Demetrius Andrade Wants to Show the Boxing World He's Ready for 'Canelo' and Golovkin

World Boxing Organization middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (27-0) is scheduled to make his second title defense on June 28 when he headlines against Polish boxer Maciej Sulecki (28-1). Andrade will be fighting in his hometown as champion, a first for the Providence, Rhode Island, native.

"Boo Boo" won his 160-pound belt in October 2018 by outpointing Walter Kautondokwa through 12 rounds. He cemented his championship status two months later by taking Artur Akavov to the final round before finishing him off via TKO.

The undefeated southpaw is eager to showcase his skillset before a loyal New England crowd. "Fighting at home is really exciting," said Andrade. "In a way, it's more exciting for the fans in Providence as I've fought all over the world already. So, to give my hometown the chance to watch me display my skills, talent, work ethic is going to be great for them - they're going to see greatness from one of their own."

Most important for Andrade (31) is to show the boxing community that he's the real deal and can compete on the big stages with the likes of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Though his path has not been direct, Andrade believes he has the aptitude, and now with Matchroom Boxing and Dazn behind him, the support, to make meaningful advancement in the sport.

"I'm an Olympian and a two-weight World champion, but that's not enough because there's a lot of people that haven't seen my talent displayed in the mainstream like some other fighters, like 'Canelo' Alvarez, as Golden Boy did a great job moving him and GGG had great promotion too, but they're not the greatest talents out there, they are just the most popular. It's called prize fighting and I am looking to capitalize on that."

Andrade meets Sulecki on June 29 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The eight-fight card will stream live on Dazn starting at 7 p.m. ET.