Short of Canelo, Demetrius Andrade versus David Benavidez is a solid consolation fight
It’s a well-known fact that super middleweight fighter David “Red Flag” Benavidez (24-0, 21 KO’s) is in a prime position to land the Canelo Alvarez bout. First however, Benavidez must best Kyrone Davis in their November 13 headline bout. Davis is a late replacement for Jose Uzcategui who invalidated himself by getting flagged for PED’s.
Provided that Benavidez gets past Davis, which he is expected to do, there is a large contingent of fans who’d love to see him dance with the undisputed super middleweight champion next. Yet, as it always is in the zany world of boxing, just because we want something doesn’t mean it’ll happen. How long have we collectively pined to see Crawford versus Spence Jr, Stevenson versus Valdez, Haney versus Lopez or Tank Davis versus any top challenger? So, while the ground is certainly fertile, there is no guarantee that it will yield the fruitful fights we desire.
THE ELUSIVE HIT MAN
Supposing that Red Flag doesn’t get the golden ticket to compete with Canelo, then who should he duel next? While he is a weight class below, WBC middleweight champion Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (32-0, 22 KO’s) would be a fine selection. The two even have a very established history and backstory. Sadly, Charlo has routinely played verbal hokey-pokey with this potential bout. Some days he is all in and then on others he wouldn’t touch Benavidez with a ten-foot pole.
Yet, if the Hit Man continued to have no stomach for the confrontation, then perhaps WBO middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (30-0, 18 KO’s) would. Like Benavidez, and Charlo, Andrade has also chased a showdown with Canelo in vain. Unlike those two fighters, Boo Boo has pursued this fight longer any other boxer can claim. Despite his obvious talent, Team Alvarez maintained a strict “No Andrade” policy for years. By the same token though, Jermall Charlo has also sworn never to fight Boo Boo…well, kind of.
The Charlo’s are still tightly holding onto their hurt feelings from when Andrade pulled out his 2014 dustup with Jermell Charlo. Ever since that transgression, the two brothers have blacklisted Boo Boo. Yet, even with that being said, as pressure has increased on Jermall Charlo to face stiffer competition, he’s been backed into saying Andrade was an option. Honestly speaking though, the Hit Man appeared to be supplying the specific desired response like a politician would during voting season. In all actuality, there is probably little chance that Charlo is considering that bout earnestly.
ANDRADE’S ANGLE
Understanding that he is more of a threat than most seem to think is worth it, Andrade is routinely forced into lackluster bouts. This is why the Andrade versus Benavidez bout works for both fighters. Red Flag still needs solid competition to stay relevant and favored in the public eye. For these purposes, the undefeated, highly avoided, two-division champion would make for a sterling selection.
If victorious, the bout might actually make more sense for Andrade. The Rhode Island native has already been flirting with the idea of moving up. He even stated that he would move up to face the slick-talking Billy Joe Saunders. So hopping up to duel with the undefeated, former super middleweight champion would be a fantastic first fight in the division. Even better, Benavidez is ranked #1 (WBC), so should Andrade sheer off his scalp, then he should earn himself a very favorable standing in the WBC rankings.
Beyond the political and strategic ramifications of the prizefight, their two styles should match up to provide an instant classic. David Benavidez has well established his come-forward, break you down style of attack. He is known to utilize a high work-rate, unmerciful body shots and a diverse selection of punches. In his work, Red Flag has looked like a monster for a little while now. Conversely, Boo Boo totes his own formidable in-ring intelligence, versatile style and southpaw stance. Andrade even displayed zero compunction about going to war with Liam Williams in his last all-action at-bat.
GOTTA WIN FIRST!
Obviously, both would rather land the Canelo bout. In fact, both would rather probably fight Charlo over each other as well! By all measures of likelihood, neither of those match-ups will come to fruition. In that event, Andrade versus Benavidez is a very entertaining bout that has serious and meaningful ramifications for their respective divisions. First, Red Flag must defeat Kyrone Davis and Demetrius Andrade must best Jason Quigley. However, assuming they do, let’s hope we get some of these juicy fights.
By: Bakari Simpson
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