Sunday’s press conference for the much-anticipated boxing match between Jose Benavidez and Jermall Charlo ended in a heated exchange, culminating in an impassioned plea from Benavidez’s father and trainer to Charlo, “Please show up to fight.”
Jose Benavidez Sr., the father of the WBC super middleweight champion, injected a personal element into the contest during the fiery presser, expressing his hopes of Charlo not backing out from the scheduled fight in Las Vegas.
“We are preparing ourselves for the fight of our lives, as we always do,” Benavidez Sr. said. “I’m just asking one thing from Charlo, and that is ‘Please show up to fight.’ I don’t want any surprises. We don’t want any last-minute pullouts. We just need him to be there.”
Benavidez Sr.’s plea comes amidst a series of on-again, off-again negotiations for the fight, creating an environment of uncertainty leading up to the match. These negotiations have taken a toll on the fighters and their teams, making it even more critical for both sides to finally step into the ring.
The battle itself is reportedly one of the most coveted fights in boxing today. Benavidez is currently an undefeated champion in his weight class, with a record of 23-0, including 20 knockouts. Charlo, on the other hand, stands as the interim WBC middleweight champion with an equally impressive record of 31-0, with 22 knockouts.
Despite his plea for a commitment, Benavidez Sr., does not doubt Charlo’s courage or skill. “Yes, we have faith in his courage and his skill,” he said. “We know it’s going to be a tough match, but we’ve been working hard and we’re ready to take on the challenge.”
The potential match-up between these two undefeated champions has generated significant interest within the boxing community. The boxing world awaits breathlessly for news of one fighter agreeing to meet the other in the ring.
A victory for either boxer would certainly solidify their claim as one of the best in the middleweight category and could potentially open doors for a unified title bout.
For Benavidez, the fight is not merely a battle for personal pride and glory. His father’s passionate plea just goes to show how much they have invested in this fight and their determination to rise to the top.
From an audience perspective, this duel promises to be a thrilling encounter between two skilled boxers in their prime. Boxing enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate the prospect of witnessing a formidable showdown between the two.
While Benavidez Sr.’s words may not directly influence the outcome of the match, they indeed added a layer of intrigue to the proceedings. It has instilled a sense of urgency and anticipation as the predicted face-off between Benavidez and Charlo looms imminent.
Now, all eyes are on Charlo, waiting for his response, his decision. Will he step up and take on the challenge or leave an eager audience hanging in suspense? Only time will tell.
The strong plea from Jose Benavidez Sr. might seem unorthodox but it echoes throughout the boxing world, reminding fighters, promoters, and fans alike — boxing is, after all, a sport of determination, grit, and heart where every fighter steps into the ring for the love of the game, for the unyielding desire to win and for the relentless pursuit of being the best.
