David Benavidez Promises He is More Focused Than Ever Heading into His Upcoming Fight Against Ronald Ellis
David Benavidez (23-0, 20 KOs) is a man on a mission. He is motivated with something to prove. The former WBC World Super Middleweight champion faces Ronald Ellis (18-1-2, 12 KOs) on March 13 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, live on Showtime. The bout against Ellis is more than just securing a win. It is also about silencing the critics. In his last fight against Roamer Angulo in August 2020, Benavidez was stripped of the WBC title for failing to make the 168-pound division limit.
What soured fans is that he missed weight by nearly three pounds! With the opportunities for big fights within the division, it was a bad indictment on the 24-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona. He promised that he is a changed man now. As he told Brian Custer on The Last Stand Podcast, his mindset and discipline are at a different level.
“I feel like you’re going to see a completely different fighter. Everything I do is going to be the same, great body shots, great combinations. But I feel like right now, where at the place I’m at mentally and physically, I’m a hundred times better than I was last August.
This is my first time coming to Big Bear since I fought “Porky” Medina. You guys saw how I looked when I fought Medina. So, now I’m expecting the same type of flash, the same type of combinations.
I’m getting older as well. I just turned 24. I feel like I’m getting that much closer to my man strength. I feel strong, and I feel good. Everything is perfect for this training camp, so I feel like I’m going to get an early stoppage.”
THE LURE OF BIG BEAR
Benavidez said the reason for setting up shop in Big Bear was because of the scrutiny following his last fight. He and his entire team were ticked at what happened in his previous fight. He acknowledged that things were not on point.
Big Bear, California is a favorite location among fighters. The isolation, the facilities, and 7500 feet of altitude are perfect for boxers to get their mind and body right. The pride of Phoenix feels right now he is as focused as he has ever been and is preparing for Ellis like it is a world title fight. From now on, Big Bear will be where he gets ready for a fight.
NO SLACKING OFF
It is a good thing Benavidez seems to be refocused and energized. However, it is sad that it took losing the belt on the scales to do so. At this point, he has no choice but to straighten up and fly right. “El Bandera Roja” has openly called for a fight against unified WBA ‘Super’/WBC Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. He has also shown an interest in fighting IBF World 168-pound champ Caleb Plant and current WBC World Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo.
To get those opportunities, you cannot slip up. Benavidez is no longer a world champion and is not in a position to call any shots anymore. The mission to redeem himself begins on March 13 against Ellis. Fans are hoping that from now on, he can stay on the straight and narrow.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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