David Benavidez Opens Up About Brother Jose’s Struggles and Resilience Post-Shooting Incident
David Benavidez, widely recognized as one of the top super middleweight boxers in the world, is gearing up for his upcoming bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship. However, amidst his rigorous training schedule, Benavidez recently opened up about a deeply personal matter — his brother Jose Benavidez Jr.’s journey of recovery and resilience following a life-altering incident.
A Promising Career Interrupted by Tragedy
Jose Benavidez Jr., once a rising star in the welterweight division, saw his career take a dramatic turn in August 2016. While walking his dog near his home in Phoenix, Arizona, Jose was approached by an unknown assailant who shot him in the leg. The injuries were severe, raising concerns about whether he would ever box again. Initial reports indicated a gathering at his residence earlier that night, but any connection to the shooting remains unclear.
Doctors feared that the leg injury might end Jose’s boxing career. The recovery process was grueling, requiring immense physical and mental strength. Yet, against the odds, Jose made a remarkable comeback.
David Benavidez’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Brother
David Benavidez, speaking on a podcast hosted by former UFC legends Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, candidly discussed the impact of the shooting on his brother’s career. “He ended up getting shot in his leg, and that kind of really messed him up,” David recalled. Despite these challenges, Jose’s tenacity and determination have been a source of inspiration for David.
The Comeback of Jose Benavidez Jr.
In 2018, after an 18-month hiatus from boxing, Jose Benavidez Jr. returned to the ring with a vengeance. He knocked out Matthew Strode in the eighth round, followed by a similar victory over Frank Rojas at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. However, the path to reclaiming his former glory was fraught with obstacles.
In October 2018, Jose faced WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford in a highly anticipated match. Despite his valiant efforts, Jose lost via technical knockout. Since then, he has fought four more times, securing one win, one draw, and suffering two losses.
He recalled, “And then he ended up getting shot in his leg and that kind of like really messed him up, you know what I mean.”
Brotherly Bond and Gratitude
David Benavidez holds deep respect and gratitude for his brother, acknowledging that Jose paved the way for his own boxing career. “My brother’s the only reason I started boxing. I always wanted to be like my brother,” David shared. Jose’s influence and support have been instrumental in David’s rise to prominence in the boxing world.
he revealed, “You know you have all this sh*t happened to you bro, and then you got shot and then you know what I mean. Now he’s training more. You know he’s getting into fights. He just had a great fight with Charlo. You know it was a tough fight.”
David Benavidez’s Next Challenge
As David prepares for his fight against Oleksandr Gvozdyk this Saturday, he carries with him the lessons and inspiration drawn from his brother’s journey. The match, set to take place at 175 pounds, marks David’s move up in weight class as he continues to chase his own championship dreams.
“My brother’s the only reason I started boxing. I always wanted to be like my brother, you know I mean. And my brother’s the one that started everything, put the foot, open the doors for me,” confessed David Benavidez.
Editor’s Note
The story of the Benavidez brothers is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering support. David’s recognition of his brother’s struggles and triumphs adds a profound layer to his own journey as a boxer. As both brothers continue to pursue their respective goals, their shared experiences underscore the unbreakable bond that fuels their drive and determination.
