Former two-division champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs) returns to the ring Friday, July 24th when he faces Douglas Ataide (20-5-1, 11 KOs) on a CES Boxing show at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The bout marks Andrade's first fight since his loss to David Benavidez in November 2023. Andrade said personal tragedy overshadowed his preparation for the Benavidez fight after his mother became terminally ill and his younger brother was shot and paralyzed. "I was literally going from one hospital floor to another—seeing my mother in a coma and then going upstairs to see my little brother—while trying to prepare for the biggest fight of my career. That's something no one can prepare you for."

 

Because of those circumstances, Andrade trained with Andre Rozier while his father remained home to care for the family. "My father has always been my head trainer, but because of what was going on with my mom and my brother, he stayed behind and I worked with Andre Rozier, who stepped in and did a great job helping me prepare. We did the best that we could under the circumstances."

 

After losing to Benavidez and the subsequent death of his mother, Andrade stepped away from boxing. "I needed some time away to deal with everything. I focused on my mind, body, soul, and my family. Boxing is what I love, but we're more than just fighters."

 

Following his layoff, Andrade said he began discussions with CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. about returning to the ring. "Jimmy and I have known each other for a long time. I've always respected Jimmy and everything he's done for boxing in New England. He realized I didn't want to keep waiting for opportunities anymore. I knew together we could make things happen."

 

Burchfield believes Andrade remains capable of competing for another world title. "Demetrius is one of the greatest fighters ever produced in New England. He's accomplished almost everything there is to accomplish in this sport, but we believe he still has another championship run left in him. July 24th is only the beginning."

 

Ataide, a 35-year old from Brazil, has previously faced former WBA regular middleweight champion Ryota Murata and former world title challenger Jorge Heiland. "I give Douglas a lot of credit. We reached out to a lot of fighters with bigger names who didn't take the fight. Douglas stepped up and accepted the opportunity, and I respect that. Once the bell rings, though, it's my job to hurt him."

 

Looking beyond July 24th, Andrade said he still has championship ambitions. "I want to become a three-division world champion, but there's also unfinished business. There are fights that should have happened years ago that still make sense today. Caleb Plant, the Charlo brothers, Edgar Berlanga, Jaime Munguia. I'm ready to fight all of them."

 

The show will also feature Kevin Walsh against Dannis Arias.