Alex Camponovo, the head of CBN Promotions, has high hopes for Brandon Leon Benitez as he prepares for the toughest fight of his career, against former Cuban titleholder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez.
The two featherweights will square off on Saturday at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Beach, Florida, in a 10-round fight. The bout is part of a card headlined by Teofimo Lopez versus Steve Claggett for the WBO junior welterweight title and the Top Rank event will be broadcast on ESPN.
Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs), 26, is hoping to ride his momentum into the biggest win of his career as he enters on a seven-fight win streak, including a victory over Xu Can, the former WBA featherweight titleholder. Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs), 30, is arguably coming off the lowest moment of his professional career after being upset by Rafael Espinoza in his last fight. Despite impressive performances in recent memory, the loss has raised questions about Ramirez’s future.
“I think Benitez is more than ready to take that jump,” said Camponovo. “The fight with Ramirez, I’ve been wanting that fight for a long, long time. It didn’t happen before, for one reason or another. There’s a lot of questions that need to be answered on Ramirez’s side.”
Camponovo noted Benitez’s significant progress since they first met.
“There’s a trajectory in Benitez’s career. If you look back at him, he fought against Saul Sanchez in a smaller division,” said Camponovo. “He just seemed to be a regular, tough guy, but again, highly motivated, willing to take chances, and a good listener for the people that are behind him, coaching him, training him, and getting him ready for fights.
“So he’s gotten way, way better from those days.”
Camponovo also issued a warning to Ramirez, highlighting Benitez’s key strengths.
“Just watch out for those body shots,” Camponovo said. “He’s one of those guys that’s found that specific forte, and he has terrific stamina. So, you know, if all goes well, I think he should do really good on the 29th.”
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