Benavidez Moves Up to Light Heavyweight, Challenges Former Champ Gvozdyk
Undefeated Star Benavidez Seeks Interim WBC Title in Co-Main Event of Davis vs. Martin
On June 15, undefeated boxing sensation David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) will transition to the light heavyweight division, challenging former lineal and WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) in the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout will be broadcast on Prime Video and PPV.com, with the interim WBC light heavyweight title up for grabs.
Benavidez, known as “The Mexican Monster,” didn’t opt for a cautious feel-out fight in his 175-pound debut. Instead, he seized the opportunity to team up with fellow knockout artist “Tank” Davis, creating a dynamic duo with a combined 89% KO rate.
“It’s a big opportunity for me and a special treat for the fans to have two of the most devastating punchers in boxing fighting on the same card,” Benavidez told BoxingScene. “I’m very excited to have this fight. I get to perform in front of his fans, and he gets to perform in front of my fans. It’s going to be a victory for boxing overall.”
Gvozdyk, a 2012 Ukrainian Olympic bronze medalist, is managed by Canelo Alvarez’s coach Eddy Reynoso and has sparred with the Mexican star. Benavidez sees this as a chance to land the next closest thing to a fight with the undisputed super middleweight champion.
“Gvozdyk is a tough fighter,” Benavidez acknowledged. “I’m 100 per cent focused on this fight. Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out when the time comes. I’m just thinking about June 15. We’ve been training extremely hard. I’m very excited to steal the show and make another splash.”
While the 27-year-old Benavidez is coming off a breakthrough 2023 campaign, the 37-year-old Gvozdyk returned from a three-year retirement last year following his 2019 knockout loss to Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez is not underestimating his opponent.
“If I’m thinking he’s old, not the fighter he was, and he’s injured, I won’t motivate myself 100 percent to get the best version of myself,” Benavidez said. “I have to train like this guy is going to be the strongest, fastest, and most relentless guy I faced. That’s what I am getting ready for.”
The winner of this bout will be in prime position to face the victor of the Oct. 12 undisputed title fight between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
🔗 Source
