Last year when just 17 Jose Benavidez Jr caught many people’s attention when sparring with Amir Khan and appeared to get the better of the the British Superstar. From then on Benavidez has enjoyed the attention and works out of The Wild Card with many stars but takes it all in his stride. He debuted in January and has since fought at roughly once a month schedule building his record to a perfect 5-0(5). Though he is still a work in progress and should be someone worth keeping an eye on. He has undoubted skills that will be sharpened by Freddie Roach and his team and moved along by Top Rank who build better prospects than anyone else in the game. He seems a star in waiting, with fast hands a smooth style, personable ways and handsome hispanic looks. Here’s what Benavidez had to say.
Hello Jose, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You moved to 5-0(5) with a First KO over Arnoldo Pacheco in Aguascalientes, Mexico. What can you tell us about the fight and what it was like fighting in Mexico?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – It was great fighting in Mexico, people were nice and cheerful. The guy i fought was shorter than me and threw haymakers so i tried to keep away from them by using my jab. I caught him with a jab straight right to the head and a body shot after that he was down and no longer continued.
Anson Wainwright – While it’s early days do you know when you’ll be in action next? How many fights are you looking to have this year, what is your schedule?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – I’m actually fighting this up coming Saturday in Chicago May 29th. I probably might fight 2, 3 more then take it a little slower pace maybe start fighting every 2 or 3 months instead of every month.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what guy do you use regularly to train at?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – I have a great team consisting of Freddie Roach as a trainer, my dad Jose Benavidez Sr as co trainer and manager and also Jim Murphy as my adviser. My promoter is Bob Arum Top Rank.
Anson Wainwright – At the Wildcard you never short of sparring partners. Can you tell us how about some of the session’s with Manny Pacquiao & Amir Khan? Also what other guys have you sparred with?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – Yes you are correct Wild Card is the place to be if you want to get the best sparring. Working with Manny Paqcuiao and Amir Khan was great considering their both world champions I learned a lot from them. Their fast, strong and by far the best sparring I could ever ask for.
Anson Wainwright – What is your earliest Boxing memory?
Jose Benevidez Jnr – My earliest boxing memory would probably be the 1st time i stepped into the gym when i was 6 years ago i still remember it like It was yesterday.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your Hobbies and Interests?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – When i’m not at the gym training I go home and get on youtube to look at cars which i also love. I like working on my cars and doing research on them. As you can see, I guess I like speed and cars that are fixed up with turbo’s, superchargers etc just hearing those turbo’s spool and the superchargers whine its amazing.
Anson Wainwright – Who is your favourite fighter growing up?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – My favourite fighters growing up were prince Naseem Hamed, Diego Corrales, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya. I liked them because they all had different styles and they were all great in their own ways.
Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – My goals for boxing are hopefully one day be a world champion and give back to the people that were always their to support me. Hopefully have the chance to take a world title back home to Pheonix AZ.
Anson Wainwright – Your 5’11 do you make weight easily enough?
Jose Benavizez Jnr – I’m actually 6’0 now almost 6’1 and yeah right now making weight is easy because i’m young and have a fast metabolism so I can basically eat whatever I want and wont gain weight. But when I have a fight coming up I do try to eat more healthy and try to watch what I eat.
Anson Wainwright – Do have any message for the Boxing World?
Jose Benavidez Jnr – I want to thank everybody for being their to support me and I’m gonna keep training hard and hopefully one day i can be world champion.
Thanks for your time Jose, keep up the good work.
Anson Wainwright
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