Uzcategui: Difference against Benavidez will be who can take the power

Uzcategui says he expects Benavidez to bring the best out of him in what should be an all-action fight.

Former super middleweight titleholder Jose Uzcategui was on hand for yesterday’s opening virtual press conference, formally announcing his August 28th fight against David Benavidez, airing live on Showtime. And looking ahead to the bout, Uzcategui tells the world that he’s preparing himself for the best performance he’s ever had, expecting Benavidez to bring out the best of him.

Here’s what he had to say at their virtual press conference:

“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.

“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 Benavídez, 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.

“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.

“I never really committed to going up to 175 lbs. That was just for one fight. Super middleweight is my division and that’s where I’m trying to win a title at. We’ve wanted to fight David forever and once the fight came to us, we jumped at it.

“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.

“We know what’s in front of us. We have trained 100 percent every day, as hard as we can, because he’s coming to throw bombs.”