Tucson - Let's Get It On, Terence Crawford. That's what Jose Benavidez Jr., the interim WBA super lightweight champion, said today at a Media Day inside the Undisputed Gym and Fitness Center here in Tucson.
"I want Crawford in the ring. Let's make it happen," said Benavidez Jr.
Benavidez, Jr., 23-0, 16 KOs, of Phoenix is here to take on Sidney Siqueira, 22-9-1, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in an opening bout on Top Rank's 'Homecoming' fight card which features unbeaten two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez in the main event on Saturday night. Benavidez vs Sigueria will open the Solo Boxeo Tecate telecast on UniMas.
Benavidez said "I'm undefeated, young, ready to take on Crawford. Let's see if he accepts the challenge," Benavidez Jr said.
Valdez, 17-0, 15 KOs., was born in Mexico but grew up in Tucson. He asked Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank to put together a fight card here at the Tuscon Arena. Valdez will face Ernie Sanchez, 15-6-1, 6 KOs, of The Philippines
"Bob got me what I wanted - a fight in Tuscon. I have a big family and they are all coming," said Valdez. "I'm an aggressive smart fighter. I respect every opponent I fight. I've had a big 2015. I know 2016 will be even bigger."
The undercard will feature super middleweight Jesse Hart of Philadelphia. He is 18-0 with 15 KOs. Hart faces Andrik Saralegui, 19-3, 15 KOs, of Mexico.
Esquivo Falcoa, a silver medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games, is on the card in a middleweight bout. He has a record of 11-0, 8 KOs. Falcoa will face Hector Munoz, 22-13-1, 14 KOs, of Albuquerque.