Andrade | Nelson
This Saturday, at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, the highly talented
Demetrius Andrade fights campaigner Willie Nelson in a final eliminator for Jermell Charlo’s
WBC Super welterweight world title.
Statistics by Boxstat
Demetrius has had an, unfortunately, lackluster few years despite huge expectations and
obvious talent. The 28-year-old Rhode Island native was an amateur standout, winning the
Golden Gloves twice and a Gold medal at the world championships, so when he turned pro,
he was set for stardom. Andrade won the WBO world title in his 20th fight against
Martirosyan but was only able to defend once against Brian Rose before being stripped for
inactivity. Andrade faced 13 months with no fights, mainly due to complicated legal battles
between promoters and management. With a stoppage win return last October against Dario
Pucheta, Andrade hopes to put hiccups behind him and secure a second world title shot.
The southpaw technician has impressive skills, decent power and speed with both hands.
His opponent, Willie Nelson, is a very competent boxer-puncher who stands a towering 6ft3,
a height rarely seen in the 154lb division. A points loss to Martirosyan, the very man who
Andrade beat in 2013, gives pundits some insight into the outcome of this fight. Despite this,
wins over John Jackson and Tony Harrison prove he has the ability. Also a Southpaw, this
should reduce any stance advantage Andrade would usually have.
An interesting All American match-up, with high stakes for both fighters who look for world
honors. Andrades inactivity has left some doubt in the minds of critics, 13 months is a long
time in the sport of boxing. Nelson will be presumably hoping that some of the wind has
been taken from Andrades sails, as Demetrius would be quite the scalp to have.
Article by Jackson Park