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 Mark Vester
Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, has told his fighter, Manny Pacquiao, to drop his demand of a 60-40 split or the May 2 bout with Ricky Hatton is going to be off. Arum came to a verbal agreement with Team Hatton for a 50-50 split in December. Two days ago, Pacquiao's attorney informed reporters that Manny is not willing to agree to a 50-50 deal and wants a 60-40 split. Hatton's attorney stood firm and said Ricky would only agree to a 50-50 split. He also expressed the option of a legal suit against Pacquiao for breaking a "verbal contract."
Arum agrees with Team Hatton and is pleading with Pacquiao to take the deal.
"There's no way he's getting the 60-40," Arum told The Los Angeles Times. "Unless he comes to his senses and his people start acting intelligently . . . we'll see if we can keep it together, but the split is supposed to be 50-50. We've all agreed to it. Now, people are whispering in Pacquiao's ear. If they keep pushing for 60-40, Hatton and [his promoter Richard] Schaefer are pulling the plug."
Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, told The Times that he also agrees with Arum on the 50-50 split being a good deal.
"I hope they can come to an agreement but right now they're at a standstill," Roachsaid. "I hope the fight happens, and I think 50-50 is a good deal. I agree with it, because Hatton brings a lot of people from the U.K. I hope I can get Manny on board."
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com
