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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By Edward Chaykovsky
WBA "regular" super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg (30-0-2, 22 KOs) has a lot of choices in front of him for July 18th. Quigg's promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, is trying to get him a contest with former multi-division champion Nonito Donaire (34-3, 22 KOs), who is planning to return to action on the same date as a headliner in Macau, China. If Donaire falls through, then Hearn will pursue former IBF champion Kiko Martinez (32-5, 24 KOs).
Hearn had first attempted to make a fight between Quigg and IBF ruler Carl Frampton. Things did not go as planned.
"I made Carl Frampton an offer of 1.5 million. Before that we made an offer of 60-40 on a co-promotion - they turned that down as well. They turned down a guarantee. I don't know if they want the fight. They said they do, but we're the ones bringing the money to the table. Our broadcaster is the one putting all the money up and why should we give them the co-promotion, but we will, and they turned that down as well," Hearn told BoxingScene.com/Be Real TV.
Hearn and Quigg are now moving on, with Donaire as the prime target.
"It's time to move on now and we really want the Donaire fight. We like the Martinez fight as well. But I think its time for Scott Quigg to make a statement this summer," Hearn said.
But there is also Guillermo Rigondeaux, the WBO/WBA "super champion" at 122-pounds. The two-time Olympic gold medal winner is planning a trip to the UK to call Quigg out publicly.
Hearn says a Rigondeaux will eventually happen. He views the Cuban boxer as the toughest fight at 122 with the lowest financial reward.
"In time I think you've got no choice but to fight him. He's a very good fighter, its a very tough fight. Financially it's not anywhere near the level of Frampton. Rigondeaux is big in terms of boxing fans but nothing outside of that," Hearn said.
"I personally prefer the Donaire fight. It's easier. I just like the Nonito Donaire fight...I think it's a wonderful fight. So I'll try my best to make that. If not, then Kiko Martinez is a great fight. It's tough to match these guys in the super bantamweight division. Its tough to make a voluntary that everyone is happy with, and that's the problem Carl Frampton will now have."
