By Miguel Rivera

Undefeated welterweight contender Jose Benavidez Jr. is really hoping to get his hands on Terence Crawford (32-0, 23 KOs).

The two boxers have traded words in person, and they have also traded words in the press and on social media.

Both of them will be in action on June 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - as part of a card being carried on ESPN+.

On that evening, Benavidez will continued to stay busy in an undercard fight - while Crawford will headline the event as he challenges WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn.

Jose Benavidez Sr., the father and trainer of Jose Jr., wants his son to make a statement in his next to two fights - and then get Crawford in the ring.

Benavidez Jr. (26-0, 17 KOs) is still working his way back after being inactive from July 2016 to February 2018 - after an unknown assailant shot him in the leg near his home.

The two boxers are both promoted by Top Rank.

"They offered me the fight [with Crawford], but Jose is not ready yet for Crawford. He must show [that he's ready] in one or two more fights. I need him to show me that he has the hunger to fight with Crawford, who is a good fighter," Benavidez Sr. said.

"I can not risk [doing that fight too son], because he is recovered from the [injury] where he was shot and must look spectacular [on June 9]. After watching that fight I can say if he is ready."

And younger brother, WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez, will fight on July 28 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

As BoxingScene.com previously reported, Benavidez will likely face Olympian Matt Korobov of Russia.

"They only seek the approval of the [opponent], who has been preparing for about a month. He is strong and once everything is known we'll prepare for him and for David to advance and prove that he is a champion, and for that he must fight with the best," Benavidez Sr. said.