Undefeated two-time world champion David Benavidez made his debut at 175 pounds against former world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk on Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as he co-headlined a card that featured Gervonta Davis-Frank Marin.
“El Monstro” dominated Gvozdyk over 12 round to win by unanimous decision to capture the interim WBC 175-pound title. The three judges scored the fight 116-112, 117-111, 119-109.
Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) demonstrated his strategic and versatile fighting style against Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs). He effectively utilized a variety of offensive moves, including hooks to all parts of the body and a well-placed jab. Despite Gvozdyk’s late success, Benavidez outlanded his opponent (223-173).
Despite battling injuries, Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) showed remarkable resilience and determination in the ring. He fought through the pain and emerged victorious.
“I went up in weight, won every single round, and dominated a former world champion and an Olympian as well,” he said. “I had him hurt a couple of times. I wasn’t throwing a lot of combinations because I reinjured my hand in the third round. I tore my right ligament four weeks before the fight and I hurt my left hand in camp. I’m proud of myself because I also got a cut three weeks ago and I pushed through and gave the fans a good fight.”
After the fight, Benavidez made it clear that he can and is willing to fight at 168 pounds for the right fights, including a battle against undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez.
Benavidez had a lot of success against a tough former world champion, and he should be happy with his overall performance at 175 pounds. Where he goes next should interesting. Does Canelo give him the fight? Probably not at this point, but if the money is there, anything is possible. Benavidez could stay at 175 and battle the eventual winner of Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev, which would be challenging.
Photos: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions
Leave a Reply