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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Ed Mulholland HboBy Francisco Salazar
Indio, California - Featherweight contender Joseph Diaz Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) made quick work of Victor Proa, stopping him in round two. Diaz pressed the action from the opening round, forcing the smaller Proa to fight off his back foot.
About 30 seconds into round two, a left hand dropped Proa (28-2-2, 21 KOs) face-first onto the canvas. Proa fought on, but it was only a matter of time Diaz would hurt him again. Diaz forced Proa against the ropes, raining a barrage of punches that forced referee Raul Caiz, Jr. to step in and stop the bout at 1:07.
"I wanted to sit down more on my punches and show my power," said Diaz after the fight. "I'm ready to get back in the ring and I would love to fight on that 'Canelo' (Alvarez) card on September 17."
Junior featherweight Roy Tapia won a close eight round unanimous decision over Jairo Hernandez. Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs) dropped Hernandez near the end of round three with a left hook to the head. Both fighters had their moments in the middle rounds, but Tapia had to hold on as Hernandez (15-10, 9 KOs) pressed the action towards the end of the fight. All three judges scored the bout 77-74 in favor of Tapia.
Featherweight Jesus Aguinaga won a convincing six round unanimous decision over Nick Arce (8-1, 6 KOs). Both fighters stood toe-to-toe in the pocket throughout most of the fight, producing solid and, at times, sloppy exchanges between the two. Aguiniga (5-4-1) stunned the previously-unbeaten Arce multiple times in round four, and again in round six to solidify his victory. All three judges scored the bout 59-55 in favor of Aguinaga.
Highly-touted amateur standout and junior welterweight Vergil Ortiz dropped Julio Rodas (0-3) moments into the fight in route to a knockout win at 1:37 of the first round. Ortiz was making his pro debut.
In the opening bout of the Golden Boy Promotions card, featherweight Cesar Ruiz (2-0, 2 KOs) battered Ramiro Ruiz (0-4) for two-plus rounds, eventually scoring a knockout win at 56 seconds of the third round.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
