2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade Prepared to defeat Vanes Martirosyan for WBO title

NEW YORK (October 31, 2013) – As he prepares to break his Atlanta training campon Tuesday, undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs) has fully prepared himself for his November 9th showdown with 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight championship.

Andrade vs. Martirosyan will be part of an HBO tripleheader, airing live from Corpus Christi, Texas.  The main event is a WBO junior lightweight title fight between defending champion Roman Martinez and challenger Mikey Garcia, while former world champions Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan clash in the co-feature.

Andrade, fighting out of Providence (RI), is co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Artie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions.

“We (Star Boxing and Banner Promotions) have worked together the past five years as Demetrius’ promoter and it is Demetrius’ time to show the World his talents,” Star Boxing president Joe DeGuardia said.  “I’ve been on the road a lot in October, including my trip to Orlando for Delvin Rodriguez’ fight with (Miguel) Cotto, and Artie and I went to Atlanta last week to Demetrius’ training camp.  Camp is winding down and Demetrius looks to be in top shape and ready to go. Next week we all head to Texas and are all looking forward to watching Demetrius win the world title.”

The 25-year-old Andrade was originally scheduled to challenge then WBO champion Zaurbek Baysangurov last July, but the Russian pulled out of the fight with an injury and was stripped of his title belt, leaving the world title vacant for the Nov. 9 world title fight between the top two rated WBO 154-pounders, respectively, Martirosyan and Andrade.

“This is the opportunity I’ve waited for my whole life,” Andrade remarked.  “I was supposed to fight for the world title in July but I believe everything happens for a reason.  I’ve had more time to work with my dad (head trainer Paul Andrade).  I’m stronger, faster and this camp has been better organized and structured than any I’ve had in the past.”

In addition to becoming the first member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team to win a world title as a professional, the gifted 25-year-old southpaw can also become the first native New Englander to be world champion of a major governing body since Massachusetts-born heavyweight John “The Quietman” Ruiz in 2005.

“I’m coming for him (Martirosyan) and he doesn’t know how bad that’s going to be for him,” the 2007 AIBA World amateur champion added.  “This is my time!”

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