The World Boxing Association 140-pound interim champion José Benavides is confident to defeat on Friday Jorge “maromerito” Páez at US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Benavides (22-0, 15 KO) defends for the first time the title he won in December agaisnt Mauricio Herrera in Las Vegas. “I sacrificed too much and will not let it go on my first defense.

He told the press, during the Conference on Wednesday, he expects a strong and complicated fight, but he confessed he is ready to face the experienced Paez (38-5-2, 23 KO).

Challenger said that this is the most important fight in his career, and regardless its result, “I want people to leave happy”.

The officials appointed for the fight appointed by the Arizona State Athletic Commision, ar Raúl Caiz Jr, as referee and Cesar Ramos, Levi Martínez and Chris Flores will score de fight.

The supervisor appointed by the WBA is the American Matt Podgorski.