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 Jake Donovan
As often as Julian “J-Rock” is left disappointed with the lack of willingness from his divisional peers to step to him, there is little in the sport that genuinely surprises the unbeaten super welterweight contender. When it came time to decide the path he and his team would take in moving towards a title shot, he already had his future mapped out long before it all came to fruition.
Few fans outside of Italy have ever heard of Marcello Matano before his name was linked to a final eliminator fight with Williams. There was at least one other person who was aware of his existence, though.
“I always paid attention to the rankings,” Williams informed BoxingScene.com of his being up to speed on his opponent, whom he faces this Saturday at Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. “We knew he’d be in our way on course to a title and here we are. It’s exactly what happened and we’re ready for him.”
The Showtime-televised headliner marks Williams’ second consecutive appearance at Sands Bethlehem, roughly an hour from his Philadelphia hometown. His last trip didn’t last very long in the ring, scoring a 1st round knockout of Lucian Cuello last September.
His showdown with Matano (16-1, 5KOs) – who fights outside of Italy for the first time in his career - serves as a final title eliminator. The winner will go on to face unbeaten International Boxing Federation (IBF) super welterweight titlist Jermall Charlo.
When that fight takes place remains to be seen, but Williams (21-0-1, 13KOs) is neither holding his breath nor even thinking about such a fight at present time.
“I’ve spent enough time chasing those fights. I’m not going to stress over it; that’s why we wanted this elimination bout,” notes Williams.“Once I win this fight, the title shot is guaranteed. So it doesn’t do me any good to worry about Jermall Charlo, or anyone else on this card – not Tony Harrison or Fernando Guerrero (whom face each other in the evening’s chief support).
“All I have to focus on is my opponent. I don’t think (Matano) is special, but he’s a scrappy fighter and he came all the way over here from Italy to try to beat me. I have to respect that. That’s where my focus is at, not on any other fight. I can say whatever I want, but if I don’t win or look good on Saturday night, it won’t mean anything.”
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
