David Benavidez claimed victory in his light heavyweight debut by outpointing Oleksandr Gvozdyk to secure the interim WBC championship belt. Benavidez, with a record of 29-0 and 24 KOs, showcased dominance throughout the fight, controlling the pace and dictating the action against the former world champion and Olympian Gvozdyk.
Despite suffering hand injuries during the bout, Benavidez managed to land 42.8% of his punches, demonstrating his resilience and determination. The judges scored the fight decisively in Benavidez's favor, with scores of 119-109, 117-111, and 116-112.
Benavidez, who is 27 years old and notably younger than his opponent, displayed his prowess in the light heavyweight division by effectively pressuring Gvozdyk and landing significant power punches. His strategic body work and relentless combinations kept Gvozdyk on the defensive for much of the fight.
Looking ahead, Benavidez expressed interest in potential matchups, including a lucrative showdown with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Despite moving up in weight class, Benavidez remains open to competing at super middleweight and aims to become a four-time world champion.
During the post-fight press conference, Benavidez's 3-year-old son showcased his boxing skills, adding a heartwarming moment to the event. The fight night also featured Gervonta “Tank” Davis successfully defending his WBA lightweight championship belt against Frank Martin, captivating the 13,249 fans in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Benavidez's victory marks a significant milestone in his career, setting the stage for potential high-profile matchups and further establishing his legacy in the boxing world.
