Boxing Report: Jose Benavidez Jr defeats Steven Cox By Ryan Maquiñana at ringside, MaxBoxing (Jan 17, 2010) Special to Doghouse Boxing
In his much-anticipated debut, 17-year-old prodigy Jose Benavidez Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona, showed everyone why Top Rank was so adamant in airing his pro debut on television as he obliterated late replacement Steven Cox in less than one round.
Having not quite yet reached adulthood, it raised a few eyebrows when the Nevada State Athletic Commission approved Benavidez’s boxing license. Those qualms can be put to rest after his performance tonight.
With Freddie Roach in his corner, Benavidez, 138 ½, the youngest fighter ever to win the National Golden Gloves at light welterweight last year, made quick work of Cox, 139. Making the most of his 6’1’’ frame, Benavidez was able to keep Cox within his punching range early and often from the opening bell; which resulted in the kid putting Cox down on the canvas for the first time with a flailing right hook followed by a lightning-quick straight left to the nose. After Cox rose to his feet to beat the count, Benavidez let his hands go, chasing his disoriented opponent around the ring with a merciless attack that the referee would soon put to an end, in the neutral corner for the technical knockout.
Official time of the stoppage was 1:21 of the first round.
Originally, Matthew Ellis was slated to face Top Rank’s newest signing, but Cox, 1-1 (1), coming off of his own victorious debut, came a long way from his hometown of Independence, Missouri, to take his place.
For "Junior", the sky is the limit as Top Rank will undoubtedly keep an eye on its newest potential superstar as he continues his pro career. He might even see action on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey on March 13.
“At first I wanted to see what he had, but it was great to finish the night early,” stated Benavidez. “It was good to see that hard work pays off.”
“He’s got a long way to go, but he’ll be a world champion someday,” said Roach.
