Jose Benavidez Jr Bio
José Luis Benavidez Jr. (born May 15, 1992) is an American professional boxer from Panorama City, California. He challenged 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, he made his acting debut as Felix Chavez in the film Creed III (2023).
Early Life and Background
José Luis Benavidez Jr. was born in Panorama City, California, and is of Mexican and Ecuadorian descent. Growing up in a family with deep boxing roots, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly developed a passion for it. His younger brother, David Benavidez, followed in his footsteps and went on to become a two-time WBC super middleweight champion, making the Benavidez household one of the most recognized boxing families in the United States.
In August 2016, Benavidez was shot while walking his dog in Phoenix, an incident that briefly interrupted his professional career but did not stop his commitment to the sport. He recovered and returned to the ring, continuing to build his profile as one of the top contenders in the welterweight division.
Path to Boxing
Benavidez Jr. enjoyed a stellar amateur career, compiling a final record of 120–5. He was an eleven-time national champion, which included two Silver Gloves titles, qualifying for the Junior Olympics, and earning a spot on the U.S. National Team. At sixteen years old, he became the youngest ever National Golden Gloves Champion when he won the 2009 tournament in the light welterweight division.
He then advanced to the USA Boxing National Championship title fight in Denver, where he defeated 2010 National Golden Gloves Champion Gary Allen Russell to set up a final against Frankie Gómez. Although he lost the championship bout on points by a score of 11–9, his performance confirmed his status as one of the top amateur prospects in the country.
Jose Benavidez Jr Career
Early Career
Benavidez Jr. transitioned to the professional ranks as a highly touted prospect, carrying a strong amateur pedigree into the pay-per-view era of American boxing. Competing at light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight, he built a record defined by knockout power, stopping 19 of his opponents before the final bell.
His orthodox stance and 71-inch (180 cm) reach gave him a physical foundation that suited his aggressive, front-foot style. Through his early professional years, he established himself as a dangerous gatekeeper and contender in a stacked welterweight landscape.
Welterweight Breakthrough (2018)
On October 13, 2018, Benavidez Jr. received the first world title shot of his career when he challenged unbeaten Terence Crawford for the WBO welterweight title. Crawford was widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, making the bout a significant step up in competition for Benavidez.
Benavidez Jr. put up a strong fight and was competitive through much of the contest, but he was ultimately overmatched by Crawford’s skill and timing. The bout ended in the twelfth and final round via technical knockout in favor of Crawford, marking the first stoppage loss of Benavidez’s professional career.
Post-Title Comeback (2019–Present)
Following the Crawford defeat, Benavidez Jr. fought Francisco Emanuel Torres in his next bout, which ended in a majority draw. He then faced former champion Danny Garcia in a high-profile matchup. Garcia won by majority decision, with scorecards of 116–112, 117–111, and 114–114.
On February 1, 2025, Benavidez Jr. returned to the ring at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and knocked out Danny Rosenberger in the fifth round of their scheduled eight-round bout. However, the result was later changed to a no contest in June 2025 after a post-fight drug test returned positive for Benzoylecgonine, resulting in a backdated nine-month suspension and a fine of $3,750.
Style and Strengths
Benavidez Jr. fights from an orthodox stance and uses his 71-inch reach to control distance against his opponents. His record shows significant knockout power, with 19 of his 28 victories coming inside the distance, reflecting his preference for aggressive, finish-oriented performances rather than decisions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones include becoming the youngest National Golden Gloves Champion at sixteen in 2009, capturing the WBO welterweight title opportunity against Crawford in 2018, and his return to the ring at the T-Mobile Arena in 2025. His acting debut in Creed III in 2023 also marked a notable expansion of his public profile beyond boxing.
Jose Benavidez Jr Career Wins
Across his professional career, José Luis Benavidez Jr. has compiled 28 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest in 33 total bouts. Nineteen of his victories have come by knockout, while none have come by decision or submission, underscoring his finishing ability.
Verified Career Totals
His professional record reflects sustained activity across multiple weight divisions, including light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight. The 2025 Rosenberger knockout was originally his most recent victory before being officially ruled a no contest.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his knockout victories, Benavidez Jr. has competed against high-caliber opposition including Danny Garcia and Francisco Emanuel Torres, gaining experience against world-class opposition even in defeat or draw.
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 33 |
| Wins | 28 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No Contests | 1 |
Jose Benavidez Jr Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
The Benavidez family is of Mexican and Ecuadorian descent and is well known in American boxing circles. His younger brother, David Benavidez, is a two-time WBC super middleweight champion, making the pair one of the most prominent sibling combinations in the sport.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Panorama City, California, Benavidez has maintained ties to his hometown throughout his professional career. Beyond boxing, he expanded into acting with his role as Felix Chavez in Creed III (2023), showcasing his versatility outside the ring.
2025 Season Performance
Benavidez Jr.’s 2025 began with his return to the ring on February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he stopped Danny Rosenberger in the fifth round. The performance initially suggested a strong comeback following his November 2023 bout against Danny Garcia.
However, the result was later changed to a no contest in June 2025 after a positive post-fight drug test for Benzoylecgonine, leading to a backdated nine-month suspension and a $3,750 fine. As of mid-2025, Benavidez Jr. is working through the suspension period and is expected to resume his career once his sanction is served.