Andrade vs. Mundine? Controversy Abounds During Negoatiations

The war of words continue between representatives of undefeated WBO junior middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) and former two-time super middleweight titlist Anthony “The Man” Mundine (47-7, 27 KOs).

Team Andrade issued a press release last Saturday night regarding an agreement it alleged Team Mundine had reneged on for a fight between the two aforementioned fighters next month in Australia.

Team Mundine issued a statement yesterday, in which it claimed it had never agreed to a deal, largely because it included a three-fight option on Mundine.

Today, Team Andrade countered with a statement of its own to clarify this dubious situation. “Let’s make this perfectly clear,” Andrade’s manager Ed Farris said. “Mundine’s side is bending the facts and hiding the truth in an attempt to back out of the fight.

“Their recent press release about our side asking for three options on Anthony Mundine isn’t true. I just discussed this with Demetrius’ promoters [Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing & Artie Pelullo, Banner Promotions] and there was never a three-fight option on Mundine in the proposed contract.

“There was simply a rematch option clause, which to my understanding, guaranteed Anthony Mundine a substantial amount of money with significant minimums.

“All of the proposed agreements gave Mundine’s people 100-percent of the Australian television market, which is a huge opportunity for additional income beyond his purse.

“The ball is in their court and it has been for a week now. They have not sent us a counter-offer and that, unfortunately, tells me that his camp simply doesn’t want the fight to happen.”

Farris further added, “As far as statements made by Mundine’s manager [Ben Thompson] that Anthony was offered ‘low dollars’ to fight Demetrius, Anthony Mundine’s purse is paid by his promoter, not our promoters. We have absolutely nothing to do with that.

“I can tell you this, though, Anthony Mundine was offered more money than Demetrius Andrade for this fight. Mundine would have an opportunity to fight for the world title in his backyard for substantially more money than the world champion was getting. How much more does he expect us to give?”

Andrade remains hopeful that Mundine will accept the challenge and sign a contract to fight him as soon as possible. “I think Australian fans would love to see their two-time World Champion fighting the current World Champion in his home country,” Andrade commented.

“I want this fight to happen. I don’t care about a rematch clause. The fact is, if Mundine beats me, he deserves to go fight whoever he wants. I’ve told my promoters to get rid of the rematch option and make this fight happen.

“I’ve made some mistakes in the past – God knows everyone does – but I’m doing everything I can to get back in the ring and give fans what they want. They’ve been great to me and they deserve to see fights they really want. Hopefully, they’ll soon get to enjoy watching a great fight between me and Mundine.”