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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Devin Haney revealed Thursday in Los Angeles that he had “lost a lot of respect” for Ryan Garcia as a consequence of his rival’s conduct between the two press conferences staged to promote their fight.
The rivals are on course to fight for Haney’s WBC super lightweight title on April 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and came face to face Thursday in L.A. after doing the same Tuesday in New York.
On Wednesday, when asked during a social media stream how his preparations were going, the 25-year-old Garcia said, “Amazing." He then laughed, saying, “I’m laughing because I’m high as f***.
“I know so many of the top athletes in the world, that they would do crazier s*** than me and be the best in the world,” he said. “I’m not a dry snitch, so I won’t say nothing. At the end of the day, I don’t do s***. I box, smoke weed and drink, and I’m the best.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got business, entertainment, and it’s all a show. But this is the most truthful show in the world. I can f*** around, but if I’m not training I’m going to get f***** up. The difference is I’m training every day.”
Garcia followed up with another post, featuring a video in which he said, “Ninety-nine percent of what I'm doing is trolling. You don't have a six-pack if you’re drinking every day and smoking."
Haney responded with his own social media post: “I’m not going to that press conference tomorrow; this dude Ryan wasting mine and everybody’s time." With observers already questioning whether Garcia’s erratic behavior may be putting the fight in jeopardy, Haney showed on Thursday for the press event after all – but he didn't spare his criticism of Garcia.
“I had respect for Ryan,” Haney said. “We shared the ring six times as kids. We came up together. But over these last few days, I lost a lot of respect for him.
“Look at how much media are here. Look how many people are here to watch us. I’m a true professional. I try to be professional in everything I do, and I’m not seeing that [from him].
“My dad did not make the best choices in life, but he molded me to be the man that I am today, and that’s why I always try to come off the best way that I can to get the fans, the kids and the people – to lead by a good example.
“On the other hand, we got this guy who’s doing the complete opposite, and, like I said, I don’t know what he comes from. Whatever he’s going through ...”
Haney was then interrupted by Garcia’s mother shouting from the audience, which precluded an exchange between Bill Haney – the champion's father, trainer and manager – and Garcia’s father.
“Hey, Ryan, you’re not going to pull out, though?” Haney said later. “Do we need Arnold Barboza [Jr.] for the backup opponent? Or are you going to show up on April 20?
“No comment? Are you going to be there, or are you going to be on your phone? Are you having a panic attack over there, Ryan? What’s going on?”
Garcia left Haney's questions unanswered.
