It’s rare that an opponent of David Benavidez makes it to the final bell. The 28-year-old enjoys the damage he inflicts but it doesn’t mean his power is overwhelming.

Demetrius Andrade knows exactly what it feels like to be on the receiving end of those punches. In November 2023, the two got it on in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Andrade has always been a defensive fighter but he knows you can’t swim without getting wet. So as soon as he signed his portion of their contract, was aware Benavidez would get his licks in.

Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs) has hit the canvas a few times in his career but always rose to his feet and continued to brawl. Benavidez though, was an exception and after six rounds, Andrade remained on his stool, unable to continue. Even with Benavidez dropping and stopping him, Andrade doesn’t deem him a monster puncher.

“It’s not nothing crazy," Andrade told Fight Hub TV. "I got hit a few times and it was just like cool, whatever. That one shot came out of nowhere. I don’t even know how it slipped in there.”

Rated No. 3 by The Ring in the light-heavyweight division, Benavidez is hoping to have another early night against David Morrell on February 1st. During the lead-up, Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) has done what he always does...dish out violent threats.

Andrade does believe Benavidez gets it done against The Ring’s No. 8 ranked Morrell but as far as his knockout power receiving all sorts of hoopla, doesn't want anyone to get carried away. In fact, if we're discussing only power, Andrade isn’t convinced that Benavidez is the hardest hitter he’s ever faced. So who was exactly? The former two-division titlist tips his cap to a relatively unknown middleweight.

“Walter Kautondokwa. Blocking his shots, them things hurt. That kid hits hard. He hits harder than David.”