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 Declan Taylor
Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg will meet for the IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight titles at the Manchester Arena on Saturday February 27 2016.
The eagerly anticipated showdown between the British rivals was announced live on Sky Sports News this afternoon with the pair putting titles, unbeaten records and bragging rights on the line in the blockbuster.
Belfast favourite Frampton took the IBF crown from Kiko Martinez last September and has defended the title twice this year, stopping Chris Avalos in Belfast in February before an exciting debut on US soil in May where he climbed off the canvas twice in the opening round to defeat Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.
Bury ace Quigg’s reign as WBA champion began in October 2013 and the 27 year old has racked up five successful defences in that time, stopping Martinez in his last outing in Manchester in July to follow wins over Diego Silva, Tshifhiwa Munyai, Stephane Jamoye and Hidenori Otake.
Both fighters and their promoters expressed their delight at setting up what promises to be the fight of the year.
“I'm delighted that we have finally got this fight signed,” said Frampton. “This is the fight everyone has wanted for years, none more so than myself. I'm the legitimate champion and I'm going to his backyard to defend my title because that's what champions do. On February 27 the fans will find out who the real champion is, I'm going to win this fight in style.”
“I've finally got the fight I've wanted for so long,” said Quigg. “February 27 will be the best night of my life. I've dedicated my life to this sport and I have never been more confident going into a fight, I know I will beat him in every department. This is a great fight for the sport and I’m delighted to bring it to Manchester and unify the division.”
“I am very pleased that we have managed to get this fight made,” said Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan. “It will be a momentous occasion for British and Irish boxing. This is the fight the fans have craved and the one we have wanted all along. The atmosphere will no doubt be electric, but there is only going to be one winner on February 27, Carl 'The Jackal' Frampton!”
“Yes! All I can say is yes – get in!” said Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “This is been hard work but worth every second. I want to thank everyone involved for their desire in making this fight happen and now we have an event that will go down in the history of the sport. Two World champions, two fantastic fighters collide at the Manchester Arena. Can you even imagine the atmosphere, the tension, the drama? This is what it's all about, roll on fight night! Scott Quigg has all the momentum going into the fight and will be crowned unified World champion on February 27.”
Information on ticket on-sale dates and the undercard will be revealed in a UK press tour that will begin later in November.
