David Benavidez could be screwed out of both WBC and IBF title eliminators
By now, boxing fans have gotten used to bad news. So close to a good fight taking place, the rug gets pulled from underneath our feet. David “Red Flag” Benavidez (24-0, 21ko) took to social media to express disappointment in Jose “Bolivita” Uzcategui (31-4, 26ko) failing a PED test. Equally important, Benavidez could no longer be fighting in a title eliminator.
Red Flag, a two-time WBC champion, let fans know that the homecoming fight with the former IBF super middleweight champion is now scrapped.
He also expressed disappointment about the situation and ensured fans that the show will go on despite the recent news.
“This is disappointing, man. But the show will go, and my fight will still be on November 30, in Phoenix, AZ. My promoters are looking for replacement opponents. Got this boy (Uzcategui) that scared that he messed up a great paycheck when he knew that we got drug tested by VADA, and still decided to try to put that shit in his body. I would have still knocked his ass out even tho he was on steroids anyway. But now we move on to the next.”
IS THIS STILL GOING TO BE A TITLE ELIMINATOR?
The elephant in the room is, depending on who is picked as a replacement opponent, will the fight still be considered a title eliminator? The two-time WBC champion was looking to get back into title contention after losing the WBC belt on the scale against Roamer Alexis Angulo back in 2020. Benavidez explained the importance of the fight with Uzcategui, given the fact it was a title eliminator for both the WBC and IBF.
“It’s an IBF and WBC title eliminator, so this is a big fight for both of us.”
Benavidez was hopeful a victory would line things up for the winner of the undisputed mega-fight between unified champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and IBF champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant. So it will be interesting to see how much of a setback this has caused for the two-time champion. In the grand scheme of things, this can be huge, especially when looking at the IBF. They are all business when it comes to mandatories.
Benavidez was adamant in being the first to knockout the former IBF champion. So, fans can imagine the frustration he will vent on the replacement opponent come November 13.
By: Garrisson Bland
