David Benavidez has thrown down the gauntlet, vowing to “beat the [stuffing] out of” Demetrius Andrade in their upcoming November 25th encounter. As the WBC interim super middleweight champion gears up to defend his title at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, concerns about his drawn appearance have surfaced. With just three weeks until fight night, Benavidez’s pallid complexion and lean look suggest the struggle of making weight, sparking speculations that his tenure at 168lbs may be reaching a critical point.
Despite looking worse for wear, Benavidez is sticking to a grueling training regimen similar to the one preceding his unanimous decision over Caleb Plant. Yet, fans worry he may be pushing too hard, as evidenced by the lackluster Plant bout and a noticeable black eye in training. The pressure is on for Benavidez to deliver a performance that matches or surpasses his previous standards.
The upcoming Showtime pay-per-view event marks a significant moment as the network bows out of boxing broadcasts. Benavidez, alongside Andrade, faces the uncertainty of future platforms, with options like DAZN or Amazon Prime on the table.
As for the fight itself, Benavidez’s camp has been intense, complete with sparring partners emulating Andrade’s style. The dedication to training, however, raises the question of whether the physical toll could hinder his performance against the seasoned Andrade, who is making waves in the super middleweight division. Despite the concerns, Benavidez is confident in his multifaceted game plan and ready to adapt to whatever Andrade brings to the ring.
The anticipation for this bout is palpable, with Benavidez resolute in his intention to dominate and entertain. As November 25th inches closer, all eyes will be on whether Benavidez can live up to his promises and whether his body can sustain the demands of his ambitious training regime. The outcome could very well define his future in the sport, potentially ushering in a new era for the young champion.
Image Credit: PBC