U.S. Olympic Boxing Spotlight: Welterweight – Demetrius Andrade

ByJim Everett

**With Slideshow**

© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

It wouldn’t be fair to say that Demetrius Andrade had an easy time on his road to the Olympics, but that’s exactly how he made it look and why he is favored to win a Gold Medal in Beijing, China. The 20 year old stormed through both the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and dominated the AIBA World Championships last year.

Back in August, 2007, Andrade stopped his first two opponents to get through the quarterfinals of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He then won both the semi-final and final match by a wide decision for first place. Just two months later, he won the finals at the AIBA World Championships, winning each of his five bouts by double-digit margins.

“It was good competition but I basically went through it,” commented Andrade on his qualification process. “I was working hard and I was focused. I didn’t let anybody stop me. I worked hard and I ran through it.”

His career highlights include: World Champion, Pan American Games Silver Medallist, two-time National Champion and two-time Golden Gloves Champion.

Andrade was born on February 26, 1988 and lives in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. He began boxing at the early age of six, trained and still coached by his father, Paul Andrade. Nicknamed “Boo Boo”, he has a great personality and when asked to tell the public something about himself that they may not already know, he laughed as he jokingly replied, “I’m good looking!”

Speaking to the Providence native last month, it was clear that he hopes to inspire others by his accomplishments. “The other day we went to a boys and girls club and I was just thinking that I was that young once and I remember having big dreams of going places and doing things. It was great to meet the little kids and just let them know what hard work can accomplish.”

Andrade has spent the last several months at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs, working with his team. “I never worked with different coaches”, said the welterweight. “I have always worked with my family, David Keith and my dad, Paul Andrade, as well as my strength and conditioning coach, Big Bob. They are the best thing for me, without them, I couldn’t be where I’m at today.”

Although “Boo Boo” is focused on the gold, he is looking forward to the entire experience. “I can’t wait for the games and I’m looking forward to being a part of history, and making new contacts and friends.”

When asked about turning professional after the Olympics, he replied, “I’m just doing one step at a time, the first step is a Gold Medal, then anything that happens after that will happen, but right now, I’m just focused on the gold.”

Watch for the next U.S. Olympic Boxing Spotlight on Light Welterweight Javier Molina