Andrade drops Kautondokwa four times in route to a unanimous decision win!
This was an exciting fight! Not because both men were exchanging in a barbaric clash, but more because one fighter refused to be knocked out after numerous knockdowns.
Demetrius Andrade stepped into the ring with late replacement Walter Kautondokwa on two-weeks notice after Billy Joe Saunders could not obtain a boxing license in Massachusetts for a failed drug test.
As much as the superior skill of Andrade was in play, nobody can question the toughness and heart of Kautondokwa. He was dropped four times in the first four rounds and on the verge of being knocked out each time.
The Knockdowns
The first was a delayed reaction to a straight left hand landed by the former WBO junior middleweight champion. The Namibian staggered a bit and went to the canvas after attempting to duck a follow-up left hand. Andrade narrowly escaped a potential disqualification after referee Steve Willis missed a left hand he landed while Kautondokwa was on the canvas.
The second came in the third round when the underdog threw a right hand and failed to bring his hands home. In the process, the former champion ducked under it and did a half-pivot to his left. This provided an angle where he was able to land a hard left hand on the his opponents chin, dropping him again.
In the fourth round, while in an exchange, both men landed left hooks with Andrade’s having more power. Kautondokwa went down for a third time and for a third time looked to be done. He arose to beat the count and continued.
Seconds later, a short and compact left hand on the inside dropped the African again. He jumped up immediately, however, Willis told him he won’t be able to take much more. The underdog would again unbelievably survive the round.
The Conclusion
Incredibly there were no more knockdowns in the fight. This only showed how ridiculous the resiliance of the underdog was. Even Paul Andrade, trainer for Demetrius mentioned in the corner after the fifth round:
“it seems like this guy is getting stronger!”
No more knockdowns translated into a pure boxing lesson given by the former champion. In the end, all three judges saw a complete shutout that would name Andrade the new WBO middleweight champion!
3kingsboxing.com previously reported Andrade stating he would happily make a voluntary defense against Billy Joe Saunders if he wins. Well, we will see if he stays true to his word!
By: EJ Williams
