Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. was faced with a dilemma when Jermell Charlo weighed in 3.4 lbs over the 163 lb catchweight limit for their upcoming co-feature fight. Despite his concerns about the dangers of fighting an overweight opponent, Benavidez Sr.’s son, Jose Jr., insisted on proceeding with the bout. Charlo, on the other hand, will incur a significant financial penalty for exceeding the weight limit. This situation raises questions about Benavidez Sr.’s stance, particularly in light of his son David Benavidez previously coming in overweight for a title defense against Roamer Alexis Angulo in August 2020.

Benavidez Jr.’s decision to go ahead with the fight seems driven by a desire to not lose out on a high-profile matchup against Charlo, especially given his fringe contender status and the lack of similar opportunities in the future. Benavidez Jr. sees this as a crucial step for his career, despite having been defeated by Danny Garcia last year and barely escaping a loss in his fight against Francisco Emanuel Torres.

On the other hand, Jose Sr.’s reaction to Charlo’s weight suggests a possible double standard, considering his lack of similar objections when his other son, David, was overweight in a past fight. This inconsistency in response raises questions about the motivations behind his stance on fight cancellations due to weight issues.

Despite Jose Sr.’s desire to cancel the fight, his son’s determination to proceed highlights Benavidez Jr.’s commitment and warrior mentality. This resolve is further emphasized by their preparation, having sparred with larger fighters, including cruiserweights and David Benavidez himself. This preparation could potentially offset the disadvantage posed by Charlo's weight.

The upcoming fight between Benavidez Jr. and Charlo, despite the weight controversy, promises to be a compelling match. Benavidez Jr.’s eagerness to take on the challenge, despite the risks, speaks volumes about his determination to prove himself in the ring, even against a bigger and potentially stronger opponent.

Image Credit: PBC