One of boxing’s most exciting young fighters, David Benavidez stops by the Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer. The 2-time champion talks about his upcoming fight on March 13th on Showtime and moving his training to Colorado. The rising star tells us why he is no longer chasing Canelo and why Plant continues to run from him. Benavidez also sends a harsh message to Jermall Charlo about coming up to 168 to fight him. It’s an interview boxing fans are sure to love.
Benavidez says going forward he’s training at Big Bear
“A lot of my promoters and myself was disappointed when I didn’t make weight…For my career I think this is the route I’m going to take, mentally and physically I feel like I’m at my best when I’m out here and I’m at my peak. I feel like the big fights are going to come sooner than later, so I feel like for me to be at my best shape, to get the best out of myself, I feel like I need to train up here so I’m going to be coming back.”
** Fight fans outside the US can watch the fight LIVE on FITE TV (click here) **
Benavidez says he’s not chasing Canelo Alvarez anymore
“I want to earn the Canelo fight, I feel like the way I earn the Canelo fight is going through all these people (Billy Joe Saunders, Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant) and I’m sure I can make it happen, I’m a 100% sure I can beat all these guys. So the only thing I need is an opportunity right now and at the end of the day boxing wins because these the fights fans want to see.”
Benavidez on fighting Caleb Plant
“I feel like he’s going to sit out as long as he can until he gets the Canelo fight because for him it’s just business, and business-wise that fight makes more sense to him. I feel like I’m more of a threat and he loses more against me than if he loses against Canelo. But even if he gets the Canelo fight and he beats him or loses I still want to fight Caleb Plant either way. I feel like there’s a lot of unsettled business we need to settle.”
Benavidez on fighting Jermall Charlo
“I’m going to keep calling him out, I’m going to keep antagonizing him, I’m going to keep pushing his buttons until he has to see me in the ring. Hopefully, that fight happens, I feel like for me just talking about which way my career wants to go I feel like that has to be one of the fights I have to get…That’ll be his last fight at 168, I’ll send him back down to 160.
BENAVIDEZ ON JERMALL CHARLO COMING UP TO 168 TO FIGHT HIM
“That’ll be his last fight at 168, I’ll send him back down to 160!”
Benavidez on Edgar Berlanga calling him a hater
“If the fight would ever happen it would be an amazing fight, Mexican and Puerto Ricans getting together, it would be a huge fight. These are the type of fights I want, but everyone gets mad and at the end of the day I’m not anyone’s friend here, I’m not trying to be your friend, I’m not trying to be in a relationship with these people, I’m trying to knock them out. So if they get mad so be it, I’m trying to knock you out anyways.”
DAVID BENAVIDEZ GIVES BACK TO PHOENIX YOUTH
Two-time world champion to partner with Boys and Girls Club of the Valley
Two-time world champion and Phoenix native David Benavidez will be donating a portion of his fight purse this Saturday, March 13 to the Boys and Girls Club sports program. Those proceeds will be used to sponsor a team in the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley basketball league.
Arizona sports fans will be watching as undefeated two-time world champion and Phoenix native David Benavidez headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in a 12-round WBC super-middleweight title eliminator versus Ronald Ellis.
The 24-year-old Benavidez, who began his boxing journey in Phoenix when he was just three years old, wanted to show his appreciation for the community that has supported him throughout his career and provide opportunities to other aspiring valley athletes while encouraging kids of all ages to stay active and engaged in sports with a healthy lifestyle.
“I think it’s important for kids to have the opportunity to participate in youth sports,” said Benavidez. “It helps keep them stay active and healthy, and they learn teamwork and discipline. I’m thankful to be able to give back to the community that’s given so much to me.”
“We’re honored that David would invest in Boys & Girls Clubs members with these basketball scholarships. All children should have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and good sportsmanship and most importantly be a part of a team. David’s sponsorship of a team will allow a group of young people to discover their talents and gain confidence on the court in our basketball league,” said Marcia Mintz, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley.
“I am very proud to have worked with David for six years now, and to represent his career and future,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “I’m pleased he’s giving back to the state he loves, and that he’s committed to the youth in the Phoenix community.”
Benavidez vs. Ellis will be broadcast from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. this Saturday, March 13 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/7 p.m. MT/6 p.m. PT in a Premier Boxing Champions event.