LAS VEGAS -- David Benavidez has been calling for a fight with Canelo Alvarez for the past several years and Canelo has managed to avoid answering his call. But after the 26-year-old's violent display of offense that finished another former champion, it may be time for Canelo to answer the call.
Benavidez pulverized the previously unbeaten Demetrius Andrade and forced the former two-division world champion to quit on the stool at the end of the sixth round to retain the WBC interim super middleweight champion at the Michelob Arena at the Mandalay Bay.
It was a systematic destruction that saw Benavidez's pressure eventually break down Andrade in a violent display of offense and one that will almost certainly see fans demand a fight against the undisputed champion Canelo.
"Let's give the people what they want to see and they want to see David Benavidez against Canelo!" Benavidez said afterward.
"Give me the fight we all want to see."@Benavidez300 WANTS the king next 👑@Canelo | #BenavidezAndrade pic.twitter.com/631kn5njzx
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) November 26, 2023
The fight was as violent as many anticipated as Benavidez stalked Andrade from the opening bell. Andrade was successful early on circling away and changing levels to keep the target small. He did land but there was nothing to cause Benavidez to be cautious with his approach.
By round three the pressure began to cause Andrade to wilt and Benavidez saw openings to put power punches behind his long jab. The fourth round was all Benavidez as he unloaded bludgeoning combinations as Andrade couldn't find an escape route. A pile of uppercuts and right hands wore down the former champion before a vicious right hand put Andrade down at the end of the round.
From that point, it was all Benavidez.
The champion never stopped looking for the finish and patiently stalked his prey with booming uppercut and combinations. Once the multi-punch combinations were unleashed by the end of round five, Andrade's punch resistance was reduced to nil.
With nothing left in the gas tank and an incensed champion looking to end the fight, the sixth round was an abusive display of power from Benavidez. Multiple uppercuts and right hands found their home as Andrade wobbled around the ring trying to keep his balance. He'd make it out of the round but his corner had seen enough.
Benavidez improves to 28-0 with his 24th victory coming by way of knockout. Canelo has attempted to steer clear of Benavidez but how much longer can he avoid "The Mexican Monster?"
Here's how it all went down in Las Vegas.
David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade full card results
- David Benavidez def. Demetrius Andrade via 6th round TKO (3:00) for the interim WBC super middleweight title
- Jermall Charlo def. Jose Benavidez Jr. via unanimous decision (98-92, 99-91 & 100-90)
- Lamont Roach def. Hector Luis Garcia via split decision (116-111, 114-113 & 113-114) for the WBA super featherweight title
- Subriel Matias def. Shohjahon Ergashev via 6th round TKO (:02) to retain the IBF super lightweight title