Two-time WBC super-middleweight king David Benavídez will now meet New Jersey’s Kyrone Davis at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on November 13 after previous opponent and former IBF 168lbs champion Jose Uzcátegui failed a pre-fight drug test.
According to ESPN.com, Uzcátegui tested positive for Recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO), a PED that increases oxygen supply and endurance. The VADA test found the substance in the A sample, with Uzcátegui removed from the main event by promoters PBC before the B sample was tested.
Benavídez (24-0, 21 KOs) is currently the WBC’s No.1 contender at 168lbs and on a collision course with the winner of the undisputed super-middleweight championship bout between WBA Super, WBC and WBO champion Canelo Alvarez and IBF belt holder Caleb Plant on November 6.
The capable Davis (16-2-1, 6 KOs) outpointed Martez McGregor in September, but is best known for holding two-time super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell to a split draw in February.
Main image: Amanda Westcott/Showtime.