Like many boxers, David Benavidez has a deep reverence for “Iron” Mike Tyson.
After all, it was the boxing Hall of Famer and icon who actually gifted the interim WBC light heavyweight world champion his nickname, “The Mexican Monster.”
And although the undefeated Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) is focused on collecting his 30 professional victory and David Morrell’s WBA “Regular” light heavyweight world title on February 1, he admitted that he’d be up for avenging Tyson’s loss to Paul on behalf of the boxing community if presented with the chance.
“If I got the opportunity, I would definitely fight him,” Benavidez said with a laugh, while speaking with DAZN News over a recent Zoom session.
“But it’s not no bad blood against me and Jake Paul. He went in there and did what he was supposed to do.”
That said, like many who tuned in to watch the rather unconventional eight-round bout, in which more than 30 years of age separated the two fighters, Benavidez was relieved that Tyson, 58, didn’t get hurt in suffering the unanimous decision loss.
“Thank God, [Paul] really didn’t try to go for the knockout because I think if he really would have pushed for the knockout, he probably would have got it,” Benavidez conceded.
“But hats off to Mike Tyson, you know, showing that he’s [nearly] 60-years-old and could go in there with a [27-year-old] man."
Benavidez added: “That speaks a lot about Mike Tyson. I’m just happy he was able to go in there, walk out with a pocket full of money and still walk out really safe or really healthy.”