Former IBF super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui is motivated to pull off a major upset on August 28, when he faces undefeated two-time champion David Benavidez at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The fight will be televised by Showtime.
The winner will be in line for a world title shot – which is exactly what Uzcategui has been shooting for since losing his IBF title to Caleb Plant in 2019.
“I think this is going to be the best fight of my career, even more than winning the title. I have a great opponent across from me and that’s going to bring out the best in me. It makes me more motivated to be fighting in his hometown. I know that we’re both great warriors. This is going to be an exciting fight, and you’re going to make sure you don’t want to miss it,” Uzcategui said.
“This fight was talked about back when we were both champions. It didn’t happen then but it’s happening now. A lot of fighters run and don’t want to get in there with Benavidez, but we stepped up. I want the big challenges like Canelo Alvarez, and I know I have to win fights like these to get there. I want the tough fights. That’s what makes this a great fight for the fans.”
After he first captured the world title with a stoppage win over Andre Dirrell in 2018, Uzcategui admits that he didn’t take the proper training measures to remain champion – which eventually led to his two losses.
Uzcategui has since picked up two wins in a row.
While he’s dabbled at light heavyweight, the focus for Uzcategui is to reclaim gold at 168-pounds.
“Winning the world title was one of the best nights of my life. But I didn’t do the proper things I had to after winning to remain world champion, and you saw the results. But I still believe in myself and you’re going to see me back to my best on fight night. Obviously we both hit hard. The difference in this fight is going to be who can stand there and take it better. It’s going to come down to preparation and who can stand up for 12 rounds,” Uzcategui said.
“I expect the same David we always see. He’s a great fighter who comes forward. But that’s what I’m going to show you as well. It’s definitely two fighters who love to come forward.”