Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and his older brother, longtime contender José Benavídez, previewed their respective showdowns earlier than they enter within the ring of their hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. on Saturday, November 13 reside on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions occasion from Footprint Middle.
(Photograph credit score: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)
David will battle former champion José Uzcátegui in an excellent middleweight title eliminator bout that headlines the occasion, whereas José faces Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres within the 10-round co-main occasion. The Benavídez brothers have their sights set on impressing their hometown followers in long-awaited homecoming bouts on November 13, which can mark their first time getting into the ring in Phoenix since 2015.
Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions promote tickets for the reside occasion are on sale now and can be found for buy by means of Ticketmaster.com.
Here’s what the Benavídez brothers, plus their father and coach José Benavídez Sr., needed to say from coaching camp in North Hollywood, California:
DAVID BENAVÍDEZ
“Every thing has been unbelievable in camp. We’re sparring 12-13 rounds and working six or seven miles a day. I’ve labored very onerous, and I can’t wait to placed on a present on November 13.
“Uzcátegui is a troublesome competitor, and he was a former world champion, so I’ve to provide him that respect. There are massive fights on the horizon for me, so I’ve to organize accordingly for Uzcátegui.
“I really feel like I’m the higher fighter. I’ve higher abilities, extra energy, extra pace, and I’m hungrier too. It is going to be an incredible night time for my crew, and I really feel like I’m going to go in there and get the knockout victory.
“Lots of people in Phoenix are excited for this one. I’m excited to return. The timing is ideal. For me, that is the largest battle of my profession, and I’m prepared for something that comes my manner on November 13.
“We’re simply centered on Uzcátegui, however after all, there are larger fights for me sooner or later. If I win this battle, I’m within the primary spot for whoever wins between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant.
“Going through Canelo can be an enormous battle within the tremendous middleweight division, however I’ve to go on the market on November 13 and get this victory first.
“Proper now, with the extent, I’m at, the fighters that I’m in search of to battle are champions and former champions. Whether or not it’s Canelo, Plant, or Jermall Charlo, I really feel like we’re all going to finish up dealing with one another sooner or later.
“Canelo vs. Plant is a superb battle for the division. It’s a battle the place each guys have loads to show. These sorts of disputes are inclined to deliver the very best out of all people. There’s a number of stress and a number of glory on the road, so I really feel like they’re going to be the very best they’ve ever been. I’m going to be prepared for the winner subsequent.
“I’ve been a professional for eight years already. I need the largest fights on the market. That is the extent I’ve been engaged on attending to for a very long time, and we’re lastly right here at this second. I wish to battle the very best of the very best and show myself. I wish to present that I’m the very best tremendous middleweight on this planet.
“Uzcátegui is robust, and he has a will to win, however I imagine that I’ve the higher talent set. These are the kinds of fighters that I want to check myself towards. It’s going to be a struggle, however I’m going to return out on high.”
JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ
“It feels nice to be on this card with my brother and to be making my comeback in my hometown. There’s going to be a number of assist for me, and it’s an incredible feeling, and I’m wanting ahead to giving my followers an incredible final result.
“I needed to take a break, however now I’ve a unique form of mindset. I wish to maintain preventing, coaching, and staying prepared. I wish to get to the highest of the tremendous welterweight division.
“The delay has simply given me extra time to coach, extra time to get extra sturdy, and extra time to prepare. I’ve simply been taking advantage of it.
“I’m going to be an animal on battle night time. I’m coming for every little thing. I’m hungry. I’ve been out of the ring for years, so I must make an announcement. That’s what I’m trying to do on November 13.
“We’ve got an incredible crew right here. All of us got here from nothing, and all of us began this journey on the identical time. We discovered daily, and that’s what makes our bond sturdy. With out my crew, I wouldn’t be boxing.
“I’ve a number of mates, household, and followers who’re popping out for my return. That’s actually what’s motivating me, and I’m blissful that folks nonetheless wish to see me within the ring.
“I don’t know an excessive amount of about my opponent, and I truthfully don’t care as a result of I’m taking him down—regardless of who they put in entrance of me, good luck to them.
“After my battle, which I’m going to finish early, I’m going to be able to stroll out with my brother and assist him for his battle.
“I’ve been spending a number of time with my spouse and my two daughters throughout this day off as a result of there have been so many issues I wasn’t capable of be round for earlier in my profession. It’s been superb, however I’m excited to be again, and I nonetheless have loads to show.”
JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ SR., David and José’s Father and Coach
“David is wanting very sturdy proper now. With each battle, he will get stronger and stronger and matures increasingly. He’s simply getting his man energy, so I feel everybody will see one thing spectacular on November 13.
“Phrases can’t even describe the way it feels to be coming again to Phoenix coaching my two sons for this massive present. It’s one thing I’ve solely dreamed of, and now it’s taking place, and we’re tremendous excited.
“I all the time should proceed adjusting and rising as a coach. I’ve to know that these are grown males now. I needed to cease considering of them as my little children. I’m all the time making an attempt to be taught extra in order that I can assist their careers as greatest I can.
“I’m tremendous pleased with Jose for getting thus far after his damage. Every thing he does now’s simply additional. It’s as much as him to remain centered and work onerous. He’s highly effective each bodily and mentally, and that’s why I by no means gave up on him.
“We’ve been dedicating ourselves and sacrificing each day in order that we may give our individuals in Phoenix an ideal present. They’re going to get an thrilling night time, and I can’t wait.”
