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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Lee Appleyard, fresh from his agonising defeat to Sean Dodd back in April, returns to the ring on July 1st when he tackles Skelmersdale’s Steve Brogan for the vacant English lightweight title.
Appleyard received wide exposure with Sky Sports showing his Commonwealth belt contest with Dodd and his efforts, although unsuccessful, received fair acclaim amongst boxing circles with the contest evenly poised for long periods.
Granted that shot via excellent work from his manager, Dave Coldwell, Appleyard is desperate for further high profile opportunities and Coldwell believes a victory over Brogan can catapult his man back onto the radar of domestic beltholders.
"I'm happy he's back out pretty much immediately because I want him back to winning ways," revealed Coldwell.
"He showed me a lot of good things against Dodd but he didn't maintain it and he let him back into the fight and made it too easy for him at stages. He's had the exposure of a big show and fighting in front of a hostile crowd on television so there were some positives to take from the experience and he has to use that in this fight and moving forward. We're grateful towards Stefy Bull for getting this fight on and allowing Lee to get back into the groove straightaway because we didn't want him sitting around and waiting for a date. He's been back in the gym and he's got a worthwhile prize to fight for on July 1st."
On Brogan, Coldwell assessed, "He's a very tough fighter with a pleasing style who likes to have a fight. Lee will have to be switched on at all times and be prepared to match Brogan every step of the way because I think there could be some hard moments in there. The pair of them will want the English title really bad as it gives them something to defend and can also open the door for a much bigger opportunity in the near future. This is the type of fight I love because you know it means absolutely everything to fighters involved. I think the fans are in for a real treat."
