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 Terence Dooley
Dennis Hobson Promotions have issued a statement in response to today's claims that IBF bantamweight titlist Jamie McDonnell has severed all ties with the Sheffield-based boxing figure. The move came after McDonnell, 21-2-1 (9), issued a statement via Paul Crowley & Co. Solicitors claiming that he has determined his manager-boxer agreement and was moving on to pastures new.
Hobson, though, has respond by insisting that the agreement remains in place. 'We have heard some suggestions that arrangements and contracts between Dennis Hobson Promotions and Jamie McDonnell have been terminated, or have somehow come to an end,' stated Hobson Promotions earlier this evening.
'This is completely inaccurate and incorrect. The position is absolutely clear as far as Dennis Hobson Promotions is concerned: all contracts and agreements with Jamie McDonnell are in full force and effect. There is no further comment to be made, or required, at this point in time.'
McDonnell beat Julio Ceja by majority decision at his home city's Keepmoat Stadium in May. It was shown on Sky TV the following week, but the event itself was put together by Hobson without major TV backing, a gamble that seemed to have paid off when McDonnell's hand was raised.
On the night, a tough, energetic and inspired McDonnell fought the fight of his life to prove that early career defeats can be overcome. Consecutive losses to Chris Edwards and Lee Haskins in 2007 and 2008 — a split decision reverse for the British Super flyweight title and eight-round points defeat respectively — threatened to derail the Doncaster-based contender’s career, but he came surging back with a run of four wins then defeated the crafty and accomplished Ian Napa by split decision for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles in 2010.
A 10th-round EBU title win over Frenchman Jerome Arnould in France in 2010 was followed by six straight wins en route to his world title tilt. However, this latest news leaves the details of the 27-year-old's maiden defence up in the air just a week after Hobson announced a link-up with Queensberry Promotions and BoxNation TV.
Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk or Twitter @Terryboxing.
