WBC super middleweight champion Anthony "The Dog" Dirrell is not impressed with undefeated challenger David Benavidez. (photo by Ryan Hafey)
The two boxers were scheduled to face each other in the past, but injuries and other issues forced them in separate directions.
Dirrell will defend the belt against Benavidez on Saturday night, as part of the Errol Spence vs. Shawn Porter undercard at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The card will be carried by Fox Sports Pay-Per-View.
Benavidez is known for his knockout power, but Dirrell is not worried.
"This is going to be a good fight. David Benavidez is a warrior and I don't take anything away from him. But I know that I have all the tools to beat him. He's never fought someone like me. Everyone he knocked out, he was supposed to knock out," Dirrell said.
"I have everything I need in my arsenal. I'm versatile. I can switch it up if I need to. If I need to sit in the pocket, I can. If I need to box, I can. I just don't think Benavidez is what everyone makes him out to be. I'm going for the knockout. I go for the knockout in every fight. If it doesn't happen, I can still go 12 rounds and come out victorious.
Dirrell realizes that some critics view him as the underdog, but he's not concerned about that.
"This win would build my legacy. Some people expect me to lose, and I'm happy about that. This just takes my career to another level," Dirrell said.
"I'm not looking past this fight. I'm focused on David Benavidez. After this fight I can talk about unification or whatever. Put first I have to take care of David. I've seen Benavidez fight before. My coaches have watched him closely and will come up with the game plan. He's quick, but we'll be ready."
