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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As BoxingScene.com previously reported, 2016 Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov won his first world title, as he won the IBO welterweight championship by defeating Juan Hernan Leal by way of unanimous decision in front of a sold out arena in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
Fighting at home for the first time in his professional career, Daniyar showed fast hands along with power early on as he tried to impress the hometown crowd.
The power was in full display in the second round as he knocked down Leal with a straight left to the body. Yeleussinov would then land a fast counter left uppercut that landed on the tip of the nose, dropping Leal once for a second time.
Unfortunately an injured left hand midway through the fight prevented Yeleussinov from getting the stoppage.
Yeleussinov won easily by scores of 120-105 twice and 120-106, and improved his perfect record to 11-0 with six knockouts.
"I was very excited to finally fight as a pro in front of my family, friends and country, but I put a lot of pressure on myself because I wanted to put on an outstanding performance as I did my last three fights," said Yeleussinov
"After the two knockdowns in the second round, I hurt my left hand hitting him on top of his head as I was trying to finish him off. Leal would go on survival mode preventing any real openings for me to fully capitalize. Although it wasn't the performance I wanted, I got some rust off and got much needed rounds, and I went twelve rounds for the first time in my career."
The boxing event was special as the title fight coincided with Kazakhstan celebrating 30 years of Independence. This was the first world title fight in Kazakhstan since Beibut Shumenov won the vacant WBA "regular" cruiserweight title on July 7, 2018 in Nur-Sultan.
Said Elvis Crespo of Boxing Stars Management, "I'm satisfied with Daniyar's performance as he won every round in the fight and he got much needed work as he only has fought nine rounds in the past two years. We will look to keep him more active as soon as his hand heals up. 2022 will be a big year for Daniyar Yeleussinov."
Boxing Stars Management featured several of their fighters on the show and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this great event a reality.
"It was a great show and at the best time of year as we were celebrating Kazakhstan's 30 years of independence as well as Daniyar becoming the 5th world champion from Kazakhstan," said Ziya Aliyev of Boxing Stars Management.
"It was challenging especially with all restrictions with Covid, but we, Boxing Stars, were very active with the promoters to not only make this a great boxing show but also a great event!"
