David Benavídez, living up to his moniker as a possible top offensive force in the sport, successfully defended his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title. He overwhelmed former two-division champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, sealing the fight with a sixth-round stoppage in the SHOWTIME PPV main event. The event took place Saturday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, and was a part of a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The decisive moment unfolded as Andrade’s trainer halted his advance into the seventh round. Benavídez, in his first fight against a southpaw in seven years, had bloodied and battered Andrade in what might be deemed his career’s standout performance. Benavídez (28-0, 24 KOs) kept his undefeated streak, while Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs) faced his first defeat.
“I think I’ve just proved myself as the division’s dominant force,” Benavídez claimed. “I’ve reasserted who the true 168-pound champion is. Who’s up for Benavídez vs. Canelo? I’m gunning for the super middleweight champion title, aiming for a third world championship. Just hand me the fight we’re all eager to see. Benavídez vs. Canelo, who’s in?”
Post-fight, Benavídez shared a moment with Mike Tyson ringside, who once coined him the “Mexican Monster.”
“I expressed my love and gratitude to Mike Tyson for the inspiration,” Benavídez shared. “Getting a nickname from a boxing legend like Tyson isn’t an everyday occurrence. I’m here to live up to that name.
“People can criticize all they want, claiming I lack this or that, but I think my performance speaks for itself. This guy [Andrade] had one of the best defenses, a strong offensive game, yet he struggled to land a punch on me. That alone is telling. I’ll continue to dominate whoever they line up against me. I’m the best, aiming to become a legend. Keep them coming, and I’ll keep knocking them down.
“Let’s serve the fans what they’re craving. Benavídez vs. Canelo, it’s time.”
In his fight, similar to the one against Caleb Plant in March, Benavídez’s strength and threat escalated as the rounds progressed. Despite Andrade’s initial success, Benavídez methodically overpowered his 35-year-old opponent with stunning efficiency. A well-placed right hand dropped Andrade in the fourth round, marking the third knockdown in his career. Andrade barely held on.
Benavídez then launched a punishing offensive in the fifth round, relentlessly pursuing Andrade and delivering powerful blows. Andrade’s resilience faltered, especially after a hefty left from Benavídez in the sixth, sending him staggering across the ring.
The fight’s early stages painted a different picture. Andrade skillfully stifled Benavídez’s attacks, moving swiftly and landing unconventional shots. The first two rounds saw Andrade shining, while Benavídez patiently waited for his moment. The third round saw a shift, with Andrade’s energy dipping and Benavídez unleashing his signature powerful, compact punches, culminating in the knockdown that tipped the scales massively in Benavídez’s favor.
“I’ll bounce back,” Andrade resolved. “Time to reevaluate and adapt. I stepped up in weight classes and will focus on fine-tuning my physique. I did what I could to counter the bigger man. David’s an exceptional fighter; few dared to face him. My aim was a third division world championship. It’s still within reach. Tonight, David was simply the better fighter. Benavídez proved his talent.”
