By Rick Reeno
Unbeaten junior welterweight contender Antonio Orozco (22-0, 15KOs) is ready to take the next step. He wants a crack at WBA interim-junior welterweight champion Jose Benavidez (23-0, 16KOs).
The two fighters co-headlined a TruTv televised card last Friday night from the US Airway Centre in Phoenix, Arizona.
In the televised co-feature, Orozco stepped up in class and won a ten round unanimous decision over battle tested Emanuel Taylor. In the main event, Benavidez retained his title with a TKO victory of Jorge Paez Jr. in the twelfth and final round.
Orozco is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, while Benavidez is handled by Top Rank. The two companies have a good business relationship.
"After the event was over, Orozco told me that he wants to take the next step. He wants the fight with Benavidez. They co-headlined last Friday, and maybe they can headline a future date this year on TruTV or maybe place them in a slot on HBO. Orozco is ready for the best fighters at 140-pounds. He feels very confident in his abilities. Benavidez is a good fighter, but I saw a few things that I believe Orozco can take advantage of. All Golden Boy has to do is send us a contract with a date and we're ready to go," said manager Frank Espinoza, to BoxingScene.com.