World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (20-0, 13 KOs), fresh off of his convincing title-winning performance on HBO over previously undefeated 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-1-1, 21 KOs), is riding high in 2014.
The 25-year-old Providence native became the first member of 2008 Team USA Boxing to capture a world title as a professional, as well as the first native New Englander to be world champion of a major governing body since Massachusetts-born heavyweight John "The Quietman" Ruiz in 2005. Andrade also became the first Rhode Islander since Cranston's light middleweight Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Paz in 1991 to capture a major world title.
"It's settling in," Andrade spoke about being a world champion as a pro. "This is a result of what I did for five years in the pro ranks; taking things slowly, being patient and taking advantage of my opportunity when it came. Everything's good! I have a little more love and support in my life and a lot more fans know who I am."
The judges' scoring for Andrade vs. Martirosyan was criticized by many observers for being much closer (117-110, 114-113, 112-115) than it appeared. "I was definitely shocked when I heard the scorecards read," Andrade admitted. "That was a flash knockdown in the first because I was off balance as I went backwards, but I got up and fought like a true champion. I whooped him for 12 rounds and one judge still gave the fight to him? It isn't fair to the fighters or fans and something needs to be done."
Before Andrade can position himself for a high-profile, lucrative showdown in 2014, his next fight and first title defense will be against WBO No. 1-rated mandatory challenger Brian "The Lion" Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs).
"We are looking forward to defending the title and giving everyone a chance to see Demetrius in action as World Champion," Andrade's manager Ed Farris commented. "We didn't care who his next opponent is, Demetrius is ready to show the world that this is his time. We're glad to have the opportunity to show it."
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