Demetrius Andrade did his best to annoy every elite-level fighter either in or around his weight class. Of course, he often popped into interviews saying “It’s me again!” From there, everyone was liable to get called out.
The list of fighters he wanted to face was incredibly long. Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia, Gennadiy Golovkin, Caleb Plant, and Canelo Alvarez were all poked by Andrade at some point. None, however, took the bait.
Although the two never appeared to have any prior interactions, David Benavidez was caught on camera both giving Andrade his flowers and challenging him to a fight. As first reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, all signs point to the pair getting it on at the tail end of the year.
Andre Rozier, a world-renowned trainer, has worked closely with Andrade over the years. He’s also repeatedly beaten the drum, hoping and praying that Andrade, who he affectionately refers to as his nephew, secures a big-time fight. With Benavidez seemingly on his fishing line, Rozier can’t wait for the former two-division world titlist to reel him in.
Along with a handful of other boxers, Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) has always been considered the boogeyman of his division. And while Benavidez is stepping up to the plate without an ounce of fear, once the dust settles on their impending clash, Rozier believes that Andrade will show exactly why few have been gung-ho about facing him.
“There’s a reason why none of those guys got in the ring with him,” said Rozier to BoxingScene.com during a recent interview. “There’s a reason. They’re gonna find out when this fight takes place.”
While he’s ecstatic to be landing his first mega-fight, the sand in Andrade’s career hourglass is waning. At the age of 35, he’s ostensibly towards the end. Rozier, to his credit, acknowledges this.
It’s been a long time coming for the former Olympian. Now, with the clock ticking, Rozier knows good and well that it’s now or never.
“We can’t fall off the line. This is his moment to shine.”