What Role Does David Benavidez’s Brother Jose Benavidez Jr. Play in Michael B. Jordan’s Creed III?

Only ten days are left for their big clash at MGM Grand Arena on March 25. But the volume of talks and discussions on the main protagonists, Caleb Plant and David Benavidez, and their families are going through the roof. One of the most intriguing characters in this duel is the elder brother of ‘The Mexican Moster,’ Jose Benavidez Jr. The thirty-year-old, who’s had a more extensive boxing career than his younger sibling, recently forayed into the acting field.

Jose Benavidez Jr. was born in Panorama City, California, on May 15, 1992. Starting early in boxing, he became an eleven-time national champion and won the Silver Gloves twice. He secured a place in the National Junior Olympics, and later the U.S. national team hand-picked him. In 2009, he became the youngest Golden Glove champion (Salt Lake City). His amateur record stood at one hundred and twenty wins against five losses.

After losing the final in the 2009 National Golden Gloves championship in Denver, Colorado, he launched his professional career in 2010. Four years later, in 2014, he won his first title – the NABF (vacant) Light Welterweight by defeating Henry Aurad. The same year he won his first world title, WBA Interim Light Welterweight. In 2018, he fought and lost the biggest bout of his career against WBO Welterweight title holder Terence Crawford. After a three-year hiatus, he returned. Unfortunately, the match against Francisco Torres went to a draw, and the following year, he lost the battle against Danny Garcia.

In the meantime, the boxer received an offer to play a crucial role in a blockbuster Hollywood franchise. Creed III was released across the U.S. on March 3. It is the first movie in the iconic Rocky/Creed franchise without Sylvester Stallone. However, the directorial debut of actor Michael B. Jordan has caught on with both critics and fans, and the $182 million revenue has made it the fifth-highest money-spinner of the year.

Interestingly, the movie has its fair share of real-life boxers playing various characters. First, world champion Terence Crawford is playing the role of Lorenzo ‘Nightmare’ Jones. Former Heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew appeared as ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan. Even Canelo Alvarez did a cameo in Creed III. However, the most prominent role was that of Jose Benavidez Jr., who acted out the part of Felix Chavez.

Jose Benavidez Jr. as Felix Chavez

In the movie, Felix ‘El Guerrero’ Chavez is one of the star boxers and the reigning champion from the “Delphi Boxing Academy” run by Adonis ‘Donnie’ Creed (Michael B. Jordan as the main protagonist). The latter prepares his protege to fight against ‘Victor Drago’, played by Florian Munteanu, son of Rocky Balboa’s archnemesis ‘Ivan Drago’.

Later, Benavidez Jr.’s character spars with Creed’s best friend and the movie’s main antagonist, Damian ‘Diamond Dame’ Anderson, acted out by Jonathan Majors. Though critical of Dame’s hostile moves during the sparring, Chavez accepts him as an opponent for the title fight since the initial challenger Drago is too injured to fight.

And as could be expected, the Jonathan Majors’ character Dame wins the bout by knocking out Chavez and becomes the undisputed Heavyweight champion. Noted actress Selenis Leyva enacted the role of Chavez’s mother, ‘Laura Chavez’.

In an interview given to ESNEWS, Jose Benavidez Jr. spoke about his experience auditioning for the film. He recalled his astonishment at seeing so many other individuals trying their luck for the role. “I had an audition for this. It’s crazy then I come and find out that more than 200 people are auditioning for the role,” he said. More so, initially, he believed the role was not so significant.

Later he thanked God and the entire team of Creed for giving him the opportunity.

Is Jose Benavidez Jr. fighting Michael B. Jordan’s character Adonis Creed in Creed III? 

Felix Chavez, Jose Benavidez Jr.’s character, fights Adonis Creed’s best friend, Damian ‘Diamond Dame’ Anderson, played by actor Jonathan Majors.

Jose Benavidez Jr.’s movie career

The Welterweight boxer has acted in only one movie, Creed III. However, he’s just thirty years old. There are good chances of him returning to full-time boxing to stake a claim on a world title while still in his prime. Hence a future in motion pictures at this stage could be pure conjecture.

Read More: Former Boxing Champ, Who Recently Channelized His Inner Simone Biles & Naomi Osaka to Battle Mental Health Struggles, Gets Lauded for His “Courage & Humility”

Between Caleb Plant and David Benavidez, who, in your opinion, will win? Do share your views and ideas with us in the comments below.

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