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.
ProboxTV’s championship series is now on the ProBoxTV YouTube channel for $5/month.
Learn More
Devin Haney has worked hard enough and racked up enough notable wins for him to be considered a big name. So, after grabbing every major world title at 135 pounds, he sat back and took a look at his options.
A rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko probably made the most sense. Haney squeaked by him via controversial unanimous decision and there was an audience wanting to see them run it back. Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis were also considered. Davis though, due to his popularity, normally calls the shots. As for Stevenson, he openly rejected a 75/25 split in Haney’s favor.
Anyone outside of those three would’ve led to acerbic comments by his peers. Ultimately, however, Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) chose someone unexpected but fitting.
On December 9th, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Haney will make his super lightweight debut when he takes on Regis Prograis. Since making the announcement, Haney has pontificated about how easily he’ll strip Prograis of his WBC title.
While Haney continues to bloviate, Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) has simply smiled. The 34-year-old knows that Haney’s good, great even. He also knows that Haney is battle-tested. With that said, the pain he’ll go through come December 9th will be like nothing he’s ever experienced.
“No,” Prograis told Chris Mannix when asked if Haney will be ready come fight night. “Absolutely not.”
Over his last few fights, Haney has somewhat played it safe. His overall boxing skills have always saved the day. From his consistent jab to his underrated foot movement, Haney uses every attribute available to him. Prograis, while he can box, isn’t a fool. It wouldn’t make sense to sit back and go tit for tat in a pure boxing match with his younger opponent. So instead, Prograis plans on brawling from the opening bell.
“You coming to box, I’m coming to fight!”
