Jose Benavidez Sr. Claims Team Opetaia Is Ignoring David Benavidez Fight Talks

Benavidez’s father says attempts to contact Jai Opetaia’s manager have gone unanswered following David Benavidez’s cruiserweight title victory

Jose Benavidez Sr. says efforts to open talks for a David Benavidez-Jai Opetaia fight have stalled because Team Opetaia is not responding. The claim comes weeks after Benavidez stopped Gilberto Ramirez to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles and expand his options for a next fight.

Benavidez stopped Ramirez earlier this month to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, immediately opening the door to several high-profile options. A return to 175 pounds for an undisputed fight against Dmitry Bivol remains in play, but a showdown with Jai Opetaia continues to attract attention.

Opetaia has repeatedly expressed interest in facing Benavidez. Jose Benavidez Sr., however, claims those discussions have not progressed because attempts to contact Opetaia’s side have gone unanswered.

“I sent Opetaia [a message saying], ‘Listen, I know that you want to fight, help me out, get me to your manager. Let’s talk about this fight, he has my number, tell him to call me. Let’s make it happen,'” said Benavidez Sr. to MillCity Boxing.

“The thing is, sometimes, these fighters want to fight but their managers and the team knows that he is not ready for David. That is why they are not reaching out.

“Opetaia is talking all of this s**t. I’m gonna give you a little secret. Remember what I am telling you right now, I have got proof. I have been talking to his manager. I have been trying to talk to them. They are not responding. They are not responding to the phone calls.”

The comments arrive as Opetaia continues pursuing major fights at cruiserweight. The Australian has been linked to WBC champion Noel Mikaelian and remains focused on becoming undisputed despite losing possession of the IBF title outside the ring.

Whether Benavidez stays at cruiserweight or returns to light heavyweight could determine if the fight ever moves beyond public callouts. For now, Jose Benavidez Sr. insists his side is trying to make contact, while accusing Team Opetaia of failing to engage in talks.

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