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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The stage is set for Saturday night’s World Championship boxing in Germany, where ‘Golden’ Jack Culcay (20-1, 10 KOs) will defend his interim WBA World Light Middleweight title against the unbeaten Irishman Dennis Hogan (22-0-1, 7 KOs).
Culcay claimed the interim WBA belt with a unanimous points decision over Maurice Weber in May, and is now looking for a first successful defence at Hamburg’s Inselparkhalle.
‘’It’s great to be back in Hamburg,’’ said the reigning champion at today’s final pre-fight press conference. ‘’This is where I started my pro career, and where I used to live and train before moving to Berlin earlier this year.
‘’I have a lot fans coming to support me at the Inselparkhalle and I plan on repaying their support with a great performance on Saturday night.’’
Culcay was full praise for his coach Ulli Wegner, who has been credited with reviving the 30 year-old’s promising career. ‘’Mr Wegner has brought order and strategy to my training,’’ he said. ‘’I feel well prepared and I can’t wait for the first bell to sound!’’
The challenger, fighting out of Queensland Australia, has amassed an impressive record in his twenty-three-fight career, claiming twenty-two victories and one draw. Now, Hogan aims to secure his first major title by beating the champion in his own backyard.
‘’I’m here to win,’’ declared Hogan. ‘’And I’ll be ready for whatever Culcay has to offer. My greatest strength is my adaptability and that coupled with my irrepressible will to win will prove too much for him.’’
Ahead of Saturday night’s action, promoter Kalle Sauerland is predicting an entertaining encounter between the talented light middleweights. ‘’This is going to be a tough test for Jack,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’It’s a real 50-50 fight, but whatever the outcome, it guarantees excitement!’’
Bulgarian heavyweight star Kubrat Pulev (21-1, 11 KOs) takes chief support at the Team Sauerland show in Hamburg. The 34 year-old former World title challenger returns following a victory over George Arias to face Maurice Harris (26-20-3, 11 KOs), with a clear mission in mind. ‘’In a year’s time I want to challenge for the World title again, and this time the belt will be mine!’’
Tickets for the interim WBA World Light Middleweight fight between Jack Culcay and Denis Hogan on Saturday night at the Inselparkhalle in Hamburg, Germany are available online via www.tickethall.de or www.eventim.de.
