PHOENIX — Junior-welterweight prospect Jose Benavidez Jr. looked at the scale and saw a familiar number Friday at the formal weigh-in for his homecoming Saturday night against Corey Alarcon at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in suburban Chandler.
Benavidez (11-0, 10 KOs) was at the junior welterweight limit, 140 pounds, for six-round bout that had been scheduled for 143 to 144 pounds.
“A big suprise,” said the 19-year-old Benavidez, who will fight for the first time as a pro in his home state after signing with Top Rank as a 17-year-old. “I expected to be at 144. That’s what happens when you give up soda pop.”
Benavidez gave up soft drinks as part of a renewed commitment to boxing in the wake of a disappointing victory by decision in January. It was the first fight that was decided on the scorecards instead of by stoppage for the lanky, athletic Benavidez.
Alarcon (14-17-1, 4 KOs) was at 144.5 pounds. An Arizona State Boxing Commission official said it will license Alarcon, an experienced Denver fighter who came off a 60-day suspension on June 1. Alarcon lost a TKO in his last bout. The suspension was automatic. The 33-year-old Alarcon’s record includes losses to Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and Rocky Juarez. He also won a bout against Victor Ortiz by disqualification.
FULL WEIGHTS BY PHIL SOTO
6 RDS Welterweight
Jose Benavidez (11-0, 10KOs) 140 lbs
VS
Corey Alarcon (14-17-1 4 KOs) 144.5 lbs
6 RDS Lightweight
Oscar Meza (21-4-3 17KOs) 139.5 lbs
Vs
Kelly Wright (4-7). 139.5 lbs
6 RDS Middleweight
Jovan Munoz ( 11-1-1 4KOs) 160 lbs
Vs
Justin Williams (2-3 1 1KO) 160 lbs
4RDS Light Middleweight
Juan Gonzales (1-0 1KO) 152.5 lbs
Vs
Moses Alvizo (0-2 ) 150 lbs
4RDS Super Bantamweight
Emilo Garcia (1-0-1 1KO) 123.5 lbs
Vs
Eric Henson – Debut 123.5 lbs
4RDS Super Bantamweight
Alexis Santiago (7-0-1 2KOs) 122 lbs
Vs
Carlos Luque (2-6 ) 123 lbs
