Ever more disgusting was the ring celebration of Team Andrade after easily dominating the washed up Angel Hernandez.
In addition to this being Andrade’s latest biggest test as pro, it also marks his first appearance under trainer Virgil Hunter. It’s interesting that in just 18 professional fights, this is the third change of trainer for Andrade. In 2010, David Keefe took over as lead trainer from Andrade’s father. It didn’t take long for father Paul to return, and Keefe squeezed out. And now two years later, enter Virgil Hunter. That is hardly a sign that all is well in a fighters development.
So another question arises, is this latest trainer change part of Andrade’s development, or marketing?
Despite whatever questions there are about his development as a fighter, there are no questions concerning his marketing. Already the upstanding and honorable sanctioning bodies have fallen in line with the boxing powers and awarded Andrade high rankings. The WBC currently lists him at #8, while both the IBF and WBO ridiculously have him ranked as their #3 contender.
So don’t be surprised if Andrade gets a title shot in the hear future without having faced anything close to a top ten contender.
How good is their marketing? Just today I read article cautioning against judging Andrade too harshly for his lousy opposition, comparing his development to that of Andre Ward. So now Andrade is the next Andre Ward. That’s good marketing.
Looking at Andrade’s career, one thing becomes crystal clear, there are far more questions than answers. If Andrade merely jabs and dances his way to a decision victory, avoiding all contact in the process as he did against Brewer, few, if any questions will be answered. On the other hand if he can demonstrate at least some of the power he has shown against lesser foes, while taking a few shots in return, one would have to conclude his development is on track.
But let’s not get ahead ourselves, Demetrius Andrade is not the next Andre Ward. The next Jean Pascal, perhaps.
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