VERONA, NY — Demetrius Andrade put his promotional issues behind him last night with a masterclass 12th round stoppage over Willie Nelson.
Andrade was in control from the opening bell. His strongest weapon was the counter southpaw right hook, which dropped Nelson in an exchange at the end of round one. Andrade kept his offense varied by crisp combinations to the head and body, straight lefts that split Nelson’s high guard, and occasional flashy lead right uppercuts.
.@boobooboxing unleashes on @Trae_fab_5ive and sends him to the canvas. #AndradeNelson #Boxinghttps://t.co/nLHRtf4ZwQ
— Showtime Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) June 12, 2016
Nelson usually begins to come on in the later rounds as opponents tire (see his efforts against Tony Harrison and Vanes Martirosyan). Andrade never gave him the opportunity and smothered Nelson the few isolated times he landed a solid uppercut or right hand.
The right hook sent Nelson’s mouthpiece flying at the end of the eighth. That punch floored Nelson to end the 11th and set up the definitive finish in the 12th. Andrade scored his third knockdown off a left/right hook, and then finished matters with a right uppercut and hooks that put Nelson down for a fourth and final time.
.@boobooboxing is landing his shots and dominating against @Trae_fab_5ive. #AndradeNelson #Boxinghttps://t.co/VLQzEgaYBA
— Showtime Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) June 12, 2016
Coming in, Andrade only fought once in the last two years after a failed attempt to sign a new promotional contract with Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports. Now, he’s ready to challenge the other champions in the junior middleweight division.
“I didn’t lose no time,” said Andrade of his layoff. “I’m ready for them Charlo boys. I want them!”
Would you favor Andrade over the Charlos and Erislandy Lara?
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 