Retired former two-weight world champion Tim Bradley thinks that David ‘El Monstruo’ Benavidez 27-0 (23) will have too much firepower for Demetrius ‘Boo Boo’ Andrade 32-0 (19) when they meet at the Michelob Ultra Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old Benavidez from Phoenix, Arizona has long coveted a shot at undisputed super middleweight champion and Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 60-2-2 (39). Victory over Providence, Rhode Island southpaw Andrade, 35, will go a long way to consolidating his credentials for that fight.
ESPN boxing analyst Bradley believes it will be Andrade who will lose his unbeaten record this weekend.
“I can make a case for both men in winning this bout, but Benavidez should emerge victorious,” Bradley told ESPN.
“He is a master of relentless sculpted pressure and has honed his style to perfection. He also has a remarkable ability to adapt and exploit his own weaknesses.
“Though his footwork might be considered a vulnerability, his ability to deliver powerful, blazing punches from any position far outweighs any apparent flaws.
“Employing a tight high guard as his primary defense, Benavidez possesses a defensive mechanism similar to the carnivorous plant, the Venus flytrap, where he can swiftly and accurately counter his opponent’s offence.
“Benavidez’s physicality should not be underestimated, particularly when he closes the distance and maneuvers within close quarters.
“He employs head and body controls, altering his opposition posture and positioning. He can frame shots at Andrade’s vulnerable areas, attacking the body and strategically forcing Andrade onto his weaker left foot.
“Remember, Andrade is right-handed, so his dominant foot is his right, which is positioned upfront in the southpaw stance.”
Benavidez’s relentless pressure will ask questions of Andrade’s fitness late in the fight, says Bradley.
“As the match progresses, Andrade’s stamina will undoubtedly come into question,” Bradley said.
“Benavidez’s pressure and outstanding conditioning tends to wear down opponents over time. And if Andrade fails to get enough offense during the early rounds, we will witness a shift in momentum, with Benavidez growing more powerful and dominant.
“Historically, Andrade has been susceptible to losing focus and experiencing a drop in his punch count as the fight enters the later stages, making him food for Benavidez’s relentless assault and eventually a Benavidez victory.”
Benavidez has a huge gas tank and remains busy and dangerous right up until the final bell, but he is hoping to make an early night of it.
“I do expect to stop Andrade,” Benavidez said after a recent open workout. “I’ve been working extremely hard. My last fight went the distance and I was upset about that.
“We’re gonna correct that and stop Demetrius Andrade.
“I’m preparing myself for the hardest possible fight. That’s how I always prepare. I’ve been training three months and sparring 15 rounds at a time. I’m 100% ready to go.
“There are a lot of things Andrade does well, but I see weaknesses as well. We’re gonna put a great game plan together and expose him on November 25.”