SHOWTIME BOXING SPECIAL EDITION ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER 4TH

RANCES BARTHELEMY SET TO DEFEND IBF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST FERNANDO SAUCEDO IN MAIN EVENT WILLIE NELSON VS. VANES MARTIROSYAN IN CO-FEATURE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH LIVE ON SHOWTIME

New York, NY (9/5/14) - On Saturday, October 4th, DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing will stage a thrilling SHOWTIME Boxing Special Edition with reigning undefeated IBF champion Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (20-0-0-1NC, 12KO's) defending his super featherweight title against former world title challenger and IBF #3-rated Fernando Saucedo (52-5-3, 8KO's). The main event is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing. This card will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 pm ET/PT from the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Conn. In the co-feature, two highly ranked junior middleweights will collide in an exciting 10-round matchup when Willie Nelson (23-1-1, 13 KO's) faces Vanes Martirosyan(34-1-1, 21 KO's). This contest is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions. After defecting from his native Cuba, former amateur star Barthelemy successfully made his pro debut in 2009 and immediately began turning heads with his electric performances. Nicknamed "Kid Blast", the highly gifted boxer with devastating knockout power in both hands quickly moved up the ranks of the 130lb. division. In June 2013, Barthelemy moved himself to the #1 spot in the IBF world ratings when he scored a second-round knockout over contender Fahsai Sakkreerin with a single body shot in their official IBF title eliminator. Next up for Barthelemy was IBF champion Argenis Mendez this past January. Barthelemy took the fight right to Mendez and had him in trouble almost immediately in the first round. In the second, Barthelemy landed a barrage of punches to drop Mendez with just under 15 seconds to go in the round. Mendez was able to beat the count, but, as the bell was sounding to end the frame, Barthelemy landed a vicious combination that knocked Mendez out cold. Initially, referee Pete Podgorski ruled Barthelemy the victor by way of knockout. However, following review of the bout weeks later, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry determined that Barthelemy's final blows came after the bell had rung and changed the result of the fight to a 'No Contest.' The IBF ordered an immediate rematch and the two met sixth months later, with Barthelemy winning by unanimous 12-round decision, officially taking the IBF belt from Mendez. Now, the 28-year-old Barthelemy is ready to make the first defense of his title when he takes on the tough Argentinean Saucedo. Saucedo is no stranger to championship opportunities, having fought for the Super WBA world featherweight championship against long reigning champion Chris John back in 2010. The bout against John was the last time that Saucedo tasted defeat, with the dogged Argentinean moving up in weight and reeling off 14 consecutive victories. The move up in weight also seemed to have brought more power to Saucedo's punches, as seven of his eight career knockouts have come during his current winning streak. Last year, Saucedo claimed the vacant WBC Silver super featherweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Sergio Medina. Now, he is looking to rip Barthelemy's IBF strap from around his waist when the two meet on October 4th. "We are so excited that Showtime Boxing will be televising Rances Barthelemy's first defense," said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing & Promotions, LLC. "We believe that Rances will be a star for many years to come and is showing his mettle by fighting #3-ranked Fernando Saucedo in his first defense, who is on quite a roll himself. Working with a great resort like Foxwoods and with my friend Lou DiBella on this stellar show is a pleasure for us." A native of Cleveland, OH, Willie Nelson, rated #5 by the WBC, is one of the most talented and dangerous 154-pounders in the world. Since his lone loss to once-beaten Vincent Arroyo via majority decision on ShoBox in 2011, Nelson has switched trainers, moved up in weight and has never looked better, winning seven straight bouts. Following a 10-round unanimous decision over the 12-0 Yudel Johnson on Showtime, Nelson has scored sensational victories against the 13-0 John Jackson and 32-2 Luciano Cuello via unanimous decision as well as a brutal first-round TKO of Michael Medina. After annihilating Darryl Cunningham inside one round on the Cotto-Martinez undercard this past June, Nelson last fought and defeated the gritty Mexican 17-2-2 Luis Grajeda on August 8. Showing tremendous heart, Nelson overcame a couple moments of adversity, getting tagged by Grajeda's heavy hands, to outbox him the rest of the way en route to winning a 10-round unanimous decision. Nelson is on the doorstep to challenging for his first world title and is hungrier than ever to get his shot, but Vanes Martirosyan is standing in his way. Martirosyan, an eight-time National champion, finished his amateur career with a stellar 120-10 record prior to turning pro in 2005. Amassing several minor title belts, Martirosyan soon built a reputation as a dangerous 154lb. contender and potential future champion. Between 2009-'11, Martirosyan picked up the NABF, NABO, WBA International and WBC Silver junior middleweight titles, including an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory over the 22-0 Joe Greene held at Yankee Stadium. In November 2012, Martirosyan challenged Cuban prodigy Erislandy Lara, breaking him down with pressure and a powerful right hand. However, following a fight-ending severe cut over Martirosyan's left eye resulting from an unintentional clash of heads, the bout was halted and ruled a draw on the scorecards. One year later, Martirosyan received a shot at the vacant WBO title against the 19-0 Demetrius Andrade, but he would ultimately suffer his first defeat via close, split decision. In his last bout, on March 21, 2014, Martirosyan scored a 10-round unanimous decision win over a tough Mario Lozano. Currently ranked #4 by the WBO, #8 by the IBF and #9 by the WBC, Martirosyan is zeroing in on another title opportunity, but he must first get by the resolute Nelson. "I am excited to be co-promoting this event with Leon Margules and Warriors Boxing," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "Willie Nelson versus Vanes Martirosyan is a great matchup between two of the better fighters in the stacked 154lb. division. It is a tremendous opportunity for the winner to catapult himself to a world title shot in his next fight." "As Foxwoods strives to maintain our market leadership position in casino sports, boxing remains an important part of our overall entertainment platform. Lou DiBella is one of the best boxing promoters in the world and never fails to deliver a world-class event," said Scott Butera, President and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino. Additional undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets, priced at $150, $90 and $45, are currently on sale and can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods' box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods' box office. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com . Doors open at 6:00pm, with the first bout scheduled for 6:30pm.

Demetrius Andrade out to stop Brian Rose Saturday night In first WBO title defense

DEMETRIUS 'Boo Boo' ANDRADE    WBO Junior Middleweight Champion & 2008 U. S. Olympian

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Live on HBO from Barclays Center in Brooklyn NEW YORK (June 9, 2014) - In his first title defense this Saturday night, undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (20-0, 13 KOs) has nothing but bad intentions on his mind for mandatory challenger Brian "The Lion" Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs). Andrade vs. Rose is the 12-round co-feature, airing on HBO live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on a card presented by Andrade's co-promoters, Banner Promotions and Star Boxing, along with Top Rank. The main event is a 12-round bout between WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KOs) and unbeaten challenger Chris Algieri (19-0, 8 KOs). The 26-year-old Andrade, fighting out of Providence, captured the vacant WBO 154-pound title last November on HBO, defeating previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) by way of a 12-round decision. "Training camp was great," Andrade said.  "I worked on getting smarter and harder. We did some things differently than last camp:  even faster movements, focusing on what parts of the body to hit, and being explosive. We worked on an all-around plan." A 2008 U.S. Olympian and 2007 World Championships gold medal winner, Andrade plans to make a major statement in hopes his performance propels him into a high-profile fight against the winner of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. Erislandy Lara, possibly Floyd Mayweather, Jr. before he retires next year, or a unification fight withCarlos Molino. "I'm very excited about this opportunity for Demetrius," Andrade's manager Ed Farris added. "Hopefully, we'll get a spectacular win and provide fans with the kind of performance that they deserve.  They will see Demetrius' incredible potential and special gifts if he does what he's capable of in the ring.   Hopefully, they will become excited to see him guys like Mayweather and Alvarez.  I know Demetrius can beat every one of the top guys out there. Whether politics in this sport will allow Demetrius the opportunity to show the world his tremendous ability, well, that's another story.  I know one thing, though, sooner or later Demetrius Andrade will be recognized as one of the most talented boxers in the world and boxing politics won't stop him from eventually getting to the top."        The gifted boxer of Cape Verdean heritage is not looking past his United Kingdom challenger.  "Everybody in boxing has pop," Andrade noted about Rose's power in contrast to his seven knockouts in 25 wins.  "I just have to go in and do what I do best - pick him apart. "I'm a bad man!  I'm going to whip his ass.  He's getting knocked out.  Fans are going to see why none of the top guys in my division want to fight me. I'm taking over!" Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

Demetrius Andrade set to cage Brian 'The Lion' Rose In first WBO title defense

June 14 on HBO live from Barclays Center

ATLANTA (May 7, 2014) - Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (20-0, 13 KOs) is preparing for his first title defense, June 14 on HBO against No. 1 mandatory challenger Brian "The Lion" Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs), like it was just another fight. The 26-year-old Andrade, fighting out of Providence, captured the vacant WBO 154-pound title last November on HBO, defeating previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) by way of a 12-round decision. Andrade vs. Rose is the 12-round co-feature on a card presented by the gifted Cape Verdean-American's co-promoters, Banner Promotions and Star Boxing, along with Top Rank, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The headliner is a 12-round bout between WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KOs) and unbeaten challenger Chris Algieri (19-0, 8 KOs). "I'm preparing for this fight the same way I always have with daily routines that got me here by being smarter and harder," Andrade said from his Atlanta training camp.  "I know what to do and what it takes.  I'm always in shape and everything else is in place.  My motor is running.  I'm getting in shape for greatness, staying active in between fights and keeping my weight down.  I'm doing what I was born and taught to do.  Everything is coming together so I can put on a show fight night." Andrade has a rich pedigree having been a 2008 U.S. Olympian, 2007 World Championships gold medal winner, and four-time national amateur champion.  Before he can get into a mega-fight with the likes of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, possibly even Floyd Mayweather, Jr. before he retires, or a unification fight with Carlos Molina or Erislandy Lara, Andrade must first get past his mandatory challenger from the United Kingdom. "We'd like to thank HBO for providing Demetrius with this opportunity to show the boxing world that he is ready to take over the 154 and 160-pound divisions," Andrade's manager Ed Farris commented. "Sooner or later one of the big-name fighters is going to have to face Demetrius and then everybody in boxing will know Demetrius Andrade is for real.  We're honored that HBO has stepped up and given us this chance. "I still don't think most people realize what Demetrius did to Vanes Martirosyan.  He virtually shut-down a fighter that hadn't lost in 10 years with a 33-0-1 record. Martirosyan had beaten Erislandy Lara for five straight rounds before Lara started to figure him out.  Martirosyan would beat the hell out of Timothy Bradley or Austin Trout, just like he did in the amateurs, yet Demetrius received very little credit for easily beating Martirosyan.  Sooner or later the cream rises to the top and believe me Demetrius will rise. I'm confident that he will become one of the greatest fighters in the history of this sport."  Rose has defeated former world champions Vivian Harris and Joachim Alcine but the light hitting Brit hasn't been in with a pure boxing technician like Andrade, an athletic southpaw with tremendous speed and quickness combined with his deceptive power.  "I've seen clips of Rose," Andrade concluded.  "He's a straight-up boxer.  I won't know too much more until I get in the ring with him.  I do know I'm not going 12 rounds with this guy." Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

Demetrius Andrade throws Name into 'Money' ring

ATLANTA (February 12, 2014) - Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (20-0, 13 KOs) is shooting for the stars, better make that, The Star. Not only does Andrade plan to succeed Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Jr. as boxing's pound-for-pound champion and biggest draw, the slick southpaw hopes to fight Mayweather prior to "Money" closing his boxing bank, so to speak. Andrade, a native of Providence who now lives in Atlanta, defeated previously unbeaten  2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-1-1, 21 KOs) by 12-round decision for the vacant WBO title last November on HBO. The 25-year-old is now required to make his first title defense, likely in April according to Andrade, against WBO No. 1-rated mandatory challenger Brian "The Lion" Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs). The 36-year-old Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs) will face either Amir Khan or Marcus Maidana on May 3 in Las Vegas on Showtime PPV.  The nine-time, five-division world champion Mayweather is the reigning WBC and WBA Super junior middleweight title holder. "I'm getting ready to take over boxing after Mayweather retires," Andrade said.  "I want to match my natural, God-given skills against his before he hangs up his gloves for good. Let's unify the titles, Floyd.  We can do it here in Atlanta, Las Vegas or New York. You pick the place, just don't leave me hanging and retire without fighting me. This is my time!" Mayweather announced that he will fight only four more times, including May 3, and then retire next year from the ring as a boxer. Andrade needs to quickly position himself as a viable opponent and rising star in order to be seriously considered as one of only three more Mayweather opponents.  A match-up between the two could be like the passing of the torch, assuming Andrade continues to develop in the ring and marketable product. Andrade has been described by some as a younger, taller (by 5 inches), southpaw version of Mayweather because of their similar styles and tremendous boxing skills. Their similarities don't end there, however. They are both African-Americans who flash endearing smiles, in addition to being former US Olympians (Mayweather - 1996 Olympic bronze medalist, Andrade - 2008), multiple National Golden Gloves champions (Mayweather 1993, 1994 & 1996, Andrade 2006 & 2007), and two of the few undefeated professional prizefighters.  Andrade was also the 2007 World Championships gold medalist.   Is Mayweather vs. Andrade in the stars?  Stay tuned, boxing fans. Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

WBO junior middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade eyes mega-fights later in 2014 First a mandatory title defense vs. Brit Brian Rose

PROVIDENCE (January 16, 2014) - 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." Rose is a 28-year-old Brit who is the reigning WBO Inter-Continental 154-pound champion.  A relative unknown in the United States, Rose's most notable wins have come against past-their-primes Javier Marciel (SDEC12) in a WBC eliminator, Joachim Alcine (TKO12) and Vivian Harris (KO3). The WBO purse bid for Andrade vs. Rose is scheduled for January 23 at the WBO office in Puerto Rico, unless their respective promoters -- Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing & Artie Pelullo's Banner Promotions and Barry Hearn's Matchroom Sports -- reach an agreement prior to the already extended deadline. "I'm not going to take anybody lightly," promised Andrade, who was also a World amateur champion.  "I've been working in the gym, sharpening my tools to get better, and be ready to rock 'n roll for my first title defense.  My goal is to eventually fight the top 154-pounders and unify the titles." Shortly after Andrade became world champion, unlike most who go on a celebratory break, Andrade instead served as a sparring partner for Shawn Porter (21-0-1, 14 KOs), who benefited from the sessions en route to defeating International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Devon Alexander. "We grew-up in the amateurs together," Andrade spoke about his friend Porter.  "We fought each other three times and were on traveling teams together in so many different countries.  I saw him at the (Andre) Ward-(Edwin) Rodriguez fight and told him the best sparring he could get was right here.  I asked him if he wanted to sharpen his skills and be able to see everything coming at him.    He wanted the work but didn't want to ask me, so I asked him if he wanted my help.  He said, let's do it." Now, they're both World Champions.  Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION DEMETRIUS “BOO BOO” ANDRADE TO BE HONORED BY STATE OF RHODE ISLAND THIS WEDNESDAY

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (December 2, 2013)—This Wednesday, WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade will be honored by his home state for his sensational championship victory over Vanes Martirosyan on November 9^th in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Andrade, 20-0 will be receiving his recognition at the Rhode Island State house at 4:30 pm eastern.

“We are very proud of Demetrius”, said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“We look forward to many big fights in the future for Demetrius and I am sure Demetrius will have many more accolades and days like he will be having in the future.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE WINS WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE WITH 12-ROUND SPLIT DECISION OVER MARTIROSYAN

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (November 9, 2013)—Demetrius Andrade won the WBO jr. middleweight championship with a workmanlike split decision over 2004 U.S. Olympian and previously undefeated Vanes Martirosyan at the American Bank Center.

Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island, is now 20-0 with 13 knockouts and is promoted by Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Andrade proved early that he had the heart of a champion as he came back from a flash first -round knockdown.

Andrade got off the deck and dominated the rest of the bout as he stuck his hard right jab consistently in Martirosyan’s face.

Andrade’s best round was the sixth when he hit Martirosyan with repeated power shots that raised swelling around his left eye.

Andrade was never challenged down the stretch as he put on a beautiful boxing exhibition that Martirosyan had no answer for.

According to Compubox, Andrade landed 219 of 769 while Martirosyan only managed 83 of 443.

Two judges had Andrade winning by scores of 117-110 and 114-113, While a third judge turned in a dubious card that had Martirosyan ahead 115-112.

“He caught me but I stayed focused,” said Andrade about the knockdown. “I stayed focused and continued to jab and started to pick him apart.  I started to feel comfortable inside and won the fight.”

On becoming a world champion, “This feels great and my time is now.”

Said co-promoter Arthur Pelullo, “This is what we envisioned when we signed him.  That was to become world champion and he did that tonight.  We feel that he is on track to become the best jr. middleweight in the world.  Winning this belt puts him in the mix to be able to prove that.”

Demetrius Andrade set to make Statement vs. Vanes Martirosyan

DEMETRIUS 'Boo Boo' ANDRADE    2008 U. S. Olympian

For Immediate Release Saturday night on HBO for vacant WBO junior middleweight title ATLANTA (November 4, 2013) - As he prepares to break his Atlanta training camp and depart for this Saturday night's fight against 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight title, undefeated Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs) is set to make a major statement in Corpus Christi, Texas. Andrade vs. Martirosyan will be part of an HBO tripleheader, headlined by WBO junior lightweight Roman Martinez' title defense against Mikey Garcia, plus a rematch between former world champions Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan. Martirosyan has a powerful team comprised of promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank), manager Cameron Duncan and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach (although he is overseas training Manny Pacquiao). Andrade, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, managed by New Hampshire businessman Ed Farris, and trained by his father, Paul Andrade. Andrade understands boxing's political power may rest in his opponent's corner, especially fighting in a high-profile event promoted by Martirosyan's promoter, Top Rank, but the 25-year-old Rhode Islander plans to control the action from the opening bell and steal the entire show with a scintillating knockout performance. "I saw what happened in the (Julio Cesar, Jr.) Chavez-(Brian) Vera fight," Andrade explained.  "We've all seen what can happen when a name boxer is fighting on a show promoted by his promoter.  My job is to go in and stop him (Martirosyan).  You never want to leave the fight in the hands of the judges.  I learned that lesson the hard way in The Olympics." Favored to capture a gold medal in Beijing, China, 2007 AIBA World champion Andrade was the victim of highly questionable scoring, losing on points in the quarterfinal round to Korean boxer Kim Jung-Joo, 11-9, at the 2008 Olympic Games.        "I've trained hard to be fully prepared for this fight," Andrade continued.  "I'm in 15-round shape for a 12-round fight but it's not going the distance.  Once I get in the ring, I'm going to do whatever I need to win.  I am going to beat him and the knockout will come.  I'm coming to win every round decisively.....until it ends in a KO.  I am going to beat him down for three minutes of every round.  I am going to make a statement that I'm the best 154-pound fighter in the world." Andrade was originally slated to challenge then WBO champion Zaurbek Baysangurov this past 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 WBO's two highest rated contenders, No. 1 Martirosyan and No. 2 Andrade. Go online to www.BooBooBoxing for additional information about Demetrius Andrade and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @BooBooBoxing.

Demetrius Andrade prepared to defeat Vanes Martirosyan Nov, 7 for WBO title

For Immediate Release 2008 U.S. OLYMPIAN DEMETRIUS ANDRADE PREPARED TO DEFEAT VANES MARTIROSYAN FOR WBO TITLE Nov. 9 live on HBO from Texas 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!" Follow on Twitter: @StarBoxing  @BooBooBoxing  @JoeDeGuardia ABOUT STAR BOXING: Star Boxing Inc. celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2012.  Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.  For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow them on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook at Star Boxing.

No 'Boo Boo' for Demetrius Andrade in WBO title fight vs. Vanes Martirosyan

DEMETRIUS 'Boo Boo' ANDRADE    2008 U. S. Olympian

For Immediate Release Nov. 9 on HBO ATLANTA (October 23, 2013) - Undefeated light middleweight Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympian, is on a mission to complete a rare "boxing double" November 9, when he  fights 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) 154-pound title. Andrade vs. Martirosyan will be part of an HBO tripleheader, airing live from Corpus Christi, Texas, headlined by WBO junior lightweight Roman Martinez' title defense against Mikey Garcia, in addition to a rematch between former world champions Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan. In 2007, Andrade captured a gold medal as an amateur at the AIBA World Championships in Chicago.  A Nov. 9th victory over Martirosyan would make Andrade one of the few contemporary world champions as both a professional and amateur. The gifted southpaw can 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, as well as the first Rhode Islander to do the same since Cranston's light middleweight Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" in 1991. "I honestly don't pay attention to anything other than working hard to reach my goal of becoming world champion," the 25-year-old said from his Atlanta training camp. "Everything else is irrelevant, at least for right now, as I train for my first world title fight.  New England has had a lot of good fighters. "I do know I am going to be the first (pro) world champion from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.  I just want to show the boxing world that I am the No. 1 light middleweight in the world and why I will be for years to come.  I'm just beginning my legacy.  I'm growing in stature and a lot more people are going to know me after November 9th." Andrade credits his amateur boxing experience as the primary reason why fighting  HBO for the first time won't be a problem, as well as his 300+ amateur fights giving him an advantage in the ring against any opponent. "HBO is a big stage and I'm grateful to be fighting on HBO for the first time," Andrade noted, "but there's no bigger stage in boxing, world-wide, than The Olympics. I've fought under the bright lights, so fighting on HBO won't be anything new for me, or a distraction in any way. "I've seen and beaten every style, fighting amateur opponents from all over the world, but nobody in the pros has fought anybody like me.  I'm going into this fight with a lot of confidence.  I've prepared for this moment my entire life.  This is my time!" Go online to www.BooBooBoxing for additional information about Demetrius Andrade and follow on Twitter and Instagram @BooBooBoxing.

Journey continues for Demetrius Andrade WBO title fight Nov. 9 vs. Vanes Martirosyan

HBO spotlight live from Texas

ATLANTA (October 07, 2013) - The journey continues for undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs) as he prepares for his November 9th world title fight in Corpus Christi, Texas, against 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, headlined by the WBO junior lightweight title fight between defending champion Roman Martinez and challenger Mikey Garcia, and a rematch between former world champions Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan. The 25-year-old Andrade was originally slated to challenge then WBO champion Zaurbek Baysangurov last July.   The Russian pulled out of the fight with an injury and was stripped of his title belt, leaving the world title vacant to set-up the Nov. 9 showdown between the top two rated WBO 154-pounders, respectively, Martirosyan and Andrade. Andrade, fighting out of Providence (RI), has been at training camp in Atlanta with his father/head trainer, Paul Andrade.  They have brought in a half-dozen sparring partners, mostly tall with quick hand speed, to prepare for Martirosyan. "This title fight is part of my journey," the 2007 AIBA World Championships gold medalist Andrade said.  "When I first started boxing, I said that I'd fight in The Olympics, become world champion, and retire undefeated.  I will become the first boxer from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team to become world champion as a professional.  This is the opportunity I've waited for my whole life.  It is going to open my door to stardom, letting boxing fans know I'm here.  This is it! "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.  I'm stronger, faster and this camp has been better organized and structured than any I've had in the past.  I'm growing and developing all the time." While Martirosyan has been talking about fights with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and others, Andrade has fully concentrated on Martirosyan and the task at hand.  Their only common opponent is Angel Hernandez, who Martirosyan defeated by 10-round decision in 2008, and Andrade stopped in the second round of his last fight this past January. "He can talk all he wants about fighting other guys," Andrade remarked, "but if he thinks fighting me is going to be a walk in the park, he's going to be in big trouble.  I'm coming for him and he doesn't know how bad that's going to be for him. "He's already had 34 fights and this is his first title fight, which says something about him.  He doesn't do anything great.  He's not slick, his feet are all over the place, and he jumps in to throw punches.  He walks in, loading up to throw big punches.  He wasn't impressive against (Erislandy) Lara or even Joe Greene." Team Andrade hopes Martirosyan is looking past the slick southpaw.  "This is going to be a tough fight and we respect Vanes," Andrade's manager Ed Farris added, "but Alvarez shouldn't waste his time thinking about a fight with Martirosyan.  We're confident that Demetrius will be walking out of the ring with the WBO belt on November 9th. Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.