Middleweight contender Jose Benavidez Jr. is set to return to the boxing ring on February 1st, 2024, as part of an exciting undercard matchup at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This high-profile event features the main attraction of David Benavidez squaring off against David Morrell, and it will be broadcast live on PBC on Prime Video PPV. Although the identity of his opponent remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that Benavidez Jr. will face a less formidable rival in an effort to redeem his standing in the sport following a lengthy absence.
Benavidez Jr. has been on a challenging journey since his last appearance in the ring. With a professional record of 28 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw—along with 19 knockouts—his recent performance has raised serious concerns about his trajectory. After suffering a significant defeat by unanimous decision to Jermall Charlo in November 2023, the 32-year-old fighter has been out of action for approximately 15 months. In fact, Benavidez Jr. has only achieved a single victory in the last six years, a stark realization that hints at a career that may already be in decline.
His only triumph during this period came against the relatively unknown Sladan Janjanin in August 2023, leaving fans—and likely Benavidez himself—wondering if the fighter can still compete at a high level. As the middleweight division continues to evolve, the question lingers: can Benavidez Jr. recapture past glory, or has he missed his window of opportunity?
As the February fight draws nearer, there is significant pressure on Benavidez Jr. to reinvigorate his career. If he manages to secure a quality opponent who can put up a competitive fight, it could reignite interest in his bouts and perhaps help him regain some footing in the sport. Given his current circumstances, he has the potential to create excitement around the event; however, it heavily relies on the caliber of his opposition.
His brother, David Benavidez, has often been the center of attention, yet his trash-talking skills have left much to be desired, leading to a repetitive narrative in interviews. This dynamic puts even more pressure on Jose to step outside of the shadow of his sibling and establish his own identity in boxing.
Once regarded as a rising star in the welterweight division, Jose Benavidez Jr.’s career was dramatically altered by a nearly fatal incident in 2016, when he was shot in the leg. While he bravely returned to the ring and even showcased determination in a competitive bout against the elite Terence Crawford, the lingering effects of his injury have hampered his performance ever since. The leg injury undoubtedly plays a significant role in his struggle to regain formidable status in a highly competitive environment.
As he heads into this important fight, the boxing community watches closely. With the clock ticking and an uncertain future ahead, there is no denying that Jose Benavidez Jr. faces immense challenges, but his desire to prove himself may just rekindle the fire that has dimmed over the years. February 1st might just be the start of a much-needed comeback, or it could be another chapter in a sobering story of missed potential. The world of boxing will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.