David Benavidez has no shortage of HUGE fights on his radar. In an exclusive interview with BoxingScene, Jose Benavidez Sr. makes it clear that David still wants the biggest names at 175lbs including Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez has previously said those are two fights he wants to make as he pursues more titles and major challenges. But there’s another name that could make things very interesting: Andy Ruiz Jr. Jose discusses the possibility of an all-Mexican showdown between Benavidez and the former heavyweight champion, along with David’s plans across multiple divisions. And with a potential Jai Opetaia showdown also building after the pair came face-to-face following Opetaia’s latest victory, Benavidez has some massive options ahead.
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By Salvador Rodriguez & Ernesto Castellanos, notifight.com
WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. overcame the biggest test of his career, winning a twelve round unanimous decision over Marco Antonio "Veneno" Rubio last Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas.
Chavez doesn't make any excuses about his pre-fight weight issues. He struggled to make 160-pounds, weighing in at 159.5 and then blowing up to 181 on the day of the fight. Chavez still plans to campaign in the middleweight division and he might return on June 16th in Texas. Middleweight Andy Lee (27-1, 19KOs) is being mentioned as his next possible opponent.
"These things happen [with the weight]. You learn from your mistakes and this will not happen again. I feel very strong in this division and I want to make history. I'm going to rest, analyze the fight and review our mistakes. I liked the way that I was able to avoid the straight right from Rubio, which is the most dangerous thing he has, but I can still get better and we will show you the ring and not just talk about it," Chavez said.
"There is talk of a fight with Andy Lee, talk of facing [Antonio] Margarito, talk of facing [Sergio] Martinez, who everyone wants to see me fight because they consider him the best in the world. Honestly, I do not shy away from anyone. If they pay me enough, I'll fight him. If I would have fought [Martinez] like I did against Rubio, he would have won the fight, but I will prepare much better for that fight. I know how to beat him."
For the first time, Chavez discussed his recent arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Chavez was arrested on January 22 in Los Angeles, after being pulled over for a routine traffic stop. The officer smelled a heavy odor of alcohol in Chavez's vehicle. Chavez was taken to a Los Angeles police station and booked for a DWI.
"There is no problem [with alcohol]. I will answer for my actions. I make mistakes like any other human being," Chavez said.
According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office, Chavez is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles court on March 16th. However, Chavez said he was unware of having to appear for any specific court date in March, but plans to appear if necessary.
Salvador Rodriguez covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.
