Unbeaten super middleweight David Benavidez has revealed he has been watching footage of boxing greats throughout training camp, as he bids to reclaim his previously-held WBC World strap against Anthony Dirrell on September 28’s Spence-Porter bill.
‘El Bandera Roja’ – regarded as one of boxing’s finest young talents – was stripped of his title last year after testing positive for cocaine, but now has the chance to become a two-time champion after serving his suspension and returning with a victory against J’Leon Love in March.
Speaking ahead of his battle with Anthony Dirrell, the 22-year-old discussed the fighters he has been analysing throughout camp, and also offered his thoughts as to how the fight would play out on September 28. He said:
“I’ve been watching Sugar Ray Leonard this camp, especially his movement. I’ve watched Marco Antonio Barrera and his vicious body shot power. Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather too. I love watching old fights like theirs.
“It’s always good to study your opponent. We know what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s got a good right hook and an uppercut. I know what to expect, but in the fight there can always be more aspects to his game I didn’t see. So we’re ready for anything.
“The last six fighters I’ve faced have all talked about how they have more experience than me, and it’s true, but they’ve all been beat. I’m not going to intimidated by anybody. Nobody scares me. I’m just here to do what I do best. I did everything right and we’ll see the results on September 28.
“I’m looking to knock Anthony Dirrell out. If we don’t get it, I’m going to give the fans a great fight. Either way, I’m looking to dominate.”
The WBC World super middleweight title clash comes as part of a competitive night of action in Los Angeles, which is topped by the mouth-watering unification match-up between Errol Spence Jr and Shawn Porter. Unbeaten fighters collide as Mario Barrios takes on Batyr Akhmedov for the WBA super lightweight ‘Regular’ title, while Josesito Lopez takes on John Molina Jr.