LAS VEGAS.- David Benavidez retained the interim world super middleweight belt by knocking out Demetrius Andrade after six rounds on Saturday night and later challenged Saúl Canelo Álvarez.
In what was a clash of styles between undefeated 168-pounders, Benavidez (28-0, 24 knockouts) dominated the fight against Andrade, who asked to stop the fight before the sixth round.
It is Andrade’s first defeat in his career (32-1).
“I established myself as the dominant boxer that I am”said Benavidez in the interview with Showtime after the fight. “Now I only ask for the fight that everyone wants to see,” he said in reference to a duel against the Mexican. Canelo Alvarez to unify their super middleweight title.
Benavidez is widely recognized as the best super middleweight behind Álvarez. He finished as a -430 favorite on FanDuel, meaning that to win $100, you would have had to bet $430.
In the co-main event, the middleweight champion of the World Boxing Council, Jermall Charlo, and José Benavidez Jr. went to 10 rounds. In this contest no title was awarded.
Charlo (33-0, 22 knockouts) spent most of the fight taking blows from Benavidez Jr. (28-3-1), but causing more damage than he received. Charlo’s swift left uppercut, in combination with his right hook, stopped Benavidez on several occasions and the champion maintained his perfect record.
Subriel Matías (20-1, 20 knockouts) retained his welterweight belt as junior champion of the International Boxing Federation. After dominating two rounds, Shohjahon Ergashev He received Matías’ blows for three consecutive rounds, without the damage being notable, but receiving a beating.
After being called to his corner after two seconds in the sixth round, Ergashev (23-1) did not return to the fight.
Night of more boxing:
Lamont Roach (24-1-1, 9 knockouts) took the super featherweight belt of the World Boxing Association that belonged to Hector Garcia in split decision. Despite falling to the canvas in the twelfth round, Roach landed the strongest impact of the fight in the eleventh round, a powerful right hand that staggered García (16-2), followed it up with a series of combinations until he rang the bell.
The judges Tim Cheatham (114-113) and Robert Hoyle (111-116) scored the fight in favor of Roach, while Max DeLuca (114-113) saw García as the winner.
FOUNTAIN: AP
