-
Mike CoppingerESPN
David Benavidez’s fight with Jose Uzcategui has been rescheduled.
The 168-pound bout is set for Nov. 13 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, a PBC on Showtime main event. The fight was originally slated for Aug. 28 before Benavidez tested positive for COVID-19.
Benavidez, ESPN’s No. 3 super middleweight, will compete one week after Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant clash to become the undisputed champion at 168 pounds. The 24-year-old is a natural opponent for the winner; like Plant, Benavidez is with PBC. Alvarez signed a one-fight deal with Al Haymon for the Plant pay-per-view fight.
The fight with Uzcategui will be Benavidez’s first in his native Phoenix, a location that’s proving to be a reliable host for boxing.
Benavidez (24-0, 21 KOs) was the youngest champion in division history. He was stripped of the title after testing positive for cocaine in 2018. With his blend of speed, power and volume-punching, Benavidez has long been considered the fighter who has the best shot of upending Alvarez at 168 pounds.
Uzcategui (31-4, 26 KOs) also is a former champion. The power-punching Venezuelan fighter lost his title to Plant in January 2019. The 30-year-old was upset by Lionell Thompson two fights later.