By Ryan Burton
A few weeks ago in Los Angeles, former super welterweight champion Demetrius Andrade (23-0 16 KOs) was in attendance for Jermall Charlo's knockout victory over the previously unbeaten Julian Williams.
After the fight was over, Charlo stated that with big fights against Canelo Alvarez and Miguel Cotto not likely available, coupled with the difficulty in making the 154 pound weight limit, that he would likely relinquish his IBF title and move up to the middleweight division.
Andrade wasn't surprised when he heard Charlo's comments.
"They are going to do whatever they can do to avoid Demetrius Andrade. I am the best 154 pounder in the world. It is up to the networks and the fans to say, Demetrius Andrade! Demetrius Andrade! Make these fights happen," Andrade told BoxingScene.com.
"With every performance I am getting better. I just stopped Willie Nelson. He is 6'3". Charlo is what, 6'0"? I have no problem fighting him at all."
The 28-year-old Rhode Island native congratulated Charlo for his victory while also staying that he isn't very impressed with his body of work.
"Keep up the good work. I am happy you have gotten where you have gotten in this sport. It is a tough business. Keep doing what your doing but you haven't beaten anyone who is that good. You are going to be humbled," said Andrade.
Andrade was last seen in action in the month of June, when he stopped Willie Nelson in a Showtime televised fight from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. It was Andrade's only fight in 2016, and the unbeaten boxer only fought once in 2015 and the same trend was also present in 2014. His inactivity prompted the World Boxing Organization to strip him of their super welterweight world title.
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