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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Jonathan Oquendo (31-6, 19KOs) remains patient and confident that he will become a world champion by the end of 2020.
The bold declaration comes ahead of the 36-year old from Vega Alta, Puerto Rico making his second bid for a major title. The latest opportunity will come versus reigning WBO 130-pound titlist Jamel Herring (21-2, 10KOs), who will attempt the second defense of his belt.
Their fight was postponed twice - previously being scheduled for July 2 and July 14 - and both times pushed back due to Herring testing positive for COVID-19.
Top Rank's CEO, Bob Arum, is now targeting the date of September 5 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, according to ESPN.
Oquendo—who is co-promoted by Promociones Miguel Cotto and Golden Boy Promotions—feels confident in his ability to stun Herring—a 34-year old southpaw, decorated U.S. Marine and 2012 Olympic boxing team captain from Coram, New York.
The long delay in their fight at no point dampened the challenger’s enthusiasm any less than the idea of performing in front of a live audience.
“It is what it is,” Oquendo laments to BoxingScene.com. “Everyone is in the same situation with the coronavirus (pandemic), and credit to Top Rank and all of the promoters for having the courage to put on these events during this time. I know at some point we will have fans back in the crowd and everything will feel normal again.
“Until then, we have to do what’s necessary to continue with the sport.”
Oquendo was last seen picking up a 10-round win over Charles Huerta last November, as part of a stretch where he was won five of his last six starts since a December 2015 loss to Jesus Cuellar in a bid to claim a featherweight title. He will enter as a longshot underdog but will have months to prepare to shock the world.
“[Being the underdog] motivates me,” Oquendo admits. “I’m sure Herring and his team chose me for a reason, but they will regret it. I have dreamed of this moment for so long. The only weird feeling will be to not have my fans—or any fans—there to celebrate as I win the world title. I will have to save it for the trip home. I can't wait to present my new world to all of my people in Puerto Rico who continue to uplift me.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
