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
Felipe Orucuta’s hopes of a third shot at a major title are no longer—nor is any chance of the boxer ever fighting again.
The 33-year old from Mexico suffered near-fatal injuries in a 10th round knockout loss to countryman Jonathan Javier Rodriguez last Friday in his hometown of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The veteran super flyweight had one more fight to go, however, as he suffered a brain bleed from injuries sustained in the bout and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
One big win for Orucuta was successful emergency surgery performed to remove a blood clot from his brain over the weekend. He was placed—and remains—in a medically-induced coma in order to undergo the life-saving procedure.
A spokesperson for the World Boxing Council (WBC)—whose regional title was at stake—announced that the sanctioning body “has been in communication with the family of Felipe Orucuta, with the combat supervisor, Dr. José Luis Ibarra, as well as with the medical services of the hospital in Uruapan.
“Surgery was performed to remove a blood clot in his brain, which was successful and Felipe will be in an induced coma. There will be no additional information during the following 48 hours during the process of evaluating its evolution. We join in prayers.”
Orucuta (36-6, 30KOs) hit the road for each of his two career title fights, both taking place in Argentina versus then-long reigning titlist Omar Narvaez. Their first fight in May 2013 was mired in controversy, with many felt he deserved the split decision win that instead landed in favor of the local favorite defending titlist.
More than a year later came their title fight rematch, which Narvaez prevailed by majority decision in what seemed to be a much clearer fight. Nine of Orucuta’s 10 bouts from that point onward came in his native Mexico, the lone exception coming in a 12-round loss to Juan Francisco Estrada last September in Inglewood, Calif.
Estrada—a former flyweight titlist and top super flyweight contender at the time—has since gone on to become a two-division champ after unseated Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in their memorable 12-round World 115-pound championship rematch this past April.
Things haven’t nearly played out as well for Orucuta even before Friday’s life-altering turn. His post-title fight run has including a knockout loss to Jose Cayetano in Dec. 2015 and back-to-back losses to end his career.
Now begins the fight to live; early indications suggest a turn for the best although the fallen contender is still in need of support from the boxing community.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
