Jose Benavidez Jnr’s first win in nearly two years no longer exists.
The former secondary titlist saw his February 1 knockout victory over Danny Rosenberger nullified when a post-fight drug test revealed the presence of cocaine metabolite Benzoylecgonine. The infraction resulted in the fight outcome changed to a No-Contest, and Benavidez dealt a backdated nine-month suspension along with a $3,750 fine.
Benavidez’s abovementioned bout took place on the undercard of his younger brother, David Benavidez’s twelve-round points win over David Morrell at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event took place under the auspices of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, whose panel unanimously voted during its June 20 meeting in favor of the suspension and overturned verdict.
Benavidez is now suspended until October 31. The 33-year-old Phoenix, Arizona native must produce clean samples through a state-approved random drug testing program to be removed from suspension. He is ineligible to box in any jurisdiction under the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) during that period.
Benzoylecgonine is the major cocaine metabolite, according to a study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH). It is also the main ingredient found in Esterom, a “topical solution used for the relief of muscle pain that is not FDA approved or on the market in the United States.”
The substance – when ingested in cocaine form - can be detected in urine up to four days after its last use. The period of detection is longer among heavier drug use.
It was not determined when Benavidez, 28-3-1 (19 KOs), ingested the product.
The matter appeared on the past several monthly Nevada commission agenda hearings but extended as it was further investigated. The commission’s legal counsel noted during its May 28 meeting that its office lost contact with Benavidez and his representatives. It was decided that a final ruling would be made during the June hearing.
Benavidez turned pro in 2010 following a standout amateur career. He was a highly touted pro, complete with a secondary WBA 140lbs title win, until he was shot just above his right knee in August 2016 while walking his dog.
His ring return in 2018 saw a vastly different version of the boxer who could hold his own in the gym with any fighter in the world at or near his weight. Benavidez was naturally talented enough to still put up a valiant effort in a failed WBO 147lbs title bid against Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford. Their October 2018 title fight ended saw Crawford win via 12th round technical knockout.
The setback launched a rough patch for Benavidez, who is just 1-3-1 with one No-Contest in his last six fights. He also suffered decision defeats to Danny Garcia and Jermall Charlo during that stretch.
His lone victory in that span was an August 2023 fifth round knockout of Sladan Janjanin in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He will be more than two years without a victory, when – or if – he returns to the ring upon completion of his suspension.
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on and .