By James Slater: Former amateur standout Demetrius Andrade has been in soft so far as a pro, his critics maintain, and he needs to take a step up in quality of opposition if he is to learn anything at pro level. Well, the 23-year-old southpaw will do just that in his next fight, set for August 19th. According to a number of sources including Boxrec.com, the gifted boxer will face tough and seasoned “Bad Boy” Grady Brewer on Friday Night Fights on ESPN.
Brewer may be 28-12(16) and he may also be 40-years-old, but he is coming off a great upset win over hot prospect Fernando Guerrero (a lefty like Andrade), who he sensationally halted in the 4th-round of a fight seen on ESPN back in June. His confidence sky-high as a result of this upset, the former “Contender” star might just test Andrade in a seriously demanding way. Could Brewer even set the 13-0(9) wannabe star back a few steps by beating him?
Brewer, in compiling his 40-fight pro career over almost 12-years, has seen it all. He’s been in with slick boxers before, and he’s also been in with hard-hitters. And though Brewer has lost his share, it is this huge edge in experience that figures to give Andrade – a fighter yet to be taken past the 8th-round – a rough time. What will happen if Andrade, who has scored nine wins inside four-rounds or less, hits Brewer with his bests shots yet sees him still standing and coming back at him? Will “Boo Boo,” as Andrade is known, be able to handle the pressures of being taken into the deep waters of the late rounds if the fight goes that far?
It’s answers to questions like these that fans and experts want. The ten-rounder, to take place at The Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana will almost certainly provide these answers. Of course, Brewer may well begin to show his age if he is nailed by hard shot after hard shot – and Andrade, the taller many at 6’1,” can punch. At least he’s been able to put away most of the men he’s been in with up until now. But this is the acid test: how will Andrade’s power affect a tough nut like Brewer?
As fast and as accurate as he is, an Andrade quick win cannot be ruled out. I feel, though, that the man groomed for stardom will take his time and pace himself in this one, so as to ensure he doesn’t gas out in the later rounds. Set for 10, I think this one will go the limit. My pick: Andrade to win a close one but to learn a few lessons along the way in an entertaining fight.