Rolly Romero has called for a shock showdown with David Benavidez.
Romero claims he is willing to move up three weight classes to face Benavidez after defeating Ryan Garcia in Times Square earlier this month.
Benavidez, who holds the WBC light heavyweight world title, was a former world champion at super middleweight and Romero says he would face ‘The Mexican Monster’ at 168lbs.
“I’m going to be the first one to ever call this person out,” the 29-year-old told Fight Hub TV.
“I want to fight David Benavidez.
“F***ing Mexican Monster, they call me the boogeyman over here.
“I’m being serious.
“I’ll fight him at 168lbs.
“I want to fight the Mexican Monster.
“I want to whoop his a**, do you know why? Because everybody is scared of him.”
Romero, 29, dropped Garcia on route to a unanimous decision victory to win the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight world title.
Garcia was on course for a rematch with Devin Haney, who was victorious on the same card against Jose Ramirez, but plans now appear scuppered after his defeat.
Benavidez was elevated to full WBC champion in April, after Dmitry Bivol vacated the title, with the 34-year-old expected to face Artur Beterbiev for a third time later this year.
‘The Mexican Monster’ was previously interim WBC titlist, defending that belt last time out with a unanimous decision win over David Morrell Jr in February.
Romero’s callout of Benavidez should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt, with the Las Vegas man much more likely to remain at welterweight for possible bouts against unified WBA ‘super’ and IBF champion, Jaron Ennis, Haney or a rematch with Garcia all possibilities.
Benavidez, 28, himself has previously stated he would not return to super middleweight after missing out on a blockbuster bout with Canelo Alvarez and could bide his time for a shot at the winner of the Beterbiev vs Bivol trilogy.
