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
By Ricardo Lois
A few nights ago my friend asked me, "What happened to that vato, the one who lost to Jose Luis Castillo? Juan Lazcano, he was a pretty good fighter."
Answering honestly, I replied, "I have no idea."
Since his June 2004 loss to Jose Luis Castillo not a peep had been heard from Team Lazcano.
The following day curiosity got the best of this cat. I fired up Outlook Express and emailed Golden Boy Public Relations Representative Ms. Marylyn Aceves regarding Juan Lazcano’s where abouts.
Later on that afternoon as I drove around the streets of Cerritos, California looking for a bite to eat, my cellular phone rang.
The screen read, "Private Caller."
"Private Caller" usually means one thing: my wife on the other line with a new errand needing to be run or new miscellaneous chore.
Dryly, I answered the phone with an unenthusiastic, "Hello?"
There was an upbeat male voice on the other end of the line, "Hey, is this Ricardo?"
Ms. Aceves from Golden Boy has worked her magic again. Juan Lazcano was on the phone ready to discuss where he had been the last few months. I bug Ms. Aceves on a weekly basis with a request and incredibly, she still honors them. Golden Boy has a top-notch public relations unit.
With no tape recorder around when Juan called, I cannot provide direct quotes or statements from "The Hispanic Causing Panic." Yet this writer can give you and idea what is going on with the career of Juan Lazcano.
Following the loss to Jose Luis Castillo, Lazcano took time away from boxing to reflect on his career. Apparently Lazcano decided if there was anything left from him to accomplish in the sport of boxing.
After the haze cleared, Lazcano decided to return to the ring. During the next week Lazcano will be sitting down with Golden Boy Promotions to map out his fistic year.
One thing Juan assured is that he will no longer be working with Joe Goossen. Lazcano has selected a few candidates to serves as his new trainer, but he would not name anyone.
As for his goals following the hiatus, a successful 2005, a World Championship in the lightweight division, and consideration as one of the pound for pound best in boxing.
Lazcano can be expected to return to the ring during the month of March. When he returns he will find a division stacked with talent including Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Julio and Juan Diaz, and the forgotten Acelino Freitas.
