Former super middleweight champion David Benavidez is set to make his light heavyweight debut, with the interim WBC belt on the line, against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on the undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin.
This highly anticipated bout features two fighters with just one loss between them. Gvozdyk, with a record of 20-1, aims to re-establish his position in the 175-pound weight class. The 37-year-old Ukrainian’s sole defeat was to Artur Beterbiev in 2019, which led to a nearly four-year hiatus. Since his return in February 2023, Gvozdyk has been victorious in three consecutive fights.
Benavidez, a rising star, has been seeking a mega fight against Canelo Alvarez but settled for this opportunity to showcase his talent in a new weight division.
Here’s all the essential information to catch the fight, along with a preview and prediction.
Event Details:
- Date and Time: Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m. ET
- Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
- Live Stream: Amazon Prime PPV
- Tickets: Available on Vivid Seats
- Odds: Benavidez -650 ($650 wager wins $100); Gvozdyk +450 ($100 wager wins $450)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Preview:
David Benavidez faces significant pressure as he steps into the ring as a heavy favorite against a former world champion in his debut at light heavyweight. Benavidez, who has been at super middleweight for his entire career, decided it was time to move up in weight.
“I’ve been at super middleweight for the past 10 years, my whole career, and I feel like my body’s getting bigger, I’m getting older, so I’m just growing as a man. I think it’s time for me to move up to 175 pounds. We’re still hoping we can get that fight with Canelo at 168 but I think for right now, the best fight for me is to go to 175 and just see how it feels up there,” Benavidez told Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic.
This fight will be a crucial test to see how well Benavidez’s power translates to the heavier division. He has an impressive record, winning 24 of his 28 bouts by stoppage, while Gvozdyk’s only loss was a 10th-round TKO.
Gvozdyk, known for his boxing skills and ability to fight from the outside, will challenge Benavidez’s strategy and combination punching. Benavidez will need to close the distance to wear down his opponent and set up his finishing blows. Caleb Plant previously found success against Benavidez early in their fight, and Gvozdyk might employ a similar game plan.
Prediction:
There is a case to be made for a potential upset given Benavidez’s focus on securing a fight against Canelo and Gvozdyk’s championship pedigree. However, Benavidez is aware that a poor performance could jeopardize his chances of a lucrative fight with Alvarez. This motivation should drive him to deliver an impressive performance on Saturday night.
A focused and determined Benavidez is a formidable contender in the light heavyweight division, and he is expected to rise to the occasion. Despite Gvozdyk’s experience and skills, Benavidez’s power and relentless style are likely to prevail.
Final Prediction: David Benavidez wins by late stoppage, cementing his place as a serious threat in the light heavyweight division.
