David “Benavídez (29-0, 24 KOs) faced a tough challenge in his light heavyweight debut, as he was pushed to the limit by Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBC interim title. Despite winning a unanimous decision, the fight was much closer than the judges’ scores indicated. Benavidez struggled with his performance after the sixth round, citing a left-hand injury as a contributing factor.
Gvozdyk’s relentless pressure and toughness tested Benavidez in ways he hadn’t experienced before. Accustomed to dominating his opponents, Benavidez found himself in a grueling battle against an opponent who refused to back down. This forced Benavidez to dig deep and fight harder than he had anticipated. The fight highlighted the challenges Benavidez faced in the light heavyweight division and raised questions about his ability to compete against top contenders.
Following the fight, fans and critics alike questioned Benavidez’s courage and determination. Some speculated that his decision to move back down to the super middleweight division was a sign of apprehension after facing Gvozdyk. The prospect of facing champions like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol seemed daunting, especially after Benavidez’s struggles in the latter part of the fight. Despite his claims of wanting to carve his own path in boxing, doubts remained about his readiness to take on the best in the division.
As Benavidez contemplates his next move, the boxing world eagerly awaits his decision. Will he pursue a rematch with Gvozdyk, or will he set his sights on the super middleweight titles? The possibility of a showdown with Canelo Alvarez looms large, but Benavidez’s performance against Gvozdyk has raised concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level. Whether he can overcome his doubts and prove himself against the elite fighters in his division remains to be seen.
David Benavidez’s victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk was hard-fought and contentious. While he emerged victorious, the close nature of the fight raised questions about his future in the light heavyweight division. With challenges looming on the horizon, Benavidez faces a crucial juncture in his career. Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion and establish himself as a dominant force in the world of boxing.