ROY JONES URGES BENAVIDEZ TO CHOOSE USYK: “THIS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST FIGHTS OF THE DECADE”

Legendary American boxer Roy Jones Jr. believes David Benavidez should not miss the opportunity to face Oleksandr Usyk. Speaking on the Hall of Game podcast, the former world champion explained why a potential showdown with the Ukrainian could be far more significant for the American’s career than a fight against Caleb Plant.

During an appearance on the Hall of Game podcast, published on the All The Smoke Fight YouTube channel, Roy Jones Jr. shared his thoughts on a potential clash between Oleksandr Usyk and David Benavidez. According to the American boxing legend, Benavidez has reached a stage in his career where he must seize the biggest opportunities available rather than postpone them in favour of less significant matchups. Jones firmly believes that facing Usyk could become one of the defining events of the decade and open entirely new doors for the American fighter. “The Usyk fight is one of the biggest fights of this decade right now. Take it while it’s hot,” Jones declared. He emphasised that professional boxing is not only about sporting ambition but also about timing and making the right career decisions. In his view, Benavidez should seriously consider moving up in weight to challenge the Ukrainian champion, as opportunities of this magnitude may never come around again.

Jones paid particular attention to comparing potential fights against Usyk and Caleb Plant. He believes a showdown with the Ukrainian carries significantly greater commercial and career value. “If you lose to Usyk, the Plant fight is still there. If you lose to Plant, the Usyk fight is gone. So be smart about this thing. Go take Usyk while the iron is hot,” the former world champion explained. Essentially, Jones is proposing a strategy in which even a potential defeat against one of the most accomplished heavyweights of the modern era would not necessarily damage Benavidez’s future prospects in other weight divisions.

The American also highlighted the financial implications of such a matchup. According to Jones, there is little reason for Benavidez to expose himself to a comparable level of sporting risk in a fight that could generate significantly less money and international attention. “Why fight someone who could be just as dangerous as Usyk but isn’t as well known and won’t bring you nearly as much money? Why not go straight for Usyk?” Jones questioned. At the same time, the former world champion refused to rule out the possibility of a major upset. He pointed out that in professional boxing, the outcome of a fight is not always determined by predictions or physical advantages. “When you’re in a boxing ring with ten-ounce gloves on, anything can happen,” Jones noted, effectively encouraging Benavidez not to turn down an ambitious challenge simply because of the difference in weight classes.

Addressing the American fighter directly, Jones stressed that Benavidez should take control of his own career and should not feel obligated to accept less attractive opportunities. “I know he listens to me and respects my opinion. I would tell him: it’s perfectly fine to turn down the Plant fight. I want to fight someone who has already proven everything. I want Usyk. That’s exactly what you should do, without a doubt,” Jones said.

Jones’s comments have once again brought attention to the possibility of an unusual showdown between Usyk and Benavidez. The podcast publication notes that Jones had already been promoting the idea back in May, while renewed discussions have emerged amid speculation about Usyk potentially returning to the cruiserweight division. However, no official agreements or confirmed negotiations regarding such a fight have been announced in the materials presented.

A potential meeting between Usyk and Benavidez would be intriguing not only from a sporting perspective but also as an example of how crucial star power, commercial appeal, and strategic timing have become in modern professional boxing. For Roy Jones Jr., the answer is clear: if Benavidez genuinely gets the opportunity to face Usyk, he should not hesitate.

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