José Luis Benavidez Jr. Bio
José Luis Benavidez Jr. is an American professional boxer born on May 15, 1992, in Panorama City, California. He is known for challenging for the WBO welterweight title in 2018 and is the brother of two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez. In addition to his boxing career, José made his acting debut as Felix Chavez in the film Creed III in 2023.
Early Life and Background
José Luis Benavidez Jr. was born and raised in Panorama City, California. Growing up in a family with a strong boxing influence, he was exposed to the sport at an early age. His younger brother, David Benavidez, also pursued a professional boxing career, highlighting the family’s dedication to the sport.
Benavidez Jr. developed his skills through extensive amateur competition, which laid the foundation for his professional career. His early experiences in boxing were marked by rapid progress and national recognition.
Path to Boxing
Benavidez Jr. had a distinguished amateur career, becoming an eleven-time national champion. He won the Silver Gloves twice and qualified for the Junior Olympics, earning a spot on the U.S. National Team. His amateur record was an impressive 120 wins and 5 losses.
At just sixteen years old, he became the youngest ever National Golden Gloves Champion in the light welterweight division in 2009. He also reached the USA Boxing National Championship final, narrowly losing on points to Frankie Gómez. These achievements marked him as a promising talent ready to transition to professional boxing.
José Luis Benavidez Jr. Career
Early Career
Benavidez Jr. began his professional career building on his amateur success, competing across multiple weight divisions including light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight. His orthodox stance and reach of 71 inches (180 cm) contributed to his competitive edge in the ring.
He quickly amassed a record of 28 wins, including 19 by knockout, with only 3 losses and 1 draw in a total of 33 fights. His early professional years established him as a formidable contender in American boxing circles.
WBO Welterweight Title Challenge (2018)
In 2018, José Luis Benavidez Jr. earned the opportunity to fight for the WBO welterweight title against the unbeaten Terence Crawford. This bout was the first title fight of his career and showcased his skill and determination. Despite a strong effort, Benavidez Jr. was defeated by TKO in the final round, marking a significant moment in his professional journey.
Recent Fights and Challenges
Following his title challenge, Benavidez Jr. faced several notable opponents. He fought Francisco Emanuel Torres to a majority draw and faced former champion Danny Garcia, losing by majority decision. These bouts demonstrated his resilience and ability to compete at a high level.
In February 2025, Benavidez Jr. knocked out Danny Rosenberger in Las Vegas, but the result was later changed to a no contest due to a positive test for a banned substance, leading to a nine-month suspension and a fine. This incident marked a challenging period in his career.
Boxing Style and Strengths
José Luis Benavidez Jr. fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his reach and power, particularly his knockout ability. His style combines technical skill with aggressive tactics, making him a dangerous opponent across multiple weight classes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Benavidez Jr.’s career highlights include becoming the youngest National Golden Gloves Champion at sixteen and competing for the WBO welterweight title. His acting role in Creed III also marks a unique milestone outside the boxing ring.
José Luis Benavidez Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, José Luis Benavidez Jr. has secured 28 wins out of 33 fights, with 19 victories coming by knockout. His record reflects his power and skill in the ring across several weight divisions.
Professional Boxing Highlights
Benavidez Jr.’s first major professional milestone was his rapid accumulation of wins in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions. His most recent notable win was initially a knockout over Danny Rosenberger in 2025, though it was later overturned. He has consistently competed against top-tier opponents, including title challengers and former champions.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his professional record, Benavidez Jr. boasts a decorated amateur career with multiple national championships and international competition experience, underscoring his long-standing presence in the sport.
José Luis Benavidez Jr. Family
Family Background and Boxing Lineage
José Luis Benavidez Jr. comes from a family with a strong boxing tradition. His younger brother, David Benavidez, is a two-time WBC super middleweight champion, highlighting the family’s prominence in professional boxing.
Personal Life
Details about Benavidez Jr.’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He has maintained a focus on his boxing career and recent ventures into acting.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been eventful for José Luis Benavidez Jr. He returned to the ring with a knockout victory over Danny Rosenberger, demonstrating his continued competitiveness. However, the victory was later nullified due to a doping violation, resulting in a suspension and fine. This setback has impacted his momentum, but his experience and skill suggest potential for future comebacks.
Benavidez Jr.’s ability to compete across multiple weight classes and his resilience in the face of challenges remain key aspects of his career outlook. His ongoing involvement in boxing and acting projects will shape his professional trajectory in the coming years.