Fighters can’t run anymore, It’s time for the best to fight the best, and let’s see who is the best.” Andrade also mentioned that when the time is right he will go up in weight one division north and challenge Gennady Golovkin but that there is business to be handled at 154. “My goal is to ‘clean up’ the 154 lb division and then it’s on with Triple G.”
For Andrade, he would undoubtedly be the “B” side of a fight with Golovkin or Alvarez but it’s important to understand that there is a difference between the terms “B” side and being an “opponent.” Andrade will probably carry the “B” side moniker with him into most fights at least until he garners a few signature wins, but that’s ok.
A fight with Saul Alvarez seems very unlikely because neither Canelo nor Oscar De La Hoya ever mentioned Andrade as a possible opponent even when the Providence, RI native was WBO champ. However, Liam Smith, who won the WBO belt after Andrade was stripped, is being considered as a possible opponent for Canelo in September. That alone speaks volumes about Canelo’s willingness or lack there of in fighting Andrade.
Andrade is the mandatory challenger for WBC champ Jermell Charlo who will be defending against Charles Hatley later this summer. In the interim, a possible showdown between Andrade and WBA champ Erislandy Lara could be in the works if Showtime Exec Stephen Espinoza is on board.
Demetrius Andrade is one of the most versatile fighters in boxing. He is tremendously skilled, but awkward as well which makes him almost impossible to time. He has above average hand speed and his accuracy, ability to control distance, and ring IQ are top level. Not many fighters in the sport will give his opponent as many different looks. Andrade has the ability to throw the same punch and make it look very different by dropping a level, or changing an angle. He is a tough fighter to stand across from and figure out before he has put seven or eight rounds in the bank.
If and when Andrade becomes “the man” at 154 a move up to middleweight is imminent. At that point, the boxing public will demand Andrade fight Golovkin or whoever is the king at 160 lbs. However, the money will be there and the reward worth the risk. “B” side yes, but Andrade will never be, in boxing terms, just an “opponent” for Gennaday Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez, or anyone else!
