“Really Messed Him Up”: David Benavidez Gets Candid About His Brother Jose Benavidez Jr.’s Recovery After Getting Shot in the Leg

David Benavidez is one of the best super middleweight boxers in the world right now. But now that he’s tired of waiting for a clash with the undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, he has moved up to 175 pounds. ‘The Mexican Monster’ will be headlining a boxing event this Saturday against Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight championship. In the days leading up to the fight, the boxer shed some light on his elder brother, the former welterweight championship contender, Jose Benavidez Jr. The Benavidez family had two promising boxers in the family, David, and Jose Jr. Jose Benavidez Jr’s career has slowed down a bit in the past few years. Why?

The pugilist unfortunately was shot in his leg, which made him take a 2-year break from the sport. It happened in August of 2016 near his home in Phoenix, Arizona, while he was out walking his dog. An unknown man approached him, asked a question, and then shot him in the leg. The injuries were serious but not life-threatening. The reason for the shooting remains unknown. There were reports of a gathering at his residence earlier that night, but it’s unclear if it’s connected. Nevertheless, the shooting significantly impacted his boxing career. Doctors initially worried it might even end it, due to the leg injury. But Jose Benavidez Jr. made a miraculous return.

David Benavidez credits his brother for opening the doors for him in boxing

Not too long ago, Jose’s younger brother David Benavidez appeared on the podcast show hosted by former UFC legends Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, where he revealed that Jose was always dealing with injuries and would mess up his hand. 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.” 

Furthermore, 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.” Last year, the Merciless had a fight against Jermall Charlo on his brother’s undercard that went the full distance despite Charlo being a WBC middleweight champion. As a result, Benavidez respects his brother.

Not only that, but the Mexican Monster also credits his brother for getting him a shot at the big leagues, which wouldn’t have happened if he weren’t Jose Benavodez Jr.’s brother. “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. For this, his younger brother is forever grateful.

When it happened, the doctors had told Jose that the injury would take around 2 years to recover, and then the boxer could start walking properly. It came as a shock to him as he was in the prime of his career at the time. However, within 2 years, in 2018, he not only bounced back but also stepped inside the ring once again. 

The Merciless returns

The Arizona native was on an 18-month break from the world of boxing. However, 2018 saw him return to the boxing ring, and this time he was going to make a big impression. He made a stunning return in 2018, as he knocked out Matthew Strode in the eighth round. He then tip-toed against Frank Rojas in the same year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Even this fight ended with Benavidez knocking out Rojas. Before getting shot in the leg, ‘Merciless’ was eyeing a big fight to become the world champion. Unfortunately, that dream was shattered to pieces. Nevertheless, after his return in 2018, he set forth on the task to become a welterweight champion.

Sadly for him, the man before him was no ordinary champion. In October 2018, he squared off against WBO Welterweight champion Terence Crawford for his belt. Unfortunately, ‘Bud’ defeated Benavidez via technical knockout. Following that, he has been in a total of 4 fights, with 1 being a draw, 1 a victory, and two losses.

Nevertheless, Jose Benavidez Jr. is still very much active and continuing to chase his championship dreams. His younger brother, meanwhile, is preparing for his as well. David Benavidez will be seen taking on Oleksandr Gvozdyk this Saturday. What do you think about Jose’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.