By Kirk Lang
The oft-avoided Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade wasted no time at Mohegan Sun on Friday, dispatching Brazilian challenger Douglas Ataide inside one round.
Fighting for the first time in two-and-a-half years—following his only defeat, a stoppage loss to David Benavidez, as well as the death of his mother and his younger brother being shot and paralyzed—Andrade looked like he hadn’t lost a step. There didn’t seem to be any ring rust before the quick ending. In fact, he looked like a 25-year-old in there rather than a boxer only a year and a half or so away from his 40th birthday.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield said that to be away that long and “put on that kind of performance, he’s ready for anyone.”
He added, “He’s ready to be a four-time world champion in three divisions.”
Andrade previously held the WBO junior middleweight title, the WBO middleweight championship, and the WBA super welterweight (regular) title.
Burchfield hopes that, with continued impressive victories, he can secure Andrade a shot against one of the reigning super middleweight champions. The four reigning titlists are Jaime Munguia (WBA), Christian Mbilli (WBC), Osleys Iglesias (IBF), and Hamzah Sheeraz (WBO).
Andrade dared to take on the hard-punching Benavidez in late 2023 in part because, for so long, he was avoided like the plague. Andrade is a quick-fisted, slick southpaw and one of the greatest boxing talents New England has ever seen. He’s easily the most gifted fighter from the area since another crafty southpaw, New Haven’s Chad Dawson.
Prior to fight night, Andrade said in a pre-fight YouTube interview that he commended Ataide for being willing to take the fight against him when other, more well-known fighters weren’t willing.
“It’s all about heart and willingness and courage, and that’s what he brings to the table,” said Andrade.
Ataide had the heart on Friday night—he showed that just by climbing the ring steps to square off against the former champion—but he was severely outclassed in the skills department.
Andrade took a little time after the opening bell to feel his opponent out. He moved around the ring, pawed with his jab, and didn’t throw a real punch—a straight left to the head—until almost 40 seconds into the round. Ataide caught it on his glove, but Andrade quickly responded with another lead left that caught his foe on the chin. Fifteen seconds later, Andrade used a right jab to set up a solid left-hand assault to the body.
Ataide tried to mount a counterattack, firing off two jabs and a straight right, but Andrade, stepping back just enough, made him hit nothing but air. Later, Andrade set up a straight left once again with a blinding jab, but this time he targeted the head with his power shot.
Clearly in control and clearly possessing the superior skills, Andrade still showed patience. Rather than letting his fists fly with abandon, he took his time, moved around the ring a little, observed his opponent a little more, and then mounted a serious attack. When Ataide went to throw a left jab, Andrade countered with a left hand downstairs. He then moved to his left and slammed home another straight left to the body. With the round half over, Andrade circled to his right and fired off a flashy five-punch combination—a jab, three consecutive straight lefts, and another jab to finish off the lightning-quick volley. It was clear this was the beginning of the end for Ataide.
The Brazilian tried to retreat from the firepower heading his way, but it was futile. Andrade caught him with a cracking left to the body. Ataide attempted a three-punch combination—a straight right downstairs followed by a left hook and right hand upstairs—but again, Andrade made himself just out of reach.
The straight left was Andrade’s most frequent punch of the fight, whether to the head or the body, and when Ataide tried to counter Andrade’s double jab, “Boo Boo” returned fire with a right jab-straight left combination. Now in retreat mode, Andrade rushed forward with a lead left to the side of the head. He tried to follow up with a right hook, but Ataide began holding. Andrade got his left hand free and connected with a couple of lefts to the body. When he broke entirely free and created a little distance, he caught his retreating opponent with a straight left-right hook volley that sent Ataide crashing to the canvas on his back like a falling tree. Referee Ricky Gonzalez waved the fight off immediately. The official time was 2:09.
Several minutes passed before chief ringside physician Dr. Michael Schwartz and other medical personnel helped Ataide to his feet.
Andrade improved to 32-2 (20), while Ataide, who had been on a two-fight winning streak, fell to 20-6-1 (11).
“I want to thank everybody that came out,” said Andrade. “I want to thank my team, my dad (head trainer).” Mentioning his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, he added, “We did it, but later on, you’re going to have to pay for a whole lot of dinners.”
Andrade said he’s willing to fight the best.
“Whoever claims they’re the best at 168 pounds,” said Andrade, who almost started naming names before stopping.
“I’m not here to mention no names,” he said. “They know who I’m looking to fight. Let’s get this going. I’m not playing around. We’re back in the ring. We’re back in the gym next week. November, let’s get this poppin.’”
Roland Estrada, Andrade’s assistant trainer, told Fightnews.com after the win, “We’re all proud not just of the win, but of the manner in which he won.”
He added, “Winning by decision probably would have been seen as a disaster. The whole idea was to make an impression, and I think he did that. He looked really good in the gym, so we expected that same energy, and we’re proud he delivered.”
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