PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A. – The World Boxing Association (WBA) ruling, which recently ordered a new purse bid for the Demetrius Andrade-Jack Culcay bout, showed that there is more to the story than the Sauerland Promotion version of events which caused their WBA Junior Middleweight World Title fight to be cancelled.

Ed Farris of A-Team Promotions (Andrade’s co-promoter) said, “The original Sauerland contract was never even given to Andrade because it had ridiculous clauses in it, allowing Sauerland to change the date of the event with virtually no notice, which is against purse bid rules. There were additional clauses in there as well, which would have penalized Andrade $100,000 (virtually Andrade’s entire purse) for missing a single press conference half way around the world, with very little notice! It was clear to us that Culcay’s side was trying everything they could to force us to pull out. What wasn’t reported was that Demetrius signed a binding bout contract as soon as it was sent to him, almost an entire month prior to the fight. Not to mention the fact that the purse bid contract is binding in itself! When the WBA intervened on October 24 and issued their own standard contract requiring compliance within seven days, Demetrius signed his within 24 hours of receiving it.” (Per the WBA purse bid rule D.11, which allows the WBA to force the execution of its own contract for disputes between the two parties when the WBA recognized that the 31-page Sauerland agreement made it all but impossible for Andrade to sign.)

Ed Farris continued, “Demetrius wanted to get back in the ring ASAP, so we tried like hell to make this work. Needless to say, I’m disappointed about the thought of having to go thru the purse bid process all over again. The purse bid agreement was a binding legal contract, yet Demetrius just spent the last two months training for nothing! It was Culcay’s side that didn’t sign the simple four page WBA bout contract within the seven day imposed deadline, not our side, and I have the signed contracts to prove it. Culcay’s side stated the fight was cancelled four weeks ago, which was absurd, because they were still negotiating with our side just a week prior regarding a minor issue with the gloves. We have emails to prove that as well. Why would they be continuing to negotiate with us if they had already cancelled the bout four weeks earlier? The truth is that they have tried everything they possibly could to avoid putting Culcay in the ring with Andrade, including filing petitions with the WBA just hours before the purse bid was to take place in an attempt to stop the bid. They never expected to win the bid in the first place, but gambled that our side was going to bid much higher. I have no idea when Demetrius is going to step in the ring again, but I can tell you these failed negotiations sure as hell had nothing to do with him or his team. The reason that this fight didn’t happen lies solely on Sauerland Promotions and that is a fact.”

Demetrius Andrade was clearly disappointed to hear the bout would no longer be happening. He said, “I signed everything that was put in front of me as soon as I received it, so it was a surprise to hear that our team was being blamed for the fight being cancelled. I put in countless hours of training and sparring in preparation for this fight. Jack Culcay and I both had plenty of time to get ready. This wasn’t a fight on short notice. It’s been a crazy last few weeks, and as of Sunday, I didn’t even know whether I needed to fly to Germany or not! Right now, I just want to move forward with my career and give the fans the fights that they deserve. I am ready to get in the ring with anyone in my division to prove that I’m the best 154 lb fighter in the world.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Instagram: @boobooandrade or https://instagram.com/boobooandrade
Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter: @BooBooAndrade or https://twitter.com/BooBooAndrade
Hashtags: #BooBooAndrade #TheATeam #AndradeCulcay
Demetrius Andrade’s website: https://ateampromotions.com/

PROVIDENCE (June 23, 2016) – A year after he was stripped of his world super welterweight title by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), undefeated super welterweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade has repositioned himself off of his sensational June 11 th stoppage of Willle “The Great” Nelson on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

The 28-year-old Andrade (23-0, 16 KOs) decked Nelson (25-3-1, 15 KOs) four times, finishing off his game opponent who’d never been knocked out, in the 12th round of their fight at Turning Stone Casino (Verona, N.Y).

Andrade successfully defended his WBO International title and also gained several valuable options in terms of world title and/or major fights. He is now the No. 1 mandatory contender in the World Boxing Council (WBC), waiting to challenge the winner of a mandated title fight between new champion Jermell Charlo and WBC Silver title holder Charles Hatley. The 2008 U.S. Olympian is No. 2 in the WBO, No. 3 in the World Boxing Association (WBA), and Miguel Cotto is No. 1 in both of those sanctioning organizations.

After his sensational, statement-making performance against Nelson, Andrade said he wanted to fight anybody whose name started with “C” and ended in ‘O” – the Charlo brothers (IBF champion is Jermall Charlo), Cotto and “Canelo” (Saul Alvarez).

“I am the best fighter in the 154-pound division,” Andrade proclaimed. “I’m the No. 1 contender in the WBO. Liam Smith is holding my belt but I don’t believe he’ll fight me. I’m the WBC mandatory for the Charlo-Hatley winner. Once I get that belt I’ll beat Charlo’s twin for the IBF title and I’ve been calling out (WBA champ Erislandy) Lara for a long time. But ‘Canelo’ is the big money fight out there for me and who I want the most. I can be ready for him in September for his next fight. At the end of the day, we’ll see what’s up, but I want to get right back in the ring as soon as one of these guys step up to fight me.”

During his long layoff, Andrade made a conscious effort to be a more fan-friendly fighter, building up his strength to go along with his superior quickness. Many called his last fight, ‘Mayweather-like,’ in which Demetrius displayed tremendous power and explosiveness, which complemented his incredible boxing skills and defense.

“When I first turned pro,” Andrade explained, “I was getting in the ring with some good fighters, so I was cautious and settled in on just getting a victory. I learned that I needed to change in order to put butts in seats. I don’t get hit and I also showed that I could go 12 rounds, good for experience, and still takeout a tough fighter like Nelson who had never been stopped. I wasn’t going for the knockout but, after I caught him early with a right hook, I knew that it would come if I was patient and kept up the pressure. I think Willie can give any of the other top guys at 154 a good fight. He has a big heart and came to win. It wasn’t as easy as it may have looked on the scorecards. Willie pushed me to look good. During my layoff, I worked hard on my craft to be better, concentrating on strength and conditioning, and it really showed in my last fight. I worked on my fundamentals and had a lot of success going to the body. I believe fans saw improvement in my performance and appreciated it.”

More comfortable knowing his promotional issues are now in the past (his A Team Promotions owns 50% of his rights to go along with 25% each for Banner Promotions (Artie Pelullo) and Star Boxing (Joe DeGuardia), Andrade is prepared to clean out the 154-division before eventually moving up in weight to take on Gennady Golovkin in what Andrade believes can be a mega-fight in due time.

“I’ve always known since I first saw Demetrius in the ring at 14 years old that he was going to become a superstar,” A Team Promotions president Ed Farris commented. “There were so many doubters and obstacles along the way. It sure took a long time to get here but I’m so happy for him that his moment has finally arrived. You don’t know how good it feels to see him fulfill his destiny.”

Andrade, in fact, hasn’t lost inside the ring in nearly eight years, when he was ripped off against Korean boxer Kim Jung-Joo, 11-9, in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The boxer named “Boo Boo” – as a kid with cuts, bumps and bruises – doesn’t plan on changing his unbeaten script.

“I’m still untouchable,” Andrade concluded. “I’ve shown my continued commitment to boxing. It’s ‘Boo Boo’ time!”

VERONA, N.Y. (June 11, 2016) – John Molina outpunched Ruslan Provodnikov in an all-action fight by revealing a new weapon in his arsenal, a sharp and steady jab. Molina captured a surprising unanimous decision in a 12-round junior welterweight bout that featured fierce exchanges throughout Saturday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Demetrius Andrade delivered a statement, knockout victory over Willie Nelson, staking his claim as one of the world’s best in the stacked 154-pound division. In the opening bout, Dejan Zlaticanin knocked out Franklin Mamani to earn the vacant 135-pound world title and make history as the first native of Montenegro to win a world championship.

Molina and Provodnikov promised a war, and they delivered. But what surprised many was the volume of punches and effective jabbing from Molina (29-6, 23 KOs), a veteran more known for engaging in brawls than his boxing prowess. Molina threw nearly 1,110 total punches, including 643 jabs compared to just 265 for Provodnikov, who failed to close the range on his naturally bigger opponent.

“We knew we had to outwork Provodnikov,” said the 33-year-old Covina, Calif., native. “It was a fight that we needed. Ruslan Provodnikov is a very notable name. He’s a tough, tough guy. He kept moving forward.

“People don’t realize I had my amateur career in the pros, and now it’s my time to step out and shine. I have a new trainer. Shadeed (Suluki) showed me how to throw punches and use my power.”

Molina vs. Provodnikov was scored 116-112, 117-111, 115-113.

“I think it (the scorecard) was self-explanatory. A fighter knows when they won a fight. I won that fight and it was going to be hard to take it away from me.”

The judges agreed on nine of the 12 rounds, a relatively high percentage according to SHOWTIME analyst Steve Farhood.

“Today the decision was the right one,” Provnikov said. “Molina won the fight – he was better tonight. Everything was scored the way it should have been.

“We expected that he was going to box, he was going to move. We expected him to do that. It wasn’t my night. Maybe I don’t have the same hungriness as before. I’m not going to make excuses, but it was hard for me to find my groove tonight.

“I don’t think it’s that (the layoff). There are no excuses. I lost the fight tonight. I couldn’t find the hungriness. I have to sit down and think of why that happened.

“I’m sorry if I disappointed.”

Undefeated former world champion Demetrius Andrade put on a masterful performance against top-10 ranked Willie Nelson, flooring the former world title challenger four times including once in the opening round and emphatically in the final round to close the show (TKO 12, 1:38).

With the win, Nelson, who landed a staggering 57 percent of his power punches in just his second fight in two years, moved one step closer to earning another shot at a title fight. Andrade, who never lost his belt in the ring, is now the second mandatory challenger for the WBC Super Welterweight World Title, currently held by Jermell Charlo.

“I’m coming to get those belts,” said the 28-year-old Andrade. “People can’t run no more. The best have to fight the best. I’m coming for them.

“I came back, I’m stronger. Me and my team worked hard. We figured out what we need to do to take it to the next level. I’m ready for the Charlo brothers. I want them.”

Andrade was on his way to pitching a shutout, delivering a statement performance after months of frustration from “boxing politics.” The former WBO 154-pound champion targeted the head and the body of Nelson, relying on a steady diet of combos to floor the 6-foot-3 Nelson in the first, 11th and twice in the 12th.

“I’m young enough and my reaction time is still going,” Andrade said. “Willie Nelson is a true champion. He pushed me to the limit where I had to figure out what punches to throw. But I put the pieces of the puzzle together and got the knockout, baby.

Nelson, of Cleveland, dropped to 25-3-1 with 15 KOs.

“He was tough,” Nelson said. “I was forcing my shots too much. I felt like I was getting back into the fight, but he was crafty and mobile.

“I am ready for whatever is next and, despite what happened tonight, I am here to stay. My career won’t end like this.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME telecast, Zlaticanin blasted late-replacement Mamani with a third round TKO (:54) to win the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

The 32-year-old Zlaticanin (18-0, 10 KOs) became the first native of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro to capture a world championship.

“I’m very proud. I made Montenegro proud,” Zlaticanin said. “I want to thank my fans that came to support me. I think I made my country proud. I think they will be delighted. I don’t think they know what this means, but in a few days they will know.”

The southpaw Zlaticanin pounced with a powerful straight left that had Mamani in trouble just seconds into the fight. The Bolivian, who was also aiming to become the first native of his homeland to win a title, survived the round but he was in trouble again in the third. Zlaticanin staggered with an overhand left and followed with a series of unanswered blows that forced referee Charlie Fitch to halt the contest with Mamani (21-3-1, 12 KOs) defenseless against the ropes.

“I knew that I would knock him out. He stood too close to me.

After the fight, Zlaticanin called out Jorge Linares, the WBC Lightweight “Champion in Recess”, who pulled out of a tentatively scheduled match with Zlaticanin due to an injury.

“I want Linares next. He can’t run from me anymore.

In undercard action on SHO EXTREME, Willie Monroe Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) won a unanimous decision (96-92, 95-93, 99-89) over John Thompson (17-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup of former world title challengers. Monroe scored two knockdowns, one in the second and another with a straight right jab in the fifth.

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Russian heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (29-3, 24 KOs) scored four knockdowns en route to a sixth round TKO (1:33) of Mario Heredia (11-2, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB).

Saturday’s event from Turning Stone Resort Casino was promoted by Banner Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader replays Monday, June 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME. The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast replays Tuesday, June 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME.

Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood called. the SHOWTIME EXTREME action. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

VERONA, N.Y. (June 9, 2016) – The six fighters, including main eventers Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov and John “The Gladiator” Molina, who will compete on this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), participated in the final press conference Thursday at Turning Stone Resort Casino here.

Russia’s Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) and Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) of Covina, Calif., clash in an eagerly awaited matchup in the main event. Provodnikov, a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, was involved in the Fight of the Year in 2013 with Tim Bradley; former world title challenger Molina was in the 2014 Fight of The Year with Lucas Matthysse.

A can’t-miss co-feature at Turning Stone Casino will match unbeaten former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., against Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Elimination bout. The telecast will begin with a 12-rounder for the vacant WBC lightweight world championship between undefeated No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, and Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs) of Bolivia.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Also this Saturday, from Turning Stone, former world title challengers Willie Monroe Jr. (19-2, 6 KOs, of Rochester, N.Y. and John Thompson (17-2, 6 KOs), of Newark, N.J., clash in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHO EXTREME opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs), of Hollywood, Calif., meets Mexico’s Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Below is what the fighters said Thursday:

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV

(On training camp) …

“This camp went very well. Everything went great. Now I’m just waiting for Saturday.”

(His thoughts on Molina) …
“I have a lot of respect for Molina and his team. He’s a great fighter. These are the types of opponents I like. Most of the fights I’ve had are fights like this, opponents like this. This actually motivates me. I don’t have a problem with getting into a fight like this. This is what I’m looking for. This is the type of fight I expect.”

(On his determination and will to win) …
“Words are not so much associated with explaining this because anybody can talk and anybody can say words. I think the fans or the people have to see how my fights have been and the way that I’ve fought those fights. For me to say right now that I’m going to ‘die in the ring’, they’re words right now. The fight will show, then the fans will have an understanding in their mind of was I just saying that or is that really the way it is. The actions show, not the words.”

(On how he sees the fight playing out) …
“It’s very hard to predict and I usually don’t make predictions. I never make predictions for my fights. Let’s just wait on June 11 and see.

(Final thoughts) …
“I want to take this moment to thank everybody that has to do with this fight. All the people that made this happen.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

(Thoughts and reflections on Muhammad Ali) …

“The world lost a great human being, not only inside the ring but outside the ring. A champion is the best way to describe him. The greatest of all time. An innovator. Somebody that changes the world in and out. My heart goes out to his family.”

(On whether he’s the underdog or this is a 50-50 fight?) …

“In the grand scheme of things, the boxer – experts if you will – I don’t know how many times they’ve been in the ring but for what they do in boxing, they seem to have him as the favorite but rightfully so. In a sense because of the personality and persona that he’s portrayed in past times. I don’t think too much about the hype. We’ve prepped for war on Saturday night. We would be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn’t prepare right for someone like Ruslan. He’s a hell of a fighter, a hell of a competitor and we were both in a Fight of the Year. What people don’t realize is we were both in Fight of the Year on the losing side and now we’re going to be in a Fight of the Year, but both of us going for the winning side. I think the fans are going to be pleasantly surprised. I’m ready. The stage is set to showcase my capabilities Saturday night.”

(On how you prepare for a fighter like Provodnikov) …
“Just like you prepare for a fighter like everybody I’ve faced. Whether it be someone like Matthysse. Whether it be other fighters, I don’t want to go into names because right now my undivided attention is on Ruslan Provodnikov but the preparation is like that of any other man. I hate comparing the guy’s style to other people because again, the whole disservice you’d be doing is to yourself. You can study their style and get used to their mannerisms and what they portray in the ring and you can prepare yourself. With that being said, June 11 will be the first time I ever face Ruslan Provodnikov so what I do to prepare myself is work on my strong points and make sure those are up to par and make sure my energy is set and ready to fire on all cylinders Saturday night and I can tell you that they are set right.”

(On what fans should expect) …
“Fireworks. Like I said, every word that we use in the thesaurus is an understatement. Boxing is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ sport and Saturday night is no different. I believe in my heart of hearts the fans are going to get a treat with Ruslan Provodnikov coming forward, not wanting to take a backward step with myself coming forward not wanting to take a backward step. We’re both going to try and go in there and pose our will on each other and you’re not going to see a boring fight. It won’t be Dancing With The Stars, it’s going to be a fight.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

(On his opponent and his quality of opposition) …

“Tony Harrison is definitely not Demetrius Andrade. Yes, he’s probably a prospect and doing good things but everybody sounds good, everybody’s a prospect until you get in there with somebody that knows how to fight. They can try to bring the will out of you and that’s what Willie did is bring the will out of himself to beat somebody like Tony Harrison, but Tony Harrison’s definitely not me.

“Willie Nelson, yeah he’s tall, they say he’s strong but I’m all that too. My IQ is greater, smarter and this is my time. This is it. This is something that either makes or breaks me. It’s a good challenge so the people get to see that, due to the layoff and everything. I came back to fight a guy like this and I came back to win the 154 division.

“I came here, chewing bubble gum and kicking ass. I ran out of bubble gum so come June 11, I will be kicking some ass. I am happy that SHOWTIME gave me this opportunity and put me back on the network, put me back on prime TV.

“There’s definitely going to be violence to open up the main event show with Provodnikov and John Molina, which is going to be a tremendous fight. Thanks for everybody coming out … and I am the greatest alive.”

(On the division and possible future opponents) …

“I think that I’m going to make history by beating two twins that hold title belts and it’s going to be a legendary thing for me. So, I’m tuned in, I’m ready and I’m focused. This is my division, it’s my war.”

(On what he sees playing out on fight night) …

“I’m just going in and do my thing, you know, I’m the type of person with character. I’ve been in the ring for many years through the amateur program and fought 300-400 times, against everybody in the whole world. So, there’s not nothing I haven’t seen or fought. A tall guy like Willie Nelson with no legs or upper body, I’m going to push him to the limit. That’s pretty much the plan. I’m going in and its knockout season for me.”

WILLIE NELSON

(On fans not expecting him to win) …

“It’s what happens all the time. I’m always the underdog. It’s OK and I try not to worry about it much.

“I’m not one to predict the fights; about what can and can’t happen, but it’s going to be an interesting fight. We know each other’s background and we have sparred before at the U.S. Training Camp.”

(On Muhammad Ali)…

“It hasn’t really affected my mindset in terms of this fight. With the passing of Muhammad Ali it’s very sad for boxing, and for the world. Because he wasn’t only a great fighter but also a great icon, a great man and a great leader.”

DEJAN ZLATICANIN

(On what fighting for a world title means to him) …

“I’ve prepared for this hard fight for a long time because they changed opponents and it’s hard to be prepared for that. But I have waited for this opportunity for a long time. This is the most important fight of my life, and I am going to win this fight.”

(His prediction) …

“I don’t like to talk too much. I will talk in the ring and I promise I will knock out Franklin Mamani.”

FRANKLIN MAMANI

(On this opportunity)…
“This is the chance of a lifetime, I feel like I have the winning lotto ticket and I just need to cash it in Saturday night. I come for a boxing family of 9 brothers, I have been in boxing since I was 12 years old and I always dreamed of fighting for a world title in the United States. My country (Bolivia) and my family will be watching and I will not disappoint them.”

(On his opponent)…
Zlaticanin is an aggressive, strong and talented fighter. It will be an honor to trade leather with him inside the ring and be able to win the WBC lightweight championship of the world against the number one contender in my division.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 7, 2016) – A Team Promotions hosted an open media workout on Monday at Bix Six Academy in Providence for undefeated former world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs). The 2008 U.S. Olympian, of Providence, R.I., is finalizing preparations for this Saturday 12-round WBC Super Welterweight eliminator against Willie “The Great” Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in one of three fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Here’s what Andrade, who’ll also be risking his WBO International title, said Monday:

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

Reflections of Muhammad Ali:

“Muhammad Ali certainly shook the world, and not only in boxing. He was colorful; nobody talked like him. He helped boxers, too. Ali is the reason Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.) is who he is because Ali set the bar high.

“As an entertaining boxer, Ali brought blacks and whites together and later he spread the word about religion, culture and his other diverse interests.

“What young boxer didn’t do the Ali Shuffle? I know I did, and taunted my opponents like him, too.”

About Pros in the Olympics:

“I’m for pros in the Olympics as long as an amateur, who has a few Olympic trials, has the first opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. Coming up in the amateurs, I fought grown men, some who had been Olympians a few times. I was 21 and some of the opponents were 34-35 and had already been Olympians one or two times. They had advantages in experience, power and skill. Unfortunately, Americans only have Olympic opportunities when they’re young amateurs.

“Would I go the Olympics now? Yes! The Olympics is the biggest thing on the planet. To represent the United States again, yeah, I’d do it now for the chance to win gold. But I do think headgear should be applied in amateur boxing, including the Olympics.”

On the 154-pound division:

“I’m putting myself in the best position to fight for the WBO or WBC title. There are rumors of Canelo fighting (WBO champion Liam) Smith. Let me fight Smith and the winner gets Canelo. Or let me fight Canelo with the winner getting Smith.

“I’m going to knock out the Charlo twins. Both guys have fought on SHOWTIME, so those fights shouldn’t be too difficult to make. Once I take care of business with the Charlo twins, I’ll fight Lara (WBA champion) to clean up the division.”

On Gennady Golovkin:

“I definitely want to fight Golovkin. Let me build myself up first, by cleaning out the 154-division, and then we’ll have a mega-fight with two different styles. GGG is known for his knockouts. I knock out people, too, but I’m a better boxer than him. It’ll be one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing. I’m going to clean up the 154-division, make my reputation and then it’s a go with GGG.”

Relationship with his opponent Willie Nelson:

“We were in the U.S. amateurs together, but because we were in two different weight classes – he was 140-147 and I was 152 – there were no problems between us. We used to watch each other fight and watch other Americans box.

“Nelson is experienced having gone through the amateurs. He fought (Vanes) Martirosyan, who I beat (for the vacant WBO title by 12-round unanimous decision). He’s fought at this level. I know he’s tall, but I’m 6-foot-1, so our height difference isn’t serious.”

On returning to the ring:

“I’m pleased that we have this opportunity. SHOWTIME has given me this chance and now it’s up to me to prove I can backup what we said.”

For more information: Twitter: @AndradeATeam, @BooBooBoxing, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports. Instagram: @BooBooATeam, www.Facebook.com.DemetriusAndrade

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

6 p.m. FIGHTERS ARRIVALS
Location: Turning Stone Resort Casino-Winter Garden Lobby (In front of the waterfall)

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

11 a.m. FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Location: Turning Stone Resort Casino, Exit 33 Atrium (Located by P14)
5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, N.Y. 13478

11 a.m. Press Conference Begins

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

5 p.m. OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Location: Turning Stone Convention Center
Rooms: Seneca, Onondaga, Cayuga and Tuscarora
5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, N.Y. 13478
4 p.m.- Fighter check-in
5 p.m.- Fighters On-scales

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

5 p.m. Doors Open
6 p.m. First Fight Begins
7 p.m. SHOWTIME EXTREME® Telecast Begins
9 p.m. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Begins

Media Credentials: Please pick up media credentials between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Cypress Room. Valid ID required.

Post-Fight Press Conference will take place immediately after the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast concludes in the Cypress Room.

About Provodnikov – Molina

On Saturday, June 11, Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs), a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KOs), of West Covina, Calif., will face each other in the 12-round main event. In the co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader is a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, and WBC No.-ranked

Also on June 11, former world title challengers, Willie Monroe Jr, (19-2-0, 6 KOs), and John Thompson, (17-2-0, 6 KOs,) will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs) takes on Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

NEW YORK (June 2, 2016) – Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov and John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr., along with Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Willie “The Great” Nelson, hosted an International Media Conference Call on Tuesday in advance of their highly anticipated battles as part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Also taking part was Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions, and SHOWTIME Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager Stephen Espinoza.

Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs), a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger Molina (28-6, 23 KOs), of West Covina, Calif., will face each other in the 12-round main event. In the co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader is a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, against WBC No. 5 ranked contender Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs) of La Paz, Bolivia.

Also on June 11, former world title challengers, Willie Monroe Jr, (19-2-0, 6 KOs), and John Thompson, (17-2-0, 6 KOs,) will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs) takes on Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Below is what the boxers said Tuesday on the conference call:

RUSLAN “THE SIBERIAN ROCKY” PROVODNIKOV
“I will try to not disappoint anyone and try to bring my best on June 11. I don’t like to make any predictions. Boxing is very unpredictable; anything can happen on June 11. We’ve got a little bit to wait until fight night and for me it’s just important to win the fight.

“I am very thankful for everyone who has made this fight happen. I am pleased with the opponent that I have because John Molina is a tough fighter. It’s going to be a tough fight and I am looking for it to be a battle. So everybody be ready because on June 11 it will be a great fight.”

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

(On how he feels fighting someone who is going to force the fight like himself)
“For me, in a perfect world, I would have a guy right there to exchange with me but Ruslan and his team have been around the game a long time. They know that I’m a puncher. I anticipate Ruslan to do what he does best, which is sit there and fight but I also anticipate him also utilizing his boxing ability given his amateur pedigree and his experience in the pro game. We’re prepared for any Ruslan whether he tries to get up and box or whether he sits there and bangs. We know he’s a strong fighter. We know he’s a strong puncher and we’re prepared for that. Ruslan is going to be Ruslan and he’s going to sit down and fight with me.”

(On how he mentally prepares for fights)
“I have no other way. You look at my fights and the outcome, we have that fighter spirit in us. If we’re being cordial, it’s because we’re professional. It’s what we do for a living. If we take it outside of the ring that’s very ignorant and not very mature. Believe me, I understand and know, and Ruslan understands and knows, that come June 11 all of the kindness goes out the window. After the fight we could be best of friends. But during the fight, I always use the example that he’s trying to take something away from my family. So, it’s very serious business inside that ring. Outside the ring, I don’t want to waste energy or negative feelings toward anybody. This is what I do for a living. I have a competitive spirit, I don’t even like to lose in checkers.

“I have had a very successful career in boxing and I’m looking forward to making an even better one come June 11. Every fight is serious, and remember, I’ve been playing this game since I was 24 years old and I only had 22 amateur fights so essentially my amateur career was in the pro game. Whether the fights I’ve had are a loss or a win, I’ve always gained experience and I have become a better fighter because of it. I’m just getting warmed up and the fight on June 11 is going to catapult me in the right direction.”

DEMETRIUS “BOO BOO” ANDRADE
“The champ is in. The champ is in. I feel good. I’m grateful. I want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skill and talent on this June 11 card, especially with the Hall of Fame going on. It is a big main event between Provodnikov and John Molina; two guys that are going to back up and give some good entertainment. In my eyes, Willie Nelson and Demetrius Andrade is the number one 154 fight that you don’t want to miss leading up to fighting for a title shot for the WBC against a Charlo brother (Jermell).”

(On how it felt to be inactive for so long)
“I’ve been staying busy, staying focused knowing that there’s a bigger picture at the end of the day. All great legends and all Hall of Fame fighters have their story lines. My time is coming around. The tables are turning and people are going to have to step up and fight each other in one way or another. Sometimes, where you are in life is more conducive than your bank account. So, I’m not upset, or mad or frustrated with a thing that is going on and how everything played out.

“At this point, there is a lesson in everything that you go through in life and I learned my lesson through that point in time. Me trying to be frustrated and take it out on people, no, I took it out in the ring.”

(Thoughts on Willie Nelson)
“I’ve seen him in the amateur program. I’ve seen him fight tough guys that are top guys today. I know he’s bringing that experience. He’s fought previous fighters that I’ve fought. I know I’m going up against a giant but I consider myself a giant as well and it’s going to be a great matchup, a great fight for the 154 (division). I feel that it is one of the best fights in the 154 division that has ever been made.

“Not looking past Willie Nelson but me, my character, my hard work and my ethics, I’m looking to be the best and fight the best out there. I want to put out there and say congratulations to the Charlo twins on making history for being twin brothers to win (titles). But I’m going to make history by taking both of those titles and beating both of them.

(On what it was like to be stripped of a title)
“A belt doesn’t identify me. That doesn’t change anything about me, my fight style, who I am or anything like that. Nowadays you don’t have to have a title to be king of the ring but this is an opportunity for me to get back in the likes of fighting with the WBC. Fighting on the SHOWTIME June 11 card is going to be good movement for me. As far as boxing, the days are coming back where the champ is fighting the best.”

WILLIE “THE GREAT” NELSON
“This is Willie Nelson, one of the top contenders for the 154-pound division. I’m excited for this fight. I think that both of us feel like this fight right here is going to be the shot that both of us have been looking for. I feel like this is my time right now. With me and Boo Boo’s past history, unfortunately we have to come to this fight. We’re pretty cool as friends but it’s our time so we have to get in there and show the world what we’re made of.”

(On the reasoning behind the lengthy layoff)
“One of the reasons was because of the death of Steve Smith but also because it is hard getting fights. Nobody wants to fight a 6-foot, 4-inch junior middleweight that’s actually coming to fight and that has decent pop. Besides that, look at my career. My career has been nothing but fights and layoffs. I’ve been pro since I was 19 years old and I only have 27 pro fights. That’s just been my career: fights and layoffs I guess.

“Regardless of who I fight and where I’m fighting, I’m going to give it my all, always. It doesn’t matter what place, what promoter, network or venue. I just perform to the best of my ability and look forward to doing what I do.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
(On taking a fighter like Ruslan and what it is about him that attracted SHOWTIME)
“One thing that has characterized Ruslan throughout his career is that he is a fan favorite and that is consistent regardless of what the scorecards are at the end of the fight. As a network executive what we’re looking for is entertaining programming, and fights that people want to see, fights that people talk about, and that is consistently what Ruslan has delivered throughout his career. He is one of those types of fighters who, like John [Molina Jr.] as well, that even if they have a handful of losses on their record, it really doesn’t matter because they are as entertaining and enjoyable to watch as anyone in the sport.

“We try to have a variety of fights; some with really skilled guys, some guys who are really big punchers, a variety of weight classes, a variety of different types of fighters. This is one where it’s not about titles, not about anything but two guys who fight really hard and who give it their all. [It’s about two guys] meeting in the ring to figure out who’s the better boxer on that night.

“This is one way to add a different type of variety to the sport. Once we had the fight at the top of the card we tried to be consistent for the whole card down. If you look at guys like Demetrius and Willie, Dejan and even down to Willie Monroe Jr. and John Thompson, I think that characterizes this as what should be and all-action night.”

(On Demetrius and Willie)
“I give all the credit to Demetrius and Willie for this fight. For Willie on stepping up to this challenge. We have one of the most avoided guys in the division in Demetrius, who’s taking such a tough fight after a relatively long layoff and period of inactivity. It just shows what kind of guys these are and how they are anxious to step up to the next level of their careers.”

ARTHUR PELULLO, President of Banner Promotions
“One thing led to another where we felt that there were more opportunities on SHOWTIME with all of the different fighters…There’s more of an opportunity for Ruslan Provodnikov to show his skills and we were able to go down this road.

“John Molina is the toughest fight right now. This is the fight he has to get by but there is a real opportunity, whether he wins or loses. Both guys have a real opportunity on SHOWTIME because of the pool of talent there.”

Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

PROVIDENCE (May 31, 2016) — Undefeated super welterweight Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade is in a good place as he prepares for his June 11 showdown versus Willie “The Great” Nelson on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Approaching the peak of his professional boxing career, the 28-year-old Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) has moved past a frustrating three-year stretch that, after he won a 12-round decision over Vanes Masrtirosyan for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) 154-pound world title, found him fighting only twice. One was his only title defense, in which he won impressively by way of a seventh-round stoppage of then WBO No. 1 mandatory title challenger Brian Rose. But, due to promotional issues, Andrade was later stripped by the WBO for inactivity. His last fight was this past October when he recorded a second-round knockout of Dario Fabian Pucheta for the WBO International belt.

Now, Andrade has a new three-year promotional contract that gives his company, A Team Promotions, 50 percent of his promotional rights to go along with 25 percent each for Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.

“I’ve always been in a good place, mentally, because I have confidence in myself,” said Andrade on what he went through during his long stretch outside of the ring. “I continued training hard. The politics of boxing, well, I’m not 100 percent there yet. Not until I’m actually in the ring and fighting will I actually know if that’s worked out for me.

“I’m satisfied in my future, showcasing myself in the ring. I own 50 percent of myself and that – being a promoter – is a big factor. I know everything now, including all the real numbers, and I’ve learned about the ins and outs of this business. I’m also meeting the right network of people to help my career.”

Andrade is thrilled to be fighting on SHOWTIME for the second time during his career, the first back in 2013 on ShoBox: The New Generation against Freddy Hernandez. “The top 154-pounders are with SHOWTIME. I’d like to thank SHOWTIME for giving me this amazing opportunity.”

Andrade-Nelson is a 12-round WBC title elimination fight to determine the second mandatory challenger for new WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo, who, as the WBC No. 1 contender was matched last May 21 withNo. 2 rated John Jackson. No. 3 Andrade was originally slated to face No. 5 Charles Hatley in a title eliminator to determine the No. 1 mandatory contender. However, negotiations with Hatley’s promoter, Don King, failed to materialize and Andrade moved on to fight WBC No. 10 Nelson. The WBC declared Hatley as Charlo’s mandatory challenger, despite him being ranked lower than Andrade, with the Andrade-Nelson winner now declared the mandatory title challenger for the future Charlo-Hatley victor.

Andrade, though, has no hard feelings with the WBC about its decisions. “I’m just thankful to be fighting in this ‘tournament’,” he commented. “Charlo was the WBC International champion and he should have had the opportunity to fight for the vacant title. I have the WBO International title, Hatley the WBC Silver title, so Hatley should probably have been ranked higher than me by the WBC. I respect the WBC’s decision to make him the first mandatory challenger.”

Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) and Andrade are familiar with each other through the USA Boxing amateur program, but the two have never met in the ring.

“Nelson lets his hands go,” Andrade noted. “He likes to mix it up and so do I. I like to think that I’m a little smarter than him in the ring. This is going to be an interesting fight. I respect him for taking the fight and I’m preparing to fight the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced. He may be the tallest guy (6′ 3″) I’ve ever fought as a pro, but it’s only a few inches, and not a big deal.”

Andrade is back on his way to reaching the peak of the 154-pound division once again.

“I am ready to set the roof on fire on June 11,” Andrade said. “Once everyone at 154 pounds gets a taste of me, they will know I am the greatest. The Charlos made history by becoming the first twins to hold titles in the same weight division. I will make history by beating both of them. Then I will beat Lara and unify all of the belts.

“Stay tuned. I am a force to be reckoned with. I will show the world that the best 154 pound fighter in the world is Demetrius Andrade.”

INFORMATION

Twitter: @AndradeATeam
Instagram: @BooBooATeam
www.Facebook.com.DemetriusAndrade

NEW YORK (April 12, 2016) – Former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov, former world title challenger John Molina Jr. and undefeated former 154-pound world champion Demetrius Andrade participated in a media luncheon on Tuesday hosted by SHOWTIME® and Banner Promotions before beginning training camp for their June 11 fights, live on SHOWTIME® from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Former Fight of the Year participants Provodnikov and Molina will meet in the June 11 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event. The tripleheader begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade facing off against Willie Nelson in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator. In the opening bout, WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlatcanin will challenge No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Below is what the fighters had to say:

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV
“As soon as I heard the name John Molina, I jumped on it. Molina fights with the type of style that people want to see. He brings the action.

“June 11 is another Fight of the Year-type fight. You can expect fireworks.

“People expect action fights when I get in the ring. I appreciate that SHOWTIME saw a value in what I can offer and I want to make sure that I don’t let them down.

“I’ve only seen one fight of his, and that was the fight with (Lucas) Matthysse. That fight shows the type of fighter he is.

“I think our styles are going to clash. The reason people love this is because it’s unpredictable. Nobody knows what’s going to happen on June 11. Nobody can even predict which way it’s going to go. We’re both punchers, we both go forward, we both fight in a risky style. I think that’s going to make this fight a fight that everybody should watch.

“The fight is already a huge motivation, but the fact that the Hall of Fame is the same weekend is definitely great. I’m definitely pleased to know that because hopefully one day I can be a part of that.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“We’re never say die fighters. We come forward. It’s literally like two trains that are going to collide. It’s a can’t miss fight.

“He’s a hell of a fighter. He has a big heart and a big will.

“Right now, my only focus is – and I know it sounds generic – but my only focus is on Ruslan Provodnikov. He deserves my undivided attention right now because he’s that kind of fighter.

“I have to prepare for someone that has a never say die attitude. He’s like a virus that will never go away. He’s a hell of a fighter – he has a big heart and a big will. It’s tough to beat a guy that wants to win.

“We’re going to give the fans a treat, a Gatti-Ward type fight. I expect nothing less. We can have a phone booth, we don’t need a big ring.

“The judges probably don’t even need to be there because we’re going to decide the fight ourselves.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“Willie Nelson, he’s going to come in and he’s going to try and throw those power shots. He’s going to try to stomp me down and make a statement, but I’ve been doing this for too long. I’m just ready to be where I need to be, where I deserve to be, and that’s on the top.
“I’m not worried about ring rust. I stayed in the gym like a true champion should. I’m still young in the game so I don’t think I should have any problems seeing or ducking any punches.

“I’m confident and I know I’m the best 154-pounder out there and this fight right here is going to let people know that I’m back in business.

“Everybody knows the work that I’ve put in. The time is now and the time is coming.

“I’m ready to re-introduce myself to boxing fans and show them I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.

“After this fight with Willie Nelson, I plan on fighting the winner of Jermell Charlo and John Jackson and getting that WBC belt. And after that, I want to face the rest of the division and prove I’m the best.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.banner-promotions.com follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BannerBoxing; @RuslanProvod, @johnmolinajr135 or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports. www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions

NEW YORK (April 11, 2016) – An outstanding super welterweight clash has been added to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, June 11 as undefeated, former WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade will face hard-hitting perennial contender Willie Nelson in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator. The winner of the 12-round co-feature will become the mandatory challenger to the winner of the May 21 showdown between Jermell Charlo and John Jackson, who face off for the vacant WBC 154-pound title on SHOWTIME.

Andrade vs. Nelson will serve as the chief support to the all-action matchup between former junior middleweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov and former world title challenger John Molina Jr., live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Andrade vs. Nelson is a co-promotion with Banner Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and DiBella Entertainment

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader during International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend, WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlaticanin will take on No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

Fighting out of his native Providence, R.I., the 28-year-old Andrade has compiled an unblemished record of 22-0 with 15 knockouts since turning professional in 2008 after representing the United States in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

A crafty southpaw with a piston-like jab and knockout power in each hand, Andrade won the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship with a career-best performance over Vanes Martirosyan on November 9, 2013 and successfully defended the title against No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Brian Rose on June 14, 2014. Most recently Andrade, who is a consensus top-5 super welterweight, scored a second-round knockout over Dario Fabian Pucheta on October 17, 2015.

A true road warrior who is extremely tall for a junior middleweight at 6-foot-3, Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KO’s) has faced and defeated numerous top contenders over his 10-year career. Fighting only once in 2015, the Cleveland native upset highly regarded and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Tony Harrison with a ninth-round knockout on July 11 in Tampa, Florida. In his first start of 2016, Nelson stopped Jonathan Batista in the second round on March 25.

Other notable names the all-action Nelson has defeated include John Jackson, Luciano Cuello, Michael Medina and Yudel Jackson. On October 14, 2014, Nelson came up just short against Martirosyan, losing a hotly contested 10-round decision on SHOWTIME.

The southpaw Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs) was an accomplished amateur in Eastern Europe before making a statement in his U.S. debut with an impressive fourth-round TKO of previously undefeated Ivan Redkach in a 135-pound title eliminator last June 13 on SHOWTIME.

Two bouts prior to the win over Redkach, Dejan (pronounced “DAY-han) Zlaticanin (silent “z” – pronounced “la-ti-CAH-nin) earned a well-deserved 12-round split decision over hometown favorite and former two-division world champion Ricky Burns in 2014.

The 31-year-old Zlaticanin is an offensive-minded fighter who constantly pressures his opponents, outworks them and wears them down. Zlaticanin, of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, will be making his first start in nearly 12 months.

The win over Redkach last June earned Redkach the WBC’s mandatory position at 135 pounds. He was scheduled to face WBC Champion Jorge Linares in early 2016, but Linares pulled out of the bout with a broken hand. Due to the injury, the WBC has since named Linares their champion in recess, creating the opportunity for the vacant title shot.

The Italian Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs) will make his 2016, U.S. and SHOWTIME debut. The undefeated southpaw has fought all but one of his professional fights in Italy, the lone exception a 2012 TKO of veteran contender Derry Matthews in Britain.

The 39-year old fought twice in 2015, a seventh-round TKO of Gyorgy Mizsei Jr., for the European lightweight belt and a 12-round unanimous decision over Gamaliel Diaz for the WBC’s 135-pound silver title.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.banner-promotions.com follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BannerBoxing; @RuslanProvod, @johnmolinajr135 or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports. www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions

Philadelphia, PA. / Bronx, NY (March 25,, 2016) – A Team Promotions, Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are pleased to announce the re-signing of former WBO junior middleweight world champion, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade to a new exclusive multi-year promotional contract.

“We are very happy to have Demetrius re sign with Joe & I,” said Banner Promotions president, Arthur Pelullo.

“We are looking to move forward together with Demetrius becoming one of the major players in boxing. The next step is to win the WBC world title and then to unify all the title belts.”

“We have promoted Demetrius since he turned pro 7 years ago. We believed then, as we do now, Demetrius is one of the most talented boxers in the world. We are all looking forward to a bright future together,”said Star Boxing CEO, Joe DeGuardia.

“We are excited to get Demetrius career back on track and are are looking forward to have Demetrius be a co-promoter for his career. He is excited to get back in the ring as quickly and as often as possible,” said Ed Farris of A-Team Promotions.

Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island has a record of 22-0 with 15 knockouts.

The 27 year-old former world amateur champion and 2008 Olympian turned professional in 2008 and became the WBO junior middleweight world champion with a 12-round split decision over 2004 United States Olympian Vanes Martirosyan.

He made one defense of the crown by stopping Brian Rose in 7 rounds on June 14, 2014.

He is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Dario Fabian Pucheta on October 17th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

PROVIDENCE (November 12, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweight contender Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) is ready to participate in the proposed World Boxing Council (WBC) 154-pound division tournament to determine its successor for retired Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

A 2008 U.S. Olympian and 2007 AIBA World Championships gold medalist, Andrade is also a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super welterweight champion, who was stripped of his title earlier this year due to inactivity.

The 27-year-old southpaw from Providence snapped a 16-month hiatus from the ring last month, stopping former South American champion Dario Fabian “El Gallo” Pucheta (20-3, 11 KOs) in the second round for the vacant WBO International super welterweight championship. Ineligible to be world ranked during his stretch as WBO champion and then inactivity, Andrade is now rated No. 3 by the WBC, as well as No. 4 by the WBO.

“I’m happy to be rated No. 3 by the WBC and will be honored to participate in its tournament,” Andrade said. “Hopefully, (Jermell) Charlo and (Austin) Trout will agree to fight in the tournament, so everyone will finally know who No. 1 in the 154-pound division is. I’m ready to prove myself again and I hope they step up to the challenge, too.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam.

PROVIDENCE (November 10, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) has never forgotten where he comes from, Providence, and for the second year in a row the 27-year-old former world champion is spearheading a Turkey Drive there.

The group that Andrade founded, The Andrade Team, Inc., is on a mission to provide the Providence community with resources that, unfortunately, have become more scare, conducting various events that have included its aforementioned Turkey Drive.

The Andrade Team has also organized a community clean-up in Providence, provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 500 children, and a safe Halloween candy hand-out.

“Our staff will provide turkeys for those in need as well as the delivery of the turkeys,” Andrade explained. “With the economic climate being what it is today, we understand that more people are in need of some aid. This year we would like to increase the number of turkeys we give away from 500 to 700. I’m asking companies and people for donations to help us reach our goal of $5,500.

“I’m proud of our work and truly appreciate the support we’ve received in the past. It’s tough out there. People are working hard just to survive. This is a way for more fortunate people to show how thankful they really are at Thanksgiving by helping others.”

Donations of any denomination will be gratefully accepted. Checks should be made out to The Andrade Team, Inc. and sent to Demetrius Andrade, P.O. Box 28555, Providence, RI 02908.

Andrade was a 2008 U.S. Olympian and 2007 AIBA World Championships gold medalist.

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 17th, 2015) – With two more impressive highlight-reel knockouts on their resumes, Demetrius Andrade and Hank Lundy are ready for whoever’s willing to accept the challenge in their respective weight classes.

Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) stopped Argentinian Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-3) at the 50-second mark of the second round Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Junior Middleweight Title in the main event while Lundy disposed of Carlos Winston Velasquez (23-22-1) 23 seconds into the fifth round of the co-main event to bring home the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Lightweight Crown.

The dual main event headlined CES Boxing’s “Gold Standard” card, promoted in association with Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.

Fighting for the first time in 16 months, Andrade – the former world title-holder in the WBO – made quick work of Pucheta, sending him to the canvas twice in the opening round, the first time courtesy of a straight left hand and again just seconds later with a right uppercut. Already on wobbly legs, Pucheta gave it a go in the second round, but Andrade laid him out flat with another right, sending the pro-Andrade crowd into an uproar.

Andrade will now vault back into the WBO rankings, where he says he’s ready for the “big boys” at 154 pounds, whether that’s World Boxing Association (WBA) junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, WBC middleweight champ Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, or anybody else in that weight class.

“Everybody else can get the big fights. Why can’t I get the big fights?” Andrade said. “Lara calls out Delvin Rodriguez and he gets that fight, but I can’t get Lara. He can go in and barge in on Canelo’s press conference and get that fight. Why can’t I get the same thing? I called him a bitch, nationally!

“No disrespect to any fighter because anyone who gets in that ring, I have high respect for, but it’s time for me to showcase what I really have against the guys everyone thinks is No. 1.”

Showing no signs of ring rust, Andrade came out firing Saturday and could get his shot real soon.

“This layoff, I just took the time to get better physically, spiritually, mentally, just all around, to be better myself,” he said. “Once I found out I was fighting September 17th, I always keep the synthetic oil in, but I had to get the motors running again. Here we go, man.”

For Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs), this is familiar territory. The former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champion and former No. 1 contender in the WBC, Lundy has settled back into the 135-pound weight class following a brief stint at 140 and also hopes to contend for a world title by the end of 2015.

He, too, came out fast Saturday, dropping the scrappy, tough Velasquez in the second round and again at the bell in the fourth, but Velasquez refused to quit. He continued to eat lefts and rights and even jawed with Lundy during exchanges, practically charging at his opponent after picking himself up off the canvas at the end of the fourth.

Seeking his first win in three fights, Lundy finally ended it in the fifth with another trademark flurry, backing Velasquez into the corner before the referee stopped the fight.

What’s next for “Hammerin’” Hank?

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring in December,” Lundy said. “Our mission this year is to stay busy, stay active, get that world title, and that’s what I’m going to do.

“Now I’m back at 135 and you see the punching power, you see the hand speed. No one is going to stop us.”

Lundy suffered back-to-back losses to Thomas Dulorme and Mauricio Herrera at 140 and also had a bout with Petr Petrov scrapped when he failed to make this 135-pound weight limit taking the fight on eight days’ notice. On Friday, he clocked in at a lean 134, removing any doubt as to whether or not he can still fight at lightweight.

“I’m still a lightweight,” he said. “They threw me under the bus. They didn’t give me credit for taking a fight on short notice, but I showed you today. I came in at 134. I think I was a little lower than that, but the commission didn’t want to show that off!

“What it is, before I was going up and down in weight, but now, as a veteran, we’re eating and living right. I have a mentor, Bernard Hopkins. When you have an icon around like that who lectures to you, you have no choice but to take it and feed off it. I’m living proof.”

Unbeaten Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (10-0, 7 KOs) kept his perfect record and his knockout streak intact, stopping South Carolina’s Kevin Cooper at the 1:33 mark of the second round.

Cooper succeeded where Gray’s last six opponents failed by making it past the opening round, but not without hitting the canvas courtesy of a left hook in the closing seconds. Cooper made it through the first, but didn’t last much longer in the second. Gray finished the bout with a left uppercut, sending Cooper to his knees. He made it to his feet before the 10 count, but referee Danny Schiavone wisely waved it off. Gray has now won his last seven bouts by knockout, six in the first round.

New Haven, Conn., featherweight Josh Crespo (5-2-3) won for the second time in as many fights, out-working the game Greg Coverson of Detroit to earn a 58-55, 60-53, 60-53 unanimous decision.

Crespo benefitted from a first round knockdown, catching Coverson lunging and countering with a clean left hook. Coverson survived and gained some momentum in the later rounds, but Crespo proved too quick and too elusive.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Nate Millier (7-0-1, 5 KOs) impressed in his United States debut, stopping Queens veteran Borngod Washington 40 seconds into the second round. Millier opened the round with a flurry, backing Washington into a corner and unloaded with wide left and right hooks, forcing Schiavone to give Washington a standing eight count. Washington began complaining of a shoulder during the break in the action and could no longer continue.

WBO International Junior Middleweight Title

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE
Providence, R.I.
21-0, 14 KOs
153 ½

DARIO FABIAN PUCHETA
Buenos Aires, Argentina
20-2, 11 KOs
152 ½

PROVIDENCE (October 15, 2015) – The long, often contentious stretch of inactivity for undefeated super welterweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) finally ends this Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The 2008 U.S. Olympian from Providence returns to the ring for the first time in 16 months to fight former South American champion Dario Fabian “El Gallo” Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International super welterweight championship

The 27-year-old Andrade hasn’t fought since June 14, 2014, when he annihilated the then No. 1 mandatory contender Brian “The Lion” Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs) in seven rounds, showcased on HBO, in his first and only World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defense.

“I’ve been there, done that,” Andrade spoke about his return. “It was kind of like when I was an amateur turning pro; I think, I didn’t fight for eight months. Yeah, it’s finally hit me that I’m fighting again, but this is something I’ve done all my life, and it should have been happening on a regular basis. Training camp was great. Inside and outside of the ring (during his ring hiatus), I’ve been preparing for life-changing stuff, not just this one fight. But I’m fully focused on this fight against a tough, hungry opponent.”

Andrade, whose WBO title was stripped a few months ago for inactivity, originally captured the vacant WBO super welterweight championship November 9, 2013, also aired on HBO, by way of a 12-round decision over previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs).

“I’m in the best shape of my life,” Andrade added, “physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m going to look spectacular Saturday night doing what I do best.”

Tickets are still on sale, ranging from $200.00 to $25.00 (excluding fees). Call 401.261.3755 to purchase tickets.

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam.

New York, October 15—A pair of Star Boxing standouts with 21 career wins apiece – welterweight contender Raymond “Tito” Serrano and former Junior Middleweight world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade – will see action in key bouts on this busy boxing weekend.

On Friday night, October 16, Serrano (21-2, 9 KOs) will try to put the first blemish on the undefeated record of Brad Solomon (25-0, 9 KOs) in the co-featured bout on a card to be televised by TRU TV from the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York. The 26-year-old Serrano, a Puerto Rican standout, is a product of the tough fight city of Philadelphia, PA. The Solomon-Serrano bout is promoted by Top Rank in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

On Saturday night, October 17, the ring wars lead to Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT when Andrade returns to the ring after a 16-month layoff and puts his undefeated record on the line against Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs), a top Argentinian who has won three straight. They’ll be fighting in the main event for the vacant WBO and WBA International Junior Middleweight world titles. The show is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

A victory by Andrade, fighting on his New England home turf out of Providence, RI, puts two belts around his waist, and is an automatic top 15 ranking in both the WBO and WBA, a major step toward reclaiming his WBO junior middleweight title that was stripped from him in July due to the long layoff.

More on Andrade: One of the most celebrated amateurs in modern United States amateur boxing history, slick southpaw Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade is now on a mission to accomplish something he did before starting to get paid to fight, and become world champion as a professional.

Andrade first started boxing at the tender age of six. As an amateur, Demetrius won his first gold medal in 2002 at the National Silver Gloves Championships for ages 12 and 13 at 112 pounds. He later had winning performances at the 2005 & 2006 U.S. National Championships, 2006 & 2006 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

In 2007, he captured a silver medal at the Pan-Am Games in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, losing in the final to local favorite Pedro Lima, 7-6. Later that same year, in Chicago, he became the first American in 12 years to capture gold at the World Amateur Boxing Championships. “Boo Boo” was completely dominant in the final competition, leading 10-1 after one round – aided by a standing eight count imposed on his opponent, Manon Boonkumnong – after which his opponent retired.

Andrade was considered the most promising pro prospect on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, as well as one of the most highly regarded in the entire world. In Beijing, he defeated Kakhaber Zhvania (Georgia), 11-9, and dangerous Audrey Balanov (Russian), 14-3, in the first two rounds of The Olympics. In the quarterfinals, though, he was unfairly eliminated, losing a controversial 11-9 decision to Korean boxer Kim Jung-Joo.

After the Olympics, Andrade signed a co-promotional contract with Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

Andrade made his much-anticipated pro debut October 23, 2008 on Versus television, stopping Patrick Cape (4-2) in the second round of their fight in Airway Heights, Washington. One month later, fighting at home in Rhode Island for the first time as a professional, Demetrius defeated Eric Marriott (0-1) by way of a fourth-round technical decision. After his first two fights, Andrade became a regular on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights series and ultimately won his Championship on HBO.

PROVIDENCE (October 9, 2015) – Last night at Big Six Academy in Providence, undefeated super welterweight contender Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) hosted an open media workout in advance of his October 17th 10-round main event fight versus Argentinian opponent Dario Fabian “El Gallo” Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Stripped earlier this year of his World Boxing Organization WBO) title due to inactivity, Andrade will face Pucheta for the WBO & World Boxing Association (WBA) International titles, marking his first fight in 16 months, since the 2008 U.S. Olympian stopped No. 1 mandatory contender Brian “The Lion” Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs) in seven rounds of his first and only world title defense.

Andrade captured the vacant WBO 154-pound title November 9, 2013 by way of a 12-round decision over previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs).

Tickets are on sale, ranging from $200.00 to $25.00 (excluding fees). Call 401.261.3755 to purchase tickets as well as for bus special information.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE:

“This turnout (of public) shows the support I have in Rhode Island. It’s been a while since they’ve seen me in the ring, but they’re going to start seeing me in big fights.”

“The cream always rises to the top. I’m going to show that I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“It’s been frustrating (16-month layoff). This is something I’ve been doing since I was six and not to do it has been tough. I’ve tried to stay positive, working hard in the gym to stay in shape, but sparring in a gym is different than being in a fight when your opponent is trying to take your head off. October 17th, people will see what I’m truly made of.”

“I have other ways of making a living but I love what I do every day…box! This is a life-changing business. I’m very happy to get back in the ring October 17th. “I’m going to make a statement that I’m the future of boxing.”

“The WBO and WBA International titles are on the line in this fight. They took my (WBO world) title and it’s vacant right now. The reason I took this fight is to get ranked in the top 15 and fight for a world title.”

“My opponent (Dario Pucheta) has come all the way from Argentina to win. This is a tough business and to be 20-2 takes a lot of heart and guts. This is an opportunity for to make a statement. He’s hungry and believes because a win over me will make a name for him.”

“I’ve had some bumps in the road and it took a year to get settled. I haven’t suffered any damage in the ring. I feel good. The fans are going to say that they need to see a lot more of Demetrius Andrade.”

“Camps’ been good and I feel great. I want to thank CES for letting me showcase my skills on their card and to continue to bring great boxing to New England.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam or @BooBooBoxing.

Providence, RI (September 15, 2015)–It was announced today at the Rhode Island State House that undefeated former WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade will return to the ring on Saturday night, October 17 when he takes on Dario Fabian Pucheta that will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The bout will be contested for the WBO International Jr. Middleweight title.

Andrade (21-0, 14 KO’s) will be returning for the first time in 16 months, and the October 17th bout will be the fight that will springboard Andrade back to a world title.

Andrade defended his title with a 7th round stoppage over Brian Rose on June 14, 2014 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Pucheta of Benos Aires, Argentina has a record of 20-2 with 11 knockouts. The 28 year-old has won three in a row which includes his last bout when he stopped Bethuel Ushona (32-2) on October 4, 2014 in Windhoek, Namibia.

The show is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing, with the Andrade – Pucheta bout being promoted by Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

“It’s about time that I get back in the ring. I am happy to be fighting at home in front of my fans. It is the most comfortable place in the world to be, and I look forward to regaining my title and defending in front all my loyal fans. I just want to thank them for their support during the last year. I look forward to seeing all of my fans at the fight,” said Andrade.

“I am looking forward to Demetrius getting back in the ring. We have been in the gym training hard, and he will be ready to put on a good performance on October 17,” said Andrade’s father/trainer, Paul Andrade

“I am very excited about Demetrius getting back in the ring. He is one of the top Jr. Middleweights in the world. I predict within a year that he will be fighting for and winning the Jr. Middleweight championship of the world for a second time,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

Said Joe DeGuardia, president of Star Boxing, “I am thrilled that Demetrius is back. I have always felt he has the ability to be the best in the world, and I expect that within the next year he will be an undefeated 2-time World Champ.”

“We are thrilled to bring our Olympian and former world champion Demetrius Andrade back to New England. This is where Demetrius grew up, honed his skills and developed into the championship-caliber fighter he is today, both in and out of the ring. Furthermore, we’re honored to bring this event to one of our favorite venues, Mohegan Sun Casino, and to work in association with two of the most trustworthy, honest and hardest-working promoters in professional boxing, Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing. They are more than just colleagues; they are lifelong friends. With the three of us working together, this event will continue to raise the bar and set the standard for professional boxing in the northeast,” said Jimmy Burchfield, president of CES Boxing.

Ticket prices are $25, $50, $125 and $200 (VIP).

They can be purchased at www.cesboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com or by phone at 401-724-2243/2254.

For more information visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page. Details also available at www.starboxing.com and www.banner-promotions.com.

PROVIDENCE (July 18, 2015) – The long awaited ring return for undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) has, unfortunately, hit another roadblock as Anthony “The Man” Mundine (47-7, 27 KOs) has reneged on an agreement to challenge Andrade next month in his native Australia.

“We agreed to terms with Mundine’s promoter but have heard nothing back since then,” 27-year-old Andrade explained. “Mundine calls out (Floyd) Mayweather but he won’t take a legitimate WBO World title fight at 154 pounds in his own country? Same old story, I guess. Everybody wants something until they have a chance to really get it.”

“Anthony Mundine’s team had one of those careful-what-you-wish-for moments,” Andrade’s manager Ed Farris noted, “in which Demetrius accepted all of their requested terms, including Demetrius putting up his WBO belt to fight Mundine on his own home turf. After previously agreeing to fight Andrade, Mundine’s team has now had a change of heart, and they apparently are looking to fight a lesser opponent.”

Andrade hasn’t fought since he destroyed WBO No. 1 mandatory contender Brian Rose (25-1-1) in seven rounds on June 14, 2014. Unable to lure either Mayweather or Miquel Cotto into a mega-fight, nor WBO No. 1 contender Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, or even a unification with WBA champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, 2008 U.S. Olympian Andrade believed that he finally had a title defense locked in for next month against former two-time super middleweight world champion Mundine.

“I don’t understand,” a frustrated Andrade added. “We offered this guy a chance to win the championship of the world in his home country and he looked for a way out instead? What kind of fighter is he? Any real fighter would do anything for that kind of an opportunity.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam or @BooBooBoxing.

PROVIDENCE (March 4, 2015) – Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) has challenged World Boxing Association titlist Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs) to a unification title fight in April or May.

Andrade, the 2008 U.S. Olympian and 2007 World Amateur Championships gold medalist, and three-time Cuban National amateur champion Lara have traded barbs through the media this week.

Andrade says Lara has been running from him, while Lara claimed he’s not worried about fighting the gifted New Englander, calling him a “spoiled brat”.

In a statement, Lara said Andrade turned down an ESPN2 fight with him and that he “whooped that ass for free in the amateurs.” Lara also questioned who, in comparison, Andrade has fought. He also said Andrade pulled out of the biggest fight of his career against Lara’s stablemate, Jermell Charlo, implying that Andrade reneged on a signed contract.

For the record, Lara defeated Andrade in the 2007 Pan-Am Qualifier, 9-4, in a match held in Venezuela, however, Andrade’s manager Ed Farris was quick to add, “First of all, when did Lara ever whoop Demetrius’ ass? Does Lara mean in the amateurs when he ran away from him for three rounds? Their five-year age difference was significant in the amateurs because Demetrius was still a teenager and, even then, Lara needed overseas judges to steal that decision. Lara landed something like nine total punches during the entire fight. If that’s an ass kicking, well, count us in!”

Farris also added that the fight between Lara and Andrade should be easy to make. “Only a few days ago,” Farris noted, “Lara mentioned that he was willing to fight Demetrius in the past for only $15,000. So, I’m sure HBO or Showtime will gladly accommodate his request.”

Andrade captured the vacant WBO title November 9, 2013 by way of a 12-round decision over previously unbeaten Vanes Martirosyan (33-0-1), the same fighter Lara struggled with in a nine-round draw. Andrade’s most recent fight was last June in his first title defense against mandatory challenger Brian Rose (25-1-1), in which Andrade looked sensational in a seventh-round knockout of the Brit.

Point-by-point, Andrade countered Lara’s erroneous allegations and unsubstantiated claims. “When was this imaginary fight offer two years ago on ESPN,” Andrade asked rhetorically. “You and I both know that never happened, Lara. I sure as hell never saw any offer to fight Lara on ESPN. Who have I fought? I only need to mention one name: I beat Vanes Martirosyan, the guy Lara couldn’t beat! Lara was lucky enough to get a draw because he RAN around the ring for the first half of the fight instead of fighting. But, hey, that’s what Lara does. Just ask ‘Canelo’ (Alvarez) and boxing fans who watched their fight.

“Lara said anytime, anywhere. How about April or May if he needs more time to hit the track and get extra laps in? One more thing, Lara, I have NEVER walked away from a signed contract. EVER! You probably never stopped running around long enough to even know that. The only contract I ever signed to fight Charlo was a month ago and Charlo declined. Lara said I signed a contract to fight Charlo before that. If he can show me an agreement that I signed to fight Charlo on December 13th, I promise to stop calling him out. Lara, you can run – everybody knows you do — but you can’t hide. We have unfinished business to take care of.”

Lara’s powerful adviser, Al Haymon, has a slew of television dates, including April 18 on Showtime in Carson, California. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. faces Andrjej Fonfara in the main event but a co-main event hasn’t been announced.

“Lara will not be able to handle Demetrius’ size and strength,” Farris remarked, “and sooner or later Demetrius will catch him. The only time Lara stood and fought, he got his ass handed to him by (Alfredo) Angulo. The ONLY reason he got out of that fight alive is because Angulo suffered an eye injury at the end. Otherwise, Lara was headed to the canvas again for a third time and anyone that saw that fight knows it.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

Providence, RI (March 3, 2015)–The following is a response to WBA Super Welterweight champion Erislandy Lara from Paul Andrade, the father/trainer of undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade:

Dear Mr. Erislandy Lara:

In response to your comments, whoever wrote your response should get their facts correct.

When we listen to you, we see the final triumph of stupidity in this world. You are the only boxer that successfully brainwashed himself with false facts.

We were never in our life offered a fight on ESPN 2 to fight you. In fact, when I met you in that restaurant in New York, we even said that Demetrius would let his career develop and fight you for much more meaningful amount than $15,000. When was the last time you fought for $15,000? And you agreed with me.

Now the time is here for us to get together but all you talk about is a meaningless fight in a foreign country that you by just four points when Demetrius was just 17 and you were 21. On top of that, you know when an American goes to a foreign country his opponent always gets an extra five points. We saw it at the Pan Am Games, in the Olympics and whenever we have fought on foreign soil.

After seeing Demetrius talent level, you decided going to the Olympics would have been a failed effort and decided to turn pro.

As we all know, many times guys who have been beaten by an individual in the amateurs come back and open up a can of whoop ass when they fight as professionals.

I see you posted your long list of accomplishments, we all are fighters in development when we start but you claim we have not fought anybody and you have.

The only opponent that we have in common is Vanes Martirosyan. We have the utmost respect for him and the best you can do was pull out a draw. I guess you were happy that headbutt occurred because Vanes was on his way to knocking you out. Then comes Angulo. The moment he trapped you, he dropped you twice and again then you escaped because of a lucky thumb that swelled up Angulo’s eye. How many times will luck be on your side?

Now it is time for you to man up and take the challenge. Forget the cheap talk, do you want to get it on? Yes or No? A real man and a real champion would answer yes.

Sincerely,

Paul Andrade

HOUSTON, TX (March 2, 2015) – WBA Champion, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, responds to WBO Champion Demetrius Andrade’s claims that he’s not interested in a unification fight with him.

“I’ll fight him anytime! My resume speaks for itself. I’m willing to fight Cotto or GGG next…you think I’m worried about this little spoiled brat? Look at my resume of great fighters I’ve fought, Williams, Molina, Vanes, Trout, Canelo, Angulo and now Smith. In 24 fights, who has he fought?”

Lara went on to say about Andrade latest drama about pulling out if his last scheduled fight…

“I’m the best in the division. If I put my name to a contract I show up and fight, unlike him when he pulled out of the biggest fight of his career against Charlo. Not to mention, he turned down a fight with me on ESPN2 years ago when I was willing to whoop to put a beating on him for $15.000. And don’t forget, I already whooped that ass for free in the amateurs!!! His nickname serves him right…He’s Poo Poo!”

Providence, RI (March 2, 2015)–After WBO number-one ranked Jr. Middleweight, Jermell Charlo decided to not fight fight WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, Andrade’s father/trainer Paul has turned his attention to a fight with WBA belt holder Erislandy Lara.

“We signed a contract to fight Charlo a month ago,” said Paul Andrade. “He opted to fight a guy that we beat already in Vanes Martiroysan. I don’t even think Charlo will beat him. I can see Vanes out bullying him and win a decision about eight rounds to four.”

“That’s in the past and now we have to look towards the future.”

That future hopefully includes Lara.

“The real fight for us is with Lara. Fighting Charlo would not have done much for us anyway. That would have been like a man fighting a boy.”

“We are calling Lara out but he has had no response. He doesn’t have a dance partner, so the time is right for both of us.”

Andrade believes turn about is fair play for the Cuban as he talked his way into a fight with Canelo Alvarez last year and now it’s time for him to be on the receiving end of somebody ready, willing and able to fight him.

“Lara thought he was cute by calling out Canelo by going to his press conference. He and trying to embarrass him and goad Canelo into a fight. Lara is now in that position. We would go to one of your press conferences and embarrass you but you don’t even have a fight on the table, so there is no press conference for you.”

“Why don’t you step up like Canelo and be a man and accept our challenge like Canelo did for you.”

“I guess it’s not so cute for him anymore. And if you do step to the plate, you can bring your running shoes because you are a better runner then boxer.”

Said Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, co-promoter of Andrade, “This is a fight that Demetrius wants. Last year he wanted wanted a fight with Canelo. Canelo had and has other plans now so why not fight the man who some people believe beat him in Lara.”

“We feel Demetrius is the best jr. middleweight in the world and the way to prove that is to fight the best. Erislandy Lara has proven to be at the top of the division. This is the type of fight that will show the boxing world that Demetrius is a star.”, said co-promoter, Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.

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LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2014) – The stars of boxing’s present and future will be out in full force at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 13, when Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions present a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring a pivotal welterweight showdown and two world championship fights, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

In a pair of must-see, high-stakes welterweight matchups, British superstar and former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan of Bolton, Englandwill take onformer two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” of St. Louis, Mo., while undefeated interim WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., will defend against Leonard “The Lion” Bundu of Lazio, Italy.

Rounding out an action-packed night on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will be WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade of Providence, R.I., who risks his 154-pound belt against tough undefeated young star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo of Houston, Texas. Charlo will make his first attempt at world title glory in a battle of unbeaten junior middleweights.

Featured on the undercard will be two separate 10-round bouts featuring former three-time, three-division world champion Abner Mares and former welterweight world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz. Mares, who will fight in a featherweight bout against an opponent to be determined, will look to build on his recent victory over Jonathan Oquendo. Ortiz is looking to make a comeback statement in a welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“Getting back in the ring is all I’ve been looking towards these last few months,” said Khan. “I want to show everybody that I’m a major force at 147 pounds and I’m ready to take on the best. This fight with Alexander has been on the table for a while, but it is finally happening and I plan on winning impressively to show that I am truly one of the best welterweights in the world.”

“I’ve wanted this fight for a long time and I’m ready to show that I’m worthy of this opportunity and the opportunities ahead after I win on Dec. 13,” said Alexander. “I’ve worked hard my entire life and now the pressure is on to really show what I can do.”

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and defend my title,” said Thurman. “I’m going to give all my fans the performance of a lifetime and prove why my name should be at the top of the welterweight conversation.”

“December 13 is going to be the biggest night of my professional career thus far,” said Bundu. “To be fighting in the United States, in the fight capital of the world — Las Vegas on SHOWTIME against one of the most promising American prospects is a dream come true. But Keith Thurman doesn’t scare me. I know that I have what it takes to win and truly make a name for myself throughout the boxing world.”

“There is no way I’m letting go of my belt,” said Andrade. “Jermell Charlo is a good fighter, but nothing is going to stop me from defending my belt and raising my hand in victory on Dec. 13. I am confident that this will be a fight fans won’t want to miss.”

“I am beyond excited to finally get a shot at a world title,” said Charlo. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to be a world champion. Nothing is going to stand in my way. Andrade is the champion and I’m not looking past him at all, but this is my time. I know it. The title will lead to bigger and better things and that is what I’m all about.”

“I am so happy to be back at MGM Grand after my recent win in July,” said Mares. “My ultimate goal is another shot at a world championship and a win on December 13 will help me get there. I plan on putting on a great performance and showcasing my skills once again.”

“I’m excited to get back into the ring,” said Ortiz. “I got caught in my last fight, but I’m ready to get back to work and improve my game. I know what it takes to win and that is what I plan on doing on December 13. I’m thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to giving fans a great show.”

“A huge main event with two former champions looking to take a major step back towards a title shot; undefeated fighters going head-to-head on the undercard; our last big show of the year -Dec. 13 at MGM Grand will have it all,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Golden Boy Promotions is finishing 2014 strong and will move into 2015 continuing to make good on our promise to make the most exciting fights for boxing fans.”

“The Dec. 13 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING delivers on our promise to televise stacked fight cards featuring big name fighters in meaningful fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The main event, Amir Khan versus Devon Alexander, is a matchup between two renowned former world champions, each at a critical juncture in his career. In the co-feature, Keith Thurman, one of the brightest young stars in boxing, faces perhaps his toughest test to date in the highly regarded and undefeated Leonard Bundu, as each boxer battles for position in the ultra-competitive welterweight division. The opening bout on the telecast features two very talented undefeated rising stars, champion Demetrius Andrade and No. 2-ranked challenger Jermell Charlo. Each fight on the telecast will have a significant impact on the top-10 divisional rankings.”

Khan(29-3, 19 KOs), a 2004 Olympic Silver medalist who turns 28 on Dec. 8, has won his last three contests, all against former world champions. In his most recent outing, he scored three knockdowns en route to a lopsided 12-round decision victory over Luis Collazo in the co-main event on May 3. Before that, the popular, lightning-quick Brit defeated Julio Diaz via unanimous decision in April of 2013 and Carlos Molina in Dec. of 2012. A victory against Alexander would put Khan in a position to become a two-division world champion in 2015.

The 27-year-old southpaw Alexander (26-2, 14 KOs), is a former welterweight and junior welterweight world champion and is coming off of a 10-round unanimous decision over the tough Jesus Soto Karass last June. Fighting with a newfound passion and aggressiveness, Alexander was victorious by the scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93. A winner of five of his last six bouts, a stretch that has seen him defeat the likes of Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana, Alexander believes that his technical artistry will put him back in the world title hunt soon.

Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs) has always been feared for his knockout power, but when he won the WBA Interim Welterweight World Title with a 10th round knockout over Diego Chaves in July of 2013, he was put in a position where the elite of the fight game would have to square off with him eventually. The 25-year-old Thurman has since made two successful title defenses with knockouts over Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, and he will attempt to achieve the same result against Bundu.

Bundu(31-0-2, 11 KOs), who represented Italy in the 2000 Olympic Games, is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut. The European and Commonwealth Champion, is coming off a hard-earned 12-round decision over previously undefeated contender Frankie Gavin on Aug. 1. Bundu was born in Sierra Leone before moving to Italy, where he has fought the majority of his fights since turning pro in 2005. He is ranked No. 3 in the WBC and No, 4 in the WBA and IBF.

A decorated amateur, Providence, Rhode Island’s Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) turned professional in 2008 after representing the U.S. in the Olympic Games in Beijing. In November of 2013, the talented southpaw won the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Title with a 12-round decision over Vanes Martirosyan and this past June, the 26-year-old successfully defended his title for the first time with a seventh-round technical knockout over Brian Rose.

Charlo (24-0, 11 KOs), 24, is the younger-by-one-minute brother of identical twin, Jermall, who is also a world-ranked undefeated contender at 154 pounds. A tall fighter for his division, Charlo has stepped up in class in some recent fights and is coming off two consecutive terrific points’ victories against Charlie Ota in a 12-round fight on May 24 and against Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round battle on Jan. 25. Charlo, also a top-notch amateur, won the bronze medal at the 2005 Junior Olympics. December 13 marks a milestone in Charlo’s career as he will do everything he can to capture his first world title.

Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and fighting out of Downey, Calif. is coming off of a unanimous decision victory over Johnathan Oquendo at MGM Grand in July. Prior to his impressive win, Mares suffered the first loss of his professional career to the hands of Johnny Gonzalez, but has since bounced back and is ready to fight. Mares found himself on the pound-for-pound list in 2013 after winning the WBC Featherweight title, adding to his accomplishments as he already held world championships at bantamweight and super bantamweight.

Ortiz (29-5, 22 KOs) is ready to show the boxing world that he still has what it takes to be great. The 27-year-old Ventura, Calif. native has made headlines in and out of the ring, not only as a fighter, but also an entertainer. A former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles against the best in the boxing business including Floyd Mayweather, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez. He has also crossed over into the bright lights of Hollywood as a member of the cast of ABC’s hit series “Dancing With The Stars” and most recently as part of the film “Expendables 3.” Now Ortiz will return to the ring for the first time since his knockout loss against Luis Collazo in January and looks to show the boxing world he’s serious about another run at a world title.

“Royal Battle: Khan vs. Alexander,” a 12-round welterweight bout for the WBC Silver Welterweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Keith Thurman defends his WBA Interim Welterweight World Title against Leonard Bundu, and in the televised opener, Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Jermell Charlo in a bout promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SHOSports, @AmirKingKhan, @TheRealDevonA, @KeithThurmanJr, @LeonardBundu, @boobooboxing, @TwinCharlo, @abnermares00, @viciousortiz, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm follow the conversation using #KhanAlexander, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.

PROVIDENCE (September 18, 2014) – Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) and his team are patiently waiting to hear about his next fight.

Negotiations are ongoing between Andrade’s co-promoters, Banner Promotions and Star Boxing, with Top Rank and HBO officials regarding a potential fight for a vacant WBO middleweight title fight against No. 1 contender and unbeaten Russian Olympian, Matt Korobov.

Andrade was also mentioned by Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar de la Hoya as one of three potential candidates to fight junior middleweight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

“We want to thank all of loyal fans for their support,” Andrade’s head trainer and father Paul Andrade said. “They are the only ones who understand how our backs have been put against the wall. Everybody in boxing seemed to react to the news about Demetrius fighting Korobov for the vacant 160-pound WBO title. I’d like to get the facts straight. We were not aware of that fight, nor were we aware of the petition to the WBO to move up to fight for its middleweight title. I spoke to Artie Pelullo (Banner Promotions), who informed me that an opportunity had popped up, and that he wanted to beat (Bob) Arum (Top Rank) to the punch. He couldn’t get a hold of us in advance but he has left us an option to take a fight.

“Demetrius is a warrior and we don’t walk away from good fights. As a matter of fact, we run towards fights others run away from. We will accept the fight against Korobov, provided Demetrius is paid at least the bare minimum, according to his contract. Negotiations are going on right now. It’s a shame that two days after the WBO selected Demetrius to fight Korobov for the middleweight title, the top 154-pounders came out of the woodwork to start making fights. I guess real men are in the middleweight division. It looks like ‘Canelo’ is going to fight Joshua Clottey, (James) Kirkland is fighting (Gabriel) Rosado. Nobody at 154 pounds would step-up and to challenge Demetrius for his WBO title belt.”

Andrade was particularly upset with Oscar de la Hoya for using Andrade by announcing he was one of three candidates to fight Alvarez. “No disrespect to Clottey, who was a great 140 and 147-pounder, but which fight would the people paying for tickets like to see: Alvarez vs. Andrade or Alvarez vs. Clottey,” Andrade asked rhetorically. “I guess ‘Canelo’ isn’t interested in trying to regain a 154-pound world title belt. I want to let everyone know that we’re still open to fighting ‘Canelo’ if he is willing to step-up to fight Andrade. He wants a soft fight to set-up a mega-fight with (Miguel) Cotto. Demetrius is too high risk for the top 154-pounders to fight. It’s like pushing a rock uphill. Oscar never should have said Demetrius was on the short list to fight ‘Canelo’ because he didn’t mean it. We’re not letting them off the hook, though. We haven’t signed to move up to 160 yet and we’re open to fighting ‘Canelo’ at any given time. And if ‘Canelo’-Clottey is made, it’s only going to be just one more disappointing night of boxing for fans. ”

Andrade remains baffled about why some of the top junior middleweights have avoided his son like the plague. “The closer we run to them, the faster they run away from us,” Andrade continued. “It’s like trying to put two magnets together from opposite ends. I guess a world title fight doesn’t mean much to them.

“In the past, we were criticized about opponents we fought, but that was when Demetrius was a fighter in development. School is out, we’ve graduated. We’re willing and able to take on all challengers for Demetrius’ 154-pound world title belt. Why aren’t these guys criticized for not taking a fight with Demetrius?”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

Philadelphia (September 10, 2014)– In recent weeks, Former Jr. Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KO’s) and his team at Golden Boy Promotions have been going over potential opponents for Canelo’s expected return to the ring this fall.

Three names that are allegedly on a short list include undefeated current WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KO’s), former Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey and James Kirkland.

But according to Andrade’s father and trainer Paul Andrade, no formal talks have ever taken place and Andrade went on to say he feels that inclusion of Demetrius name is only to bolster Canelo.

“I was totally surprised when I saw the article mentioning Demetrius as a possible opponent,”said Paul Andrade.

“I saw (Alvarez promoter) Oscar De La Hoya at the Shawn Porter – Kell Brook weigh-in and he shook my hand. I asked him about a fight with Canelo and Demetrius . He said he we would have to wait in line for about 2 years. He then gave me a story that when he was in High School that if a girl was interested in him, that they would have to wait two years to date him.”

Andrade then thought the fight was a dead issue until he saw some reports on the internet that Demetrius was one of the fighters in line to face Canelo.

“Three weeks later, I read that we are on the short list. I never realized that two years went by that quick. Judging by the list, I feel the only reason we are included is that it makes Canelo look good. Three weeks earlier, Oscar said that they had no intention to fight us.”

“Undefeated world champions do not go on a short list.”

Andrade went on to wonder how his son got on that list as he has not heard of any negotiations between the two camps.

“I understand that they have negotiated with both Clottey and Kirkland but they have not negotiated with us. That proves that he does not want to fight us right now.”

“I would appreciate if does not mention our name unless he is ready to say that I will fight Andrade.”

“It’s time for him to put up or shut up. By mentioning us, Oscar is trying to develop Canelo’s next opponent but it seems like they are going back to their old ways by fighting blown up Welterweights. I have a lot of respect for Clottey and Kirkland but Oscar can’t just throw our name in the mix so Canelo can look good. Demetrius is an undefeated titleholder. Canelo claims he wants to fight the best, well we are undefeated and the best Jr. Middleweight in the world.”

“The fans aren’t stupid. I wish Oscar should let them pick Canelo’s next opponent. Unfortunately Oscar isn’t stupid because he knows Demetrius would be too much for Canelo and our fans would agree with us. ”

Andrade is promoted by Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Philadelphia (September 10, 2014)– The World Boxing Organization ordered a bout between Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KO’s) and Matt Korobov (24-0, 14 KO’s) to fight for the vacant Middleweight championship.

“We are very happy and delighted that the WBO has given Demetrius Andrade this great opportunity to fight for the Middleweight world title,” said Banner Promotions CEO Artie Pelullo.

“It’s a great opportunity for Demetrius to become a two-division world champion. Matt Korobov and Demetrius Andrade were both 2007 world amateur champions & 2008 Olympians. Demetrius from the United States and Korobov from Russia. As professionals they are both undefeated and their paths will finally cross.”

“My partner Joe DeGuardia and I will get on the phone and call Bob Arum, who promotes Korobov and try to make this fight happen this Fall.”

“I am pleased that the WBO has granted Demetrius the opportunity to add another World Championship to his impressive accomplishments. We hope and expect that this will be the second of many more Championships that he will acquire”, said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia

“I would like to thank the WBO for having faith in us and giving us the opportunity,” said Andrade’s father/trainer Paul Andrade.

According to Dan Rafael, Canelo Alvarez has narrowed his search for a fall opponent to James Kirkland, Joshua Clottey and WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I am piecing things together for Canelo, connecting the dots, but he’s going to fight Dec. 6. That’s the definite date,” said Alvarez promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

“We’ve been doing all our business with Showtime since a few years ago when we were kicked out from HBO,” De La Hoya said. “Yes, we are doing this fight with Hopkins on HBO and it’s a great way to start a relationship again, but I also have to take a look the relationship we have with Showtime. It’s a very difficult spot, but I am going to do what is best for Canelo’s career.

“We’re pushing for San Antonio. Canelo really loves fighting at the Alamodome. He had a wonderful experience there,” De La Hoya said.

“Clottey looked good against Mundine and we’ve been talking with Kirkland’s representative day in and day out,” De La Hoya said. “If Canelo fights Andrade, it’s a chance for him to fight for another title if that’s what he wants to do. There are options.

“If you think about Canelo, he’s a throwback fighter. He fought Mayweather, Trout, Lara. Name another fighter in recent years that’s been fighting the toughest guys back to back. Canelo wants to fight the best. This is why people love Canelo. He is willing to fight all comers.”

“I commend Canelo. He wanted to fight three times on pay-per-view, but Canelo called me directly and said he didn’t want to fight on pay-per-view this time,” De La Hoya said. “He did good numbers in his last two fights but he wants all boxing fans to be able to see him.

Philadelphia (July 16, 2014)– After a successful trip of the United Kingdom, WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KO’s) wants to make it clear that he is the man to beat at 154 pounds and wants Canelo Alvarez and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya to know that he would be interested in facing the Mexican star in a fall bout.

“I read some comments that Oscar made to Lara after the fight that there is a line about 10 people deep to fight Canelo and Lara would have to get to the back of it. What Oscar failed to mention is that line forms behind me.”, said the undefeated champion.

“I am the WBO champion and I am undefeated. As I look down the rankings, I just defeated my mandatory Brian Rose and Alvarez is ranked number-two by the WBO. He will be elevated to number-one and I am ready and willing to fight him for my title. I just hope he would be prepared for the beating I will put on him.”

Andrade is promoted by Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing