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WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade was caught ridin’ dirty early this morning in his hometown of Providence, according to a report from the Providence Journal. Police allege that they caught the 30-year-old world champion with a Glock 19 in the Louis bag while driving his Mercedes — but he apparently didn’t have a permit for the gun.
Police say they encountered Andrade at 2:30am, blocking traffic with his car while talking to a friend. When police approached him they say he was visibly nervous and glancing at his bag on the floor. At that point police found the handgun and a magazine with ten bullets. Andrade reportedly explained to police that he needed the gun for protection because to his money and fame.
“There’s no excuse for carrying a gun without a permit,” said Providence Police detective Maj. David Lapatin. “Whether you claim you’re transporting large amounts of money, or your life is in danger, you can make your case to get a permit [to carry a concealed weapon]. But you cannot obtain a gun and carry it in the city of Providence without one.”
Andrade was charged with a felony offense of carrying a gun without a license, not even two months removed from recapturing a world title against Walter Kautondokwa in late October, and only a few months since signing a lucrative deal with Eddie Hearn. After his arraignment Andrade was released on bail, but this could potentially be a problem for a fighter who was hoping to land a major fight with Canelo Alvarez in the near future.