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.
Golden Boy PromotionsDarius Fulghum returns from the only loss of his 15-fight career when he confronts David Stevens on November 8.
The Houston-based super middleweight and the 15-2 (10KOs) Stevens fight on the undercard of Vergil Ortiz Jnr-Erickson Lubin at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
It was in May 2024 in Las Vegas when Fulghum lost a 12-round decision to Uzbekistan’s Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev. Fulgham, 14-1 (12KOs), is regardless ranked sixth by the WBA.
“I needed to change my mental approach,” the 29 year old said. “Coming off a loss, I really want to make a splash. I feel like I’m still at the top of the division and this fight is a great opportunity to showcase my skills.
“This is another day. I want to put on a great performance to be in contention for one of those four belts. I’m not far away – one or two more fights – but it all depends on how I perform. [Terence] Crawford has those four belts. Will he stay in this weight class? Should he retire – Crawford is 38? Will the division be opened up? I want to put myself in position. My time will be perfect for a world-title fight.
“In my last fight, skill-wise, I am superior to Bek; I thought I won the fight. I didn’t and it happened. I think experience was a factor. My ego got the best of me. I never liked bullies, and I made it my mission to not get bullied. I wouldn’t take a step backwards, but I should have boxed right from the start. It’s all part of learning lessons.
“I would like to think that we’ll meet again, but for a world title. Things will work out. That fight is in the past, and I will grow and keep learning. What I appreciate the most about boxing is that a lot of people make excuses and point fingers at others, but that doesn’t work in boxing.”
Stevens, 25, lost a 12-round split decision to Melikuziev in November.
“I know a lot about David Stevens,” Fulghum continued. “He trains here [in Houston], and we’ve sparred. I’ve seen him around for a long time. He is unique to himself; unlike anybody I’ve fought. This is a dangerous fight. He’s going to bring his stuff; I need to set the tone from the start.”
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