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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Liam Smith (29-3-1) is still upset over his May 7th unanimous decision loss to Magoed Kurbanov. Most observers felt the fight was close as did two judges who scored the fight 115-113 for Kurbanov but the third judge turned in a head scratching 117-112 scorecard.
After the fight Smith said that if the fight had taken place anywhere in the world besides Russia, he would have been named the winner.
While he would like an immediate rematch, Smith knows that isn't very likely. He also said that he would like to fight rising contender Tim Tszyu and former champion Jessie Vargas (29-3-2).
“Jessie Vargas, Tim Tszyu or the Kurbanov rematch are what I want next. The one positive is the Kurbanov fight was competitive and people were saying it was a great fight, but I still feel there was only one winner," said Smith.
This isn't the first time that Smith has called out Vargas and the former super lightweight and welterweight champion said that he wants to shut Smith up once and for all.
"This guy keeps on calling me out. I am getting fed up with him calling me out for years. I'll shut him up to prove a point," Vargas told BoxingScene.com.
Vargas has been out of the ring since his February, 2020 loss to Mikey Garcia.
He now is campaigning as a super welterweight and is very confident that he would not only beat Smith but that the U.K. native wouldn't make it to the final bell.
"If we fight I know I will stop him. The fight won't go the full twelve rounds that is for sure," said Vargas.
Both fighters are promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing so the fight should be easy to make.
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