With two world titles now in his possession, attention has turned to potential matches against some of the sport’s biggest names.
Jose Benavidez Sr. says his team has already tried to open discussions.
“Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Also reached out to Beterbiev’s people,” Benavidez Sr. said. told MillCity Boxing. “We, you know, let me tell you, before we fought Anthony Yarde, right? We’re supposed to fight Bivol. What’s Bivol doing? Just hand us the belt. We didn’t want to get it like that.
“So then we reached out to Beterbiev. He didn’t want to take the fight either. That’s why we took Anthony Yarde right away. I thought maybe after the Anthony Yarde, these guys don’t want to fight. Excuses after excuses, but when they’re on social media or whatever, they’re all talking like, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s make it happen.
“They are the only ones stopping these fights from being made. We want those fights and we told you we want these fights. So Beterbiev, Bivol, let’s make it happen.”
Bivol and Beterbiev remain linked for a potential third fight after splitting their first two meetings. The possibility of a trilogy has lingered over the light heavyweight division, while Benavidez has since moved up and established himself at cruiserweight.
Benavidez Sr. also echoed comments made by members of Bivol’s camp, insisting that his team was only showing respect as they continued to pursue the fight.
“If the father of Bivol is looking at this, stop talking. You say you want to shut this guy up, let’s make it happen. Let’s go, brother,” Jose Sr. said. “With all due respect, he’s a great trainer. Bivol is a great fighter. But let’s stop talking. Let’s make these fights happen.
“We want to fight your son, brother. What’s so bad about that? In all my interviews, if you see David’s interviews, we give this guy his flowers. He’s a great fighter. He’s a dangerous fighter. Why do you get mad because we call you out? It doesn’t make sense.”
During the interview, Benavidez Sr. also mentioned WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian and reiterated that his son is willing to stay active while waiting for opportunities against Bivol or Beterbiev.
