Undefeated Junior welterweight Jose Benavidez Jr. is still recovering from surgery (right wrist) he had in January. Initially, his recovery time was expected to be a matter of weeks but the problem was more complicated than first diagnosed. Top Rank, Jose’s promotional company, was concerned enough to order a review of the ailment and now Bob Arum and his lieutenants are cautiously satisfied that the budding prospect will make a full recovery and could return to ring action in tip top shape before summer’s end.
Jose has become a strong and fitting good role model for the Phoenix community and his commitment to various social causes is the perfect antidote for a sport that frequently condones and ignores bad behavior. Benavidez. was at Central Gym, downtown Phoenix, this week in support of his younger brother David who is a highly touted light heavyweight. Jose was sporting a soft cast and declared his wrist at 40% of where he was before the shutdown.
Still an amateur, brother David is in action Saturday, April 21 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. He is an integral part of a 10 bout card that features 8 professional fights and 2 amateur contests. At 15, he has sparred with Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez and banged with former super middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. According to observers, David is immensely talented. He may follow the path of his brother and turn professional after graduating from high school.
The event, “Night of Legends 2” is presented and promoted by Iron Boy Promotions which is anchored in Phoenix and ontractually tied to the Celebrity Theatre for a series of boxing shows. In February, Iron Boy debuted their concept with a tribute to boxing luminaries Jorge Paez and Roger Mayweather. The tribute drew an estimated 2,500 fans.
This weekend’s show at the Celebrity will honor 5-time world Champion Michael Carbajal. Iron Boy Spokesperson Sam Tacheny said the legend theme may change for future shows but a commitment to quality and diversity will never waver. Here is a rundown of the Celebrity Theatre card with a little inside info.
Jesus Gonzales Update
After his embarrassing 1st round knockout at the hands of Adonis Stevenson, former IBF/NABF Super Middleweight Champion Jesus ” El Martillo” Gonzales has decided he will launch a comeback but his days as a super middleweight are over. Management (Fanbase Promotions) has told him to scale down to 160 or less.
According to inside sources, Gonzales has been told to train harder and stay away from junk food. Several possible opponents are rumored including Albert “The Punisher” Onolunose and former champion Antonio Margarito.
Amateur Boxing Fight Night
Scheduled for June 2 at the William Bloys American Legion Post 2 at 2125 S. Industrial Park Drive in Tempe, Arizona. Proceeds will benefit The Phoenix Boys and Girls Center. The event is sponsored by The Streets Don’t Love You Back, a nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. General admission is $12.00 and ringside seating is available for $25.00. For more information…call 602-996-9407 or 480-600-4056. Donations are accepted.
