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 Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com spoke with a very excited Bob Arum [CEO for Top Rank] on Sunday afternoon. Arum just closed a deal with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to stage Manny Pacquiao's defense of the WBO welterweight title against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on March 13. Arum and Top Rank president Todd duBoef flew to Texas on Saturday to meet with Jones. They sat and watched the Cowboys' big win over the Eagles. They plan to scale the venue for a crowd of 50,000 fans.
"We have deal for March 13. Rick, I have to tell you something - this place blew me away. It was the greatest place that I've ever been to. This boxing event will be so memorable for the fans and this not a normal stadium. It's hard to picture it unless you come here and see it for yourself with all of the electronics and the big screens," Arum said to BoxingScene.
There is still no word on HBO's involvement with the pay-per-view. Arum would like to get HBO on board, but he plans to move forward either way.
"We've been with them for a long time and if they want to participate that's fine, but if they don't we have major media companies that are ready to jump on board especially with the Cowboys and everything else," Arum said.
A two day press tour is already in play. Pacquiao-Clottey will have the kick-off press conference on January 18 in Dallas and the next stop on the tour will be in New York on the 19th. He plans to pack the undercard with Hispanic talent. Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito is one of the fighters they are planning to put on the show. A three fight undercard is being put together for the pay-per-view.
"We're looking to put a lot of Hispanic fighters on the card. Margarito is one of them. I've already spoken with Dickie Cole [Texas Athletic Commission] on when he can apply [for a license]. Roberto Marroquin will definitely be on the show. They love him out here. And Bruce [Top Rank's head matchmaker] will put together some more matches," Arum said.
"There will be three fights underneath Pacquiao vs. Clottey. A press conference is scheduled for the 18th in Dallas and a New York press conference on the 19th. And as part of the deal we made with Jerry, is for them [Cowboys organization] to be involved."
