David Benavidez: ‘This Is Going To Be A Rugged And Tough Fight’

David Benavidez (22-0, 19KO) is feeling in fine form ahead of his WBC super-middleweight title defense against Roamer Alexis Angulo (26-1, 22KO).

The pair will headline Saturday’s (August 15) SHOWTIME event which takes place inside the Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville. The 23-year-old shared his thoughts on how his preparation has gone in a media press conference where he also opened up about who he would like to face next, provided he gets past Angulo.

“I feel amazing. Our preparation has been very good, and everything has gone smoothly. We had private sessions in our gym, so we had sparring and everything we needed. I’m very close to weight right now, and I’m ready to defend my title on Saturday,” Benavidez said.

“Moving to Seattle was really good for me. I just bought a house out there, and it’s a beautiful place. I’m there to figure out what I really want in life and dedicate myself to boxing. I’ve hit a different stage in my life and career, and I’m just ready to keep winning. “

The Arizona-native has been out of the ring for almost a year with his last outing being a ninth-round KO victory over Anthony Dirrell. The matchup saw Benavidez recapture the belt he had lost in 2018 due to a failed drug test, which saw him test positive for benzoylecgonine, a compound found in cocaine.

Benavidez’s talent has never been in question, and while he is the clear favorite heading into this weekend’s clash, he is aware that in Angulo he faces a fighter with something to prove and with the skills to make life tough for him, if he is not at the top of his game.

“I’ve just been working on every aspect of my game. My defense, the jab, body shots, and keeping the distance especially. I think Angulo is the perfect opponent to display everything I have. This is going to be a rugged and tough fight, but that’s what I expect for every fight from now on,” Benevidez exclaimed.

“Angulo is a tough fighter. He hurt Gilberto Ramirez a couple times in their fight. I have to go in there and be alert. Everything has to be perfect. When I get on the inside, I’m going to attack the body and throw combinations. “

If, as expected, his hand gets raised on Saturday night, Benavidez will set his sights for a meeting with the IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant.

“I want to fight Caleb Plant next. All the super middleweight champions have to take risks and fight each other. I want those other belts. I want to take the chances now and show everybody, including myself, that I’m the best. I feel like this is just the beginning for me. I want to be a unified champion and be known as the best super middleweight of my generation. I have time on my side, and I’m hungry and competitive. The sky’s the limit for me.”

Benavidez has achieved more in short space of time than many fighters achieve in their entire careers, and with plenty of potential blockbuster bouts waiting for him, his journey is one boxing fans will be paying attention to for sometime.

How do you see this weekend’s fight going down?