Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, 17 year old Jose Benavidez made his professional debut with a first round destruction over overmatched Steven Cox. In the short 81 second showcase the young Phoenix native showed great poise and patience as well as a very solid offensive attack.

Benavidez started cautiously, feeling his Missouri-based opponent out with his jab before later picking up the tempo. Benavidez scored a first round knockdown off of a quick left hand and Cox appeared to be in serious trouble despite beating the ten count. Benavidez would pounce on Cox moments later and swarmed him with crippling body shots against the ropes. Referee Kenny Bayless wisely called off the bout moments later and Benavidez saw his record move to 1-0.

Working Benavidez’ corner was trainer Freddie Roach, who was extremely pleased with his performance. Roach has worked the corners of Manny Pacquiao, James Toney, and Oscar De La Hoya over the years and it looks like he may have another gem in Benavidez. Roach went on to state that Benavidez showed great ring generalship and skills as well as being a fun fighter to watch. In closing Roach stated that the young Jr. Lightweight has a long way to go but that he believed he would one day become a world champion.

The reigning National Golden Gloves champion out of Phoenix, Arizona, Benavidez claimed that he has been waiting a long time to turn professional and that it felt great to start off the New Year with a win. Benavidez recently inked a contract with Top Rank and says he plans on fighting eight times before the year is up.

Benavidez moved to California less than half a year ago and linked up with Roach at the Wild Card Gym after the Massachusetts born trainer saw him in the ring sparring. Roach liked what he saw and talked to Benavidez about working together. Saturday night was a great start to their union and all the pieces seem to be in place for Benavidez to make a great run in the sport.

To see Jose Benavidez in action, click HERE

Appeared here on Examiner.com Jan 19th, 2010. http://bit.ly/5TXDPv