A pair of top super middleweights collide in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend Getty Images
In a super middleweight division where the shadow of undisputed champion Saul Canelo Alvarez looms large, David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade will battle to move one step closer to a crack at the champ. The fight goes down on Nov. 25 from Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas and airs on Showtime Pay-Per-View.
Benavidez is a two-time former WBC super middleweight champion but was stripped of his championship both times he held it. First, Benavidez tested positive for cocaine in an August 2018 drug test. After regaining the title, Benavidez missed weight ahead of his August 2020 fight with Roamer Alexis Angulo, resulting in him being stripped for a second time.
Despite those missteps outside the ring, Benavidez has consistently been one of the best fighters in the world at 168 pounds. He’s coming off an impressive decision win over Caleb Plant in March.
Andrade is also undefeated and a former two-time world champion, though his titles came at junior middleweight and middleweight. His style has not always produced exciting fights, and he has often claimed to be one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, repeatedly trying to goad Alvarez into a fight only to be laughed off.
A win over Benavidez would make it hard for any of the sport’s big names — including Alvarez — to continue to ignore Andrade.
I do expect to stop Andrade. I’ve been working extremely hard. My last fight went the distance and I was upset about that. We’re gonna correct the current and stop Demetrius Andrade, Benavidez said during a media workout. 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.
The other fight of note on Saturday marks the return of WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo when he takes on Jose Benavidez Jr., the older brother of David Benavidez. Charlo has been out of action since June 2021 as he has dealt with out-of-ring issues with his family and his own mental health. Now, he looks to knock off the ring rust when he takes on Benavidez Jr. in a 10-round non-title bout. Benavidez Jr. picked up his first win in five years in August.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the card with the latest odds.
Benavidez vs. Andrade fight card, odds
David Benavidez -440 vs. Demetrius Andrade +335, super middleweight
Jermall Charlo -700 vs. Jose Benavidez Jr. +500, middleweight
Subriel Matias -350 vs. Shohjahon Ergashev +275, super lightweight
Hector Luis Garcia -290 vs. Lamont Roach +235, super featherweight
The highly anticipated showdown between David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade in the super middleweight division approaches, with both fighters looking to make a statement and secure their path to face the formidable champion, Saul Canelo Alvarez. Scheduled for November 25 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, this bout will be broadcasted via Showtime Pay-Per-View.
David Benavidez, a two-time former WBC super middleweight champion, faced setbacks in the form of championship-stripping due to failed drug tests and weight discrepancies. Nevertheless, Benavidez boasts an impressive record, with his most recent victory being a decision win over Caleb Plant.
His opponent, Demetrius Andrade, is also undefeated and has held world titles in the junior middleweight and middleweight divisions. Andrade has often claimed to be one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, relentlessly pursuing a fight against Alvarez.
I do expect to stop Andrade. I’ve been working extremely hard. My last fight went the distance and I was upset about that. We’re gonna correct the current and stop Demetrius Andrade, said Benavidez during a media workout, expressing his confidence in securing a victory. Benavidez’s rigorous training regimen includes three months of preparation and 15-round sparring sessions.
The undercard features another notable matchup, as WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo returns to the ring after a period of absence. Charlo will face Jose Benavidez Jr., the older brother of David Benavidez, in a 10-round non-title bout. Charlo’s hiatus was due to personal matters and mental health concerns, and he aims to overcome any ring rust in this comeback fight. Benavidez Jr., on the other hand, secured his first win in five years just a few months ago, making this clash even more significant.
As fight night approaches, fans can expect an exciting event filled with high stakes and captivating matchups. The complete card offers a range of compelling fights, including Subriel Matias vs. Shohjahon Ergashev in the super lightweight division and Hector Luis Garcia vs. Lamont Roach in the super featherweight category.
The fight card’s odds indicate the considerable anticipation surrounding these bouts, with David Benavidez as a -440 favorite against Demetrius Andrade and Jermall Charlo as a -700 favorite over Jose Benavidez Jr.
The event will take place on November 25 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, starting at 9 p.m. ET. Boxing enthusiasts can catch all the action live on Showtime Pay-Per-View for a price of $74.99.
In summary, the highly-anticipated clash between David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade in the super middleweight division promises an intense battle as both fighters vie for a shot at facing the illustrious Saul Canelo Alvarez. With an intriguing undercard, this event is set to deliver an unforgettable night of boxing action.
