Mike CoppingerESPN Nov 26, 2023, 12:18am ET1 minute read
LAS VEGAS – David Benavidez, punishing both left and right hands, left no doubt: He earned a shot at Canelo Alvarez.
In another thrilling performance from the undefeated fighter, Benavidez defeated Demetrius Andrade when Andrade’s corner stopped the super middleweight bout after the sixth round.
Immediately afterwards, Benavidez was warmly greeted by boxing legend Mike Tyson.
“I told Mike Tyson I love him and thank you for the motivation,” said Benavidez, ESPN’s No. 2 boxer at 168 pounds. “It’s not every day that a boxing legend gives you a nickname.”
It was Tyson who gave Benavidez the nickname “The Mexican Monster,” and Benavidez more than lived up to that Saturday night.
Andrade, a former two-division champion, boxed well until Benavidez floored him with a right-handed punch in the final seconds of the fourth round.
Benavidez dealt some punishment in the following round as he tried to finish Andrade, but he stood firm. Instead of trying to get the win, Andrade tried to fight his way out of trouble.
Andrade was able to land some big combinations in round 6. He knocked Benavidez’s head back with an uppercut, but just moments later Andrade was the one spitting out blood. Shortly after the bell rang to end the round, the fight was over.