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 message sent by Subriel Matias has been received loud and clear.
Prior to Monday afternoon, Regis Prograis didn’t have any real knowledge of a brewing showdown with the Puerto Rican knockout artist. Such a matchup was brought to his attention through social media, where his junior welterweight divisional rival saw fit to launch his campaign.
“The sport that you and I chose is one of courage and bravery! Showtime already offered you the fight,” Matias stated through his Facebook and Instagram channels on Monday. “[I]f it's fear what you feel, I don't blame you, I'm afraid of myself.
“I'm going to write it to you in your language so that you understand. [Take] the fight, Prograis, I'm waiting [for] the contract.”
Efforts by BoxingScene.com to confirm the status of such a proposed revealed—through sources—that the matter has not yet evolved beyond the exploratory phase.
Prograis (25-1, 21KOs) is coming off of a 3rd round knockout win over unbeaten Juan Heraldez this past Halloween in San Antonio, Texas. The bout—which aired live on a Showtime Pay-Per-View Event—was his first since losing his 140-pound title in a tightly contested 12-round decision to fellow unbeaten titlist Josh Taylor last October in the World Boxing Super Series finale.
One week prior, Matias also rebounded from his lone career defeat with a 6th round stoppage of Malik Hawkins in their Showtime-televised bout from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The goal moving forward for Prograis is to return to that level, though the 31-year old southpaw couldn’t help but at least respond to any suggestion of running scared from Matias (16-1, 16KOs) or anyone else.
“Who the f--k is this calling me out?” Prograis asked, rhetorically upon learning of Matias’ claims. “This is a C- fighter and I will eat him up and SH-T him out.
“You better finish kindergarten before you join the big boys. I know I shouldn’t be replying to this but if you know me you know I can’t backdown from a fight.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for @BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
