Tag: Demetrius Andrade

David Benavidez on meeting with Demetrius Andrade: ‘Biggest fight of my career’

David Benavidez didn’t get the fight he wanted most. But he got a big one. And he could face a stiff challenge. The former two-time 168-pound titleholder – who has been pursuing Canelo Alvarez – will take on tricky, much-avoided southpaw Demetrius …

David Benavidez didn’t get the fight he wanted most. But he got a big one. And he could face a stiff challenge.

The former two-time 168-pound titleholder – who has been pursuing Canelo Alvarez – will take on tricky, much-avoided southpaw Demetrius Andrade instead on pay-per-view Nov. 25 from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career,” Benavidez said at the kickoff news conference Thursday in Los Angeles. “I give Demetrius a lot of props. He’s a great fighter and a lot of people have been ducking him for a long time.

“Nobody wanted to give him the opportunity but now we came together and we have the opportunity to make a great fight happen. These are the fights I want. I want to make my own lane and face the best. Andrade is one of the best in this weight class.

 “I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight but at the end of the day, it’s going to bring the best out of me. I’m a monster for a reason.”

Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) was asked to compare Andrade to Caleb Plant, a talented technician whom Benavidez easily outpointed in March.

The 26-year-old from Phoenix responded by saying that Andrade, a former 154- and 160-pound titleholder with an awkward style, presents a completely difference challenge from Plant.

“Everything about Demetrius Andrade is different than Caleb Plant,” he said. “His fighting style. He’s a lefty. His combination selection is different. It’s up to me to do the homework and see what I can learn from him off his previous fights and then put in the game plan.

“He’s a world class fighter and he’s not going to give me an easy fight at all. He’s hungry for the fight so that’s going to make for a great fight and the fans are going to be the ones who win.”

What about Alvarez?

A meeting with the Mexican star, who defeated Jermell Charlo by a one-sided decision on Sept. 30, could still happen but Benavidez must be successful on Nov. 25.

“I’m not worried about Canelo Alvarez. I’m worried about Demetrius Andrade,” he said. “I definitely believe the winner of this fight is the best super middleweight in the world. … He’s a very technical fighter. He’s a champion in two different weight classes.

“When you get a fighter like this, it’s 50-50. He’s a threat to anybody. A lot of people wouldn’t take the fight with him because they know he’s a problem. But for me, I want to be the best. I’m taking this challenge because I want to shut everybody’s mouth up.

“When great fighters get put in front of me, the best comes out of me and I become a great fighter myself.”

Meanwhile, Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) also believes this fight pits the best 168-pounders against one another.

“There’s nothing about this guy that you can criticize,” the 35-year-old from Rhode Island said of his opponent. “Therefore, we have ourselves a great fight. Our styles are going to clash really well and I think we’re going to put on a show. May the best man win.

“This is the Super Bowl of the 168-pound division. This is the biggest fight that can be made. The two most avoided fighters. Yes, I haven’t fought the best because the best doesn’t want to fight me. He can have that same claim. But the time is now. This is the fight.”

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David Benavidez, Demetrius Andrade to meet on pay-per-view Nov. 25

David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade are scheduled to meet on pay-per-view Nov. 25 from Las Vegas.

David Benavidez has a challenge in front of him. And it’s not Canelo Alvarez.

Benavidez will face fellow unbeaten 168-pound contender Demetrius Andrade on pay-per-view Nov. 25 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, it has been announced.

Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) is a two-time super middleweight titleholder, losing his belts first as a result of a positive test for cocaine and then on the scales after missing weight.

He’s coming off the highest-profile victory of his career, a one-sided decision over contender Caleb Plant in March.

The 26-year-old from Phoenix is considered a prime candidate to face undisputed champion Alvarez  but he will now have to get past the slick Andrade first.

Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) has struggled to lure a big-name opponent into the ring in spite of ongoing success. He’s a left-handed, former 154- and 160-pound beltholder known for his boxing ability and awkward style.

The 35-year-old from Providence, Rhode Island, made his 168-pound debut in January, when he defeated Demond Nicholson by a shutout decision.

The news conference to kick off the Benavidez-Andrade promotion is set for Oct. 12 in Los Angeles.

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David Benavidez, Demetrius Andrade to meet on pay-per-view Nov. 25

David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade are scheduled to meet on pay-per-view Nov. 25 from Las Vegas.

David Benavidez has a challenge in front of him. And it’s not Canelo Alvarez.

Benavidez will face fellow unbeaten 168-pound contender Demetrius Andrade on pay-per-view Nov. 25 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, it has been announced.

Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) is a two-time super middleweight titleholder, losing his belts first as a result of a positive test for cocaine and then on the scales after missing weight.

He’s coming off the highest-profile victory of his career, a one-sided decision over contender Caleb Plant in March.

The 26-year-old from Phoenix is considered a prime candidate to face undisputed champion Alvarez  but he will now have to get past the slick Andrade first.

Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) has struggled to lure a big-name opponent into the ring in spite of ongoing success. He’s a left-handed, former 154- and 160-pound beltholder known for his boxing ability and awkward style.

The 35-year-old from Providence, Rhode Island, made his 168-pound debut in January, when he defeated Demond Nicholson by a shutout decision.

The news conference to kick off the Benavidez-Andrade promotion is set for Oct. 12 in Los Angeles.

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Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward after his dominating victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday.

Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.

The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.

He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.

However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)

Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.

Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)

Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.

The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.

Alvarez dismissed that possibility.

“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.

He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.

Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)

Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.

That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.

God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.

DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.

The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.

Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.

JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)

Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.

It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.

Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.

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Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward

Canelo Alvarez has many compelling potential opponents going forward after his dominating victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday.

Canelo Alvarez didn’t want to talk about his future immediately after his one-sided victory over Jermell Charlo on Saturday night in Las Vegas. He was enjoying the present too much.

The super middleweight champion had just demonstrated with his dominating performance that those convinced he’s in decline had gotten it wrong when he was asked multiple times who he might fight next.

He wouldn’t divulge much, saying at the post-fight news conference that he’d discuss it with his handlers and make a decision when he’s ready.

However, we can speculate. Below are six potential opponents for now or the near future. Note: All five have perfect records.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ (27-0, 23 KOs)

Many fans want to see Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) defend his titles against his most-compelling potential opponent at 168 pounds, the strapping former two-time titleholder. Benavidez’s name was mentioned when Alvarez was interviewed in the ring.

“I don’t know. I don’t f—ing care,” he responded, his way of saying that no one can take down this version of him.

Alvarez has never expressed great interest in facing Benavidez but he obviously is aware that fans desperately want to see the fight. We’ll see whether Alvarez comes around.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (40-0, 31 KOs)

Alvarez was asked about the 147-pound champion and pound-for-pound king, who recently delivered a career-defining knockout of Errol Spence Jr.

The matchup makes sense in terms of star power; it would do big pay-per-view numbers. However, Crawford would have to move up three divisions for the fight, which wouldn’t be prudent on his part.

Alvarez dismissed that possibility.

“You know, I know I always say if a fight makes sense, why not? But he’s not in our plan,” Alvarez said.

DMITRY BIVOL (21-0, 11 KOs)

Alvarez said recently that he should never have challenged the 175-pound champion when he did (in May of last year) because he wasn’t healthy. His injured left wrist had yet to be surgically repaired.

He would love another crack at the Russian to get things right. And he undoubtedly is more confident than ever that he could turn the tables after his performance on Saturday.

Bivol’s name didn’t come up after his victory over Charlo but you can bet he’s on Alvarez’s mind.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE (32-0, 19 KOs)

Alvarez seems to take great pride in proving that those who doubt his skillset are wrong.

That skillset would be put to the test against the slick, awkward, left-handed Andrade, who no one has been eager to face. The challenge might just be attractive to the proud Alvarez, however.

God knows that Andrade, a former two-division titleholder who recently moved up to 168, deserves a big fight after all his success.

DAVIS MORRELL (9-0, 8 KOs)

Morrell might not have the name recognition to attract Alvarez but he’s a compelling potential opponent.

The 25-year-old Cuban defector, a southpaw, was an amateur star and has blown through his nine opponents as a professional. He doesn’t have experience in big fight but the all-around ability is there.

Plus, he’s the top contender in the WBA rankings.

JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)

Alvarez was expected to fight the bigger of the Charlo twins on Saturday. However, Jermall, a middleweight titleholder, was unavailable because he’s dealing with mental health issues.

It’s difficult to imagine him jumping into a fight with Alvarez immediately – after all, Charlo hasn’t fought since June of 2021 – but it might be a compelling matchup after Charlo gets a tune-up fight under his belt.

Obviously, the matchup also would have an interesting background story after Alvarez’s dominating victory over Jermall’s brother. And moving up only one division makes is a lot easier than moving up two.

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Weekend Review: Gervonta Davis delivered once again after difficult camp

Weekend Review: Gervonta Davis delivered once again against Hector Luis Garcia after a difficult training camp.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER

Gervonta Davis – “Tank” needed a win after a difficult training camp. And he delivered a beauty, forcing previously unbeaten Hector Luis Garcia to quit on his stool after eight rounds of a scheduled 12-round 135-pound fight Saturday in Washington, D.C. The hard-punching lightweight contender landed more and more damaging punches as the fight progressed until his capable opponent could take no more, Davis’ 18th knockout in his last 19 fights. And now he appears set for the biggest fight in his career, a showdown with fellow social media star Ryan Garcia this spring. Things couldn’t be better inside the ring. Outside it? Well, Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) was arrested and briefly jailed on allegations he struck the mother of his daughter on Dec. 27, accusations the woman later recanted. Still, he knows he has to watch himself. “I have to bring my people in close and listen to my close ones, listen to [manager] Al Haymon and just stay focused,” he said. If he can, the 28-year-old from Baltimore could end up as the face of the sport.

BIGGEST WINNER II

Roiman Villa – Slick Rashidi Ellis appeared to be on his way to a one-sided victory over his game, but limited opponent halfway through their welterweight bout on the Davis-Garcia card. Then Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) demonstrated that anything is possible if you persevere. The undeterrable slugger, upping his pressure on Ellis, began to land hard punches around the seventh round and turned the tide in dramatic fashion as a result to pull out a stunning majority-decision victory. And he saved his best for last, putting Ellis down twice in a memorable 12th and final round. That proved to the difference on the cards. One judge scored it a 113-113 draw but the other two gave Villa the nod by the same score, 114-112. Villa was among the few who weren’t surprised. “I know that fighters such as him who are quick sooner or later will get a little tired,” he said, “and that’s what I took advantage of.” Thus, he went from relative unknown to a player in one of the sport’s glamour divisions over night.

BIGGEST LOSER

Hector Garcia – Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs) was a longshot against Davis for a reason. Not only was he face to face with one of the best fighters in the world pound for pound but he had moved up in weight for the privilege, which made his mission nearly impossible. Still, the setback had to be difficult for the Dominican swallow. He entered the ring with tremendous momentum after upsetting Chris Colbert and defeating Roger Gutierrez to win a 130-pound title last year, with made him a Fighter of the Year candidate. Then it was over in an instant. Davis hurt him with a left to the side of the head late in Round 8, after which he complained as he sat on his stool that he couldn’t see. And that’s where he stayed, becoming just another victim on Davis’ growing list. Garcia will probably go back down to 130, where he could defend his title and face opponents with whom he could actually compete.

BIGGEST LOSER II

Rashidi Ellis – Ellis (24-1, 15 KOs) had everything going for him. He has natural gifts and refined skills, which seemed to be leading him toward a fight for one 147-pound title or another in the near future. And then Villa changed his trajectory. Ellis said afterward that he thought he had done enough to earn the victory. And he might’ve been right. I scored it 114-112 in his favor. However, the judges saw it differently and suddenly he had the first loss in his career. Where does he go from here? One, he needs to figure out what he could’ve done differently in the second half of the fight to prevent that from happening again. And, two, he should follow through on his desire to face Villa again if it’s possible. There’s no better way to make people forget about a disappointing setback than avenging it. And he’s capable of doing that.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Jaron Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian: Ennis (30-0, 27 KOs) was a victim of his own lofty standards against Karen Chukhadzhian (21-2, 11 KOs) on the Davis-Garcia card. The welterweight contender had stopped his previous 19 opponents, the kind of streak that leads you to assume that you’ll see a spectacular stoppage every time he fights. That didn’t happen on Saturday. Most of the blame falls on Chukhadzhian, who was more interested in surviving than taking the risks necessary to win the fight. And when a fighter as skillful and athletic as he is decides to survive, it’s extremely difficult for anyone to stop him. Ennis also is to blame. It’s part of his job to find a way to cut off the ring if his opponent runs; he couldn’t do that, which gives him something to work on in the gym. All that said, Ennis deserves credit: He won every round on all three cards. That’s a terrific night by normal standards.

MOST PREDICTABLE

Demetrius Andrade’s victory: New manager, new division, same result. Andrade, who is now handled by Premiere Boxing Champions, demonstrated in a shutout decision over Demond Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs) in his 168-pound debut on the Davis-Garcia card that he still has it at 34-year-old and can be a factor at super middleweight. If there was a flaw in his performance it was that he couldn’t stop an opponent he dominated even though Nicholson engaged him enough for him to do so. However, that’s par for the course for Andrade, who typically starts quickly and then cruises to a wide decision victory. That formula isn’t exciting but it’s effective. Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) is thought of as one of the most avoided elite boxers. I can’t imagine any of the top 168-pounders is going to be in a hurry to face him after his performance on Saturday night.

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Weekend Review: Gervonta Davis delivered once again after difficult camp

Weekend Review: Gervonta Davis delivered once again against Hector Luis Garcia after a difficult training camp.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER

Gervonta Davis – “Tank” needed a win after a difficult training camp. And he delivered a beauty, forcing previously unbeaten Hector Luis Garcia to quit on his stool after eight rounds of a scheduled 12-round 135-pound fight Saturday in Washington, D.C. The hard-punching lightweight contender landed more and more damaging punches as the fight progressed until his capable opponent could take no more, Davis’ 18th knockout in his last 19 fights. And now he appears set for the biggest fight in his career, a showdown with fellow social media star Ryan Garcia this spring. Things couldn’t be better inside the ring. Outside it? Well, Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) was arrested and briefly jailed on allegations he struck the mother of his daughter on Dec. 27, accusations the woman later recanted. Still, he knows he has to watch himself. “I have to bring my people in close and listen to my close ones, listen to [manager] Al Haymon and just stay focused,” he said. If he can, the 28-year-old from Baltimore could end up as the face of the sport.

BIGGEST WINNER II

Roiman Villa – Slick Rashidi Ellis appeared to be on his way to a one-sided victory over his game, but limited opponent halfway through their welterweight bout on the Davis-Garcia card. Then Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) demonstrated that anything is possible if you persevere. The undeterrable slugger, upping his pressure on Ellis, began to land hard punches around the seventh round and turned the tide in dramatic fashion as a result to pull out a stunning majority-decision victory. And he saved his best for last, putting Ellis down twice in a memorable 12th and final round. That proved to the difference on the cards. One judge scored it a 113-113 draw but the other two gave Villa the nod by the same score, 114-112. Villa was among the few who weren’t surprised. “I know that fighters such as him who are quick sooner or later will get a little tired,” he said, “and that’s what I took advantage of.” Thus, he went from relative unknown to a player in one of the sport’s glamour divisions over night.

BIGGEST LOSER

Hector Garcia – Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs) was a longshot against Davis for a reason. Not only was he face to face with one of the best fighters in the world pound for pound but he had moved up in weight for the privilege, which made his mission nearly impossible. Still, the setback had to be difficult for the Dominican swallow. He entered the ring with tremendous momentum after upsetting Chris Colbert and defeating Roger Gutierrez to win a 130-pound title last year, with made him a Fighter of the Year candidate. Then it was over in an instant. Davis hurt him with a left to the side of the head late in Round 8, after which he complained as he sat on his stool that he couldn’t see. And that’s where he stayed, becoming just another victim on Davis’ growing list. Garcia will probably go back down to 130, where he could defend his title and face opponents with whom he could actually compete.

BIGGEST LOSER II

Rashidi Ellis – Ellis (24-1, 15 KOs) had everything going for him. He has natural gifts and refined skills, which seemed to be leading him toward a fight for one 147-pound title or another in the near future. And then Villa changed his trajectory. Ellis said afterward that he thought he had done enough to earn the victory. And he might’ve been right. I scored it 114-112 in his favor. However, the judges saw it differently and suddenly he had the first loss in his career. Where does he go from here? One, he needs to figure out what he could’ve done differently in the second half of the fight to prevent that from happening again. And, two, he should follow through on his desire to face Villa again if it’s possible. There’s no better way to make people forget about a disappointing setback than avenging it. And he’s capable of doing that.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Jaron Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian: Ennis (30-0, 27 KOs) was a victim of his own lofty standards against Karen Chukhadzhian (21-2, 11 KOs) on the Davis-Garcia card. The welterweight contender had stopped his previous 19 opponents, the kind of streak that leads you to assume that you’ll see a spectacular stoppage every time he fights. That didn’t happen on Saturday. Most of the blame falls on Chukhadzhian, who was more interested in surviving than taking the risks necessary to win the fight. And when a fighter as skillful and athletic as he is decides to survive, it’s extremely difficult for anyone to stop him. Ennis also is to blame. It’s part of his job to find a way to cut off the ring if his opponent runs; he couldn’t do that, which gives him something to work on in the gym. All that said, Ennis deserves credit: He won every round on all three cards. That’s a terrific night by normal standards.

MOST PREDICTABLE

Demetrius Andrade’s victory: New manager, new division, same result. Andrade, who is now handled by Premiere Boxing Champions, demonstrated in a shutout decision over Demond Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs) in his 168-pound debut on the Davis-Garcia card that he still has it at 34-year-old and can be a factor at super middleweight. If there was a flaw in his performance it was that he couldn’t stop an opponent he dominated even though Nicholson engaged him enough for him to do so. However, that’s par for the course for Andrade, who typically starts quickly and then cruises to a wide decision victory. That formula isn’t exciting but it’s effective. Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) is thought of as one of the most avoided elite boxers. I can’t imagine any of the top 168-pounders is going to be in a hurry to face him after his performance on Saturday night.

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Demetrius Andrade easily outpoints Demond Nicholson in 168-pound debut

Demetrius Andrade easily outpointed Demond Nicholson in his 168-pound debut on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Luis Garcia card Saturday.

Demetrius Andrade looked like a legitimate contender in his 168-pound debut.

The former titleholder at 154 and 160 dropped Demond Nicholson twice and easily outboxed him to win a shutout decision in a 10-round bout on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Luis Garcia card at Captial One Arena in Washington, D.C.

All three judges scored it 100-88, 10 rounds to none. Boxing Junkie also scored it 100-88.

“I felt good,” Andrade said. “I could definitely tell the weight difference but speed, combinations, the IQ was the plan today, get the 10 rounds in. And that’s what we did.”

Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) attacked Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs) from the opening bell and didn’t let up, picking apart his overmatched opponent with a variety shots at a safe distance.

The southpaw put Nicholson down with a combination in Round 2, although Nicholson wasn’t hurt.

And, in the final minute of the fight, a hard left hand to the head put Nicholson on the canvas a second time to punctuate Andrade’s impressive performance.

Andrade appeared to suffer a knockdown from a flurry of punches in Round 5 but the referee didn’t rule it that way. Otherwise, the winner, an excellent defensive fighter, took few punches.

According to CompuBox, Nicholson landed only total 28 shots — 2.8 per round.

The only flaw in Andrade’s performance — if it can be described as such — was his inability to take out a man he dominated from beginning to end.

Still, Andrade demonstrated that he’s a genuine threat to the top super middleweights, including undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez. He could be first in line to face the winner of a projected fight between top contenders David Benavidez and Caleb Plant.

“The only way I can say I’m the best,” he said, “is to fight the best.”

Demetrius Andrade easily outpoints Demond Nicholson in 168-pound debut

Demetrius Andrade easily outpointed Demond Nicholson in his 168-pound debut on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Luis Garcia card Saturday.

Demetrius Andrade looked like a legitimate contender in his 168-pound debut.

The former titleholder at 154 and 160 dropped Demond Nicholson twice and easily outboxed him to win a shutout decision in a 10-round bout on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Luis Garcia card at Captial One Arena in Washington, D.C.

All three judges scored it 100-88, 10 rounds to none. Boxing Junkie also scored it 100-88.

“I felt good,” Andrade said. “I could definitely tell the weight difference but speed, combinations, the IQ was the plan today, get the 10 rounds in. And that’s what we did.”

Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) attacked Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs) from the opening bell and didn’t let up, picking apart his overmatched opponent with a variety shots at a safe distance.

The southpaw put Nicholson down with a combination in Round 2, although Nicholson wasn’t hurt.

And, in the final minute of the fight, a hard left hand to the head put Nicholson on the canvas a second time to punctuate Andrade’s impressive performance.

Andrade appeared to suffer a knockdown from a flurry of punches in Round 5 but the referee didn’t rule it that way. Otherwise, the winner, an excellent defensive fighter, took few punches.

According to CompuBox, Nicholson landed only total 28 shots — 2.8 per round.

The only flaw in Andrade’s performance — if it can be described as such — was his inability to take out a man he dominated from beginning to end.

Still, Andrade demonstrated that he’s a genuine threat to the top super middleweights, including undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez. He could be first in line to face the winner of a projected fight between top contenders David Benavidez and Caleb Plant.

“The only way I can say I’m the best,” he said, “is to fight the best.”

What’s next for Jaime Munguia after knockout of D’Mitrius Ballard?

What’s next for Jaime Munguia after his sensational knockout of D’Mitrius Ballard?

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at DAZN.com.

There’s some decisions for Jaime Munguia to make.

On Saturday evening, Jaime Munguia continued his winning ways, plowing through D’Mitrius Ballard to win by third-round TKO from Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico. The win runs Munguia’s record to 5-0 since going up to middleweight at the beginning of 2020 and 39-0 overall, with 31 of those wins by way of knockout.

With Ballard in his rearview mirror, Munguia has plenty of options for his next fight. He’s the No. 1 contender by the WBC and the WBO. So is that route the 25-year-old will take, or does Munguia choose to look elsewhere?

DAZN News examines who could be next in line for the Mexican star.

JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY

While the calls have been made for Munguia to face a top-flight name, this is the most likely scenario for him. In talking with DAZN News before the Ballard fight, Munguia said he wants to fight for a world title in late spring or early summer.

“I’m definitely aiming for a world title fight later this year, hopefully in the summer. Early May is my goal,” Munguia said.

Current WBO titlist Demetrius Andrade has been rumored to be moving up to super middleweight against Zach Parker, which leaves the 160-pound belt up for grabs.

Munguia and Alimkhanuly are the top contenders, so they would meet to determine a new champion. It gives Munguia the title opportunity he’s looking for, and it’s a legitimate fight. Alimkhanuly (11-0, 7 KOs) is coming off an eighth-round TKO win over former champion Hassan N’Dam.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

If Andrade ends up not moving up in weight, this is the path Munguia should take.

Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) quieted the naysayers when he steamrolled past Jason Quigley in November to successfully defend his WBO title for the fifth time. Like Munguia, Andrade’s been targeted for not facing top-flight competition. But that isn’t his doing as “Boo Boo” has continuously had the door slammed in his face by Jermall Charlo, Gennadiy Golovkin, and Canelo Alvarez.

The Mexican star’s performances have shown it’s time for the kid gloves to be taken off and let him start swimming with the sharks. Andrade is the perfect guy for the job as he’s champing at the bit for a significant name, and Munguia is that foe.

GENNADIY GOLOVKIN

There were talks of this fight happening in 2018, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission denied Munguia as an opponent due to what they felt was his lack of experience. So much has changed in the last three years for both guys. But now, it’s something that has entered Munguia’s conscience, and it’s one he desperately wants.

“If it was my choice, I would really like to fight Gennadiy Golovkin or the winner of Golovkin vs. [Ryoto] Murata,”

Before talks could even be broached, Golovkin, the IBF titlist, will face WBA titleholder Ryota Murata. It is unknown when that fight will take place. If Triple-G takes care of business and holds two pieces of 160-pound hardware, who wouldn’t want to see a clash between the two hardest punchers in the division?

Of course, the fight the fans want is Canelo-Golovkin III. But if that can’t get made, why not Golovkin-Munguia?