Benavidez Sr. says Beterbiev fight can happen next

Jose Benavidez Sr. says his son David never turned down Artur Beterbiev.

The veteran trainer told The Ring that Beterbiev's recent comments about a rejected fight offer are false. During an interview with Match TV last week, Beterbiev claimed David Benavidez's team declined a bout after the Russian's November win over Anthony Yarde and instead picked Gilberto Ramirez. Benavidez Sr. says the opposite happened. "We went to Artur Beterbiev and his team before the Anthony Yarde fight but they weren't interested," he told The Ring. "We have no problem fighting Beterbiev next."

Bivol remains Benavidez's top target despite Beterbiev availability

Benavidez Sr. made clear his son is willing to face the former undisputed champion whenever Beterbiev wants. "There's no need for trash talk. Let's make the fight happen," he said, per The Ring. "We respect Beterbiev. He's a great fighter but our preference is Bivol." A victory over Dmitry Bivol would give the 29-year-old Benavidez a chance at becoming undisputed across two divisions after he already holds the WBC light heavyweight strap and captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles by stopping Ramirez in May.

Beterbiev has been out of action since dropping his undisputed throne to Bivol in February. The pair are tied at one win apiece, and Beterbiev reportedly wants the rubber match. If that falls through, Benavidez — ranked fifth pound-for-pound by The Ring — is on the table. Bivol recently ended a 15-month layoff with a decision over Michael Eifert and holds four light heavyweight belts to Benavidez's one.

Benavidez Sr. acknowledged Beterbiev carries more danger than Bivol but said his team would love the fight. "Beterbiev is the more dangerous fighter," he said. "We can make it happen whenever they want."

Source: ringmagazine.com