LAS VEGAS — “The Mexican Monster” is calling his shot and the pressure is on Canelo Alvarez to answer the call.
David 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 between the 26-year-old and 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.
MORE: Sporting News’ super middleweight rankings
David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade live updates, highlights, results
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) November 26, 2023
Round Seven: Andrade’s corner has seen enough and stops the fight before the start of the seventh! It’s over!
SN Unofficial Scorecard: —
Round Six: Benavidez marches forward and Andrade just shrinks. He’s fighting a mountain. Right hand, left hand, uppercut. Andrade slinks away. Body shot. Another right hand. More body shots. Uppercuts. It’s abusive. Another combination from Benavidez. Target practice. Uppercut from Andrade lands but it does nothing. Benavidez digs to the body and lands a right hand that sends Andrade’s mouthpiece flying. Benavidez is clobbering Andrade. Andrade is a mess.
SN Unofficial Scorecard: 10-9 Benavidez (59-54 Benavidez)
Round Five: Benavidez is after Andrade and lands a right and an uppercut. Body shots. He’s bouncing h
