With two world titles now in his possession, attention has turned to potential matchups against a few of the sport’s biggest names.
Jose Benavidez Sr. says his team has already attempted to open discussions.
“No one. No one. No one. Reached out to Beterbiev’s people too,” said Benavidez Sr. to MillCity Boxing. “We, you understand, let me let you know, before we fought Anthony Yarde, right? We’re presupposed to fight Bivol. What does Bivol do? Just hand us over the belt. We didn’t wish to get it like that.
“So then we reached out to Beterbiev. He didn’t wish to take the fight either. That’s why we took Anthony Yarde immediately. I believed possibly after the Anthony Yarde, these guys don’t wish to fight. Excuses after excuses, but after they’re on social media or whatever, they talk all this like, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s make it occur, bro.’
“It’s just them who’s stopping these fights to be made. We wish those fights and we’ve been telling you guys that we would like these fights. So Beterbiev, Bivol, let’s make it occur.”
Bivol and Beterbiev remain linked to a possible third fight after splitting their first two meetings. The opportunity of a trilogy has continued to loom over the sunshine heavyweight division, while Benavidez has since moved up and established himself at cruiserweight.
Benavidez Sr. also addressed comments made by members of Bivol’s camp, insisting his team has only shown respect while continuing to pursue the fight.
“If the daddy of Bivol is watching this, stop talking. You say you must shut this guy up, let’s make it occur. Let’s go, brother,” said Jose Sr. “With all my respect, he’s an important trainer. Bivol’s an important fighter. But let’s stop talking. Let’s make these fights occur.
“We wish to fight your son, bro. What’s so bad about that? In all my interviews, in case you see David’s interviews, we give this guy his flowers. He’s an important fighter. He’s a dangerous fighter. Why are you getting mad because we’re calling you out? It doesn’t make sense.”
Through the interview, Benavidez Sr. also mentioned WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian and reiterated that his son is willing to stay lively while waiting for opportunities against Bivol or Beterbiev.
