In the aftermath of his victory over Oleksandr Gvozyk, David Benavidez made bold claims about his performance, stating that he “dominated every round” of the fight. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Benavidez’s assertions may not accurately reflect the reality of the bout. While Benavidez did emerge victorious and secure the WBC interim light heavyweight title, his performance was far from flawless.
Benavidez seemed to struggle as the fight progressed, particularly from the seventh round onwards, where Gvozyk began to gain momentum and assert control. Judges’ scores that heavily favored Benavidez were met with skepticism by fans on social media, who believed the fight was much closer than the official results suggested. In reality, Benavidez’s victory was hard-fought and could have easily ended in a draw, given Gvozyk’s dominance in the latter part of the bout.
Following his win over Gvozyk, Benavidez surprised many by expressing a desire to return to the 168-lb weight division and calling out Canelo Alvarez. This move raised questions about Benavidez’s commitment to the 175-lb weight class, where he had just claimed a significant victory. His intentions to challenge the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol bout for the undisputed championship seemed to be cast into doubt.
Benavidez’s mixed messages left boxing fans unsure of his future plans and raised concerns about his focus and priorities within the sport. While his ambition to face top-tier opponents like Canelo Alvarez demonstrates his competitive drive, it also raises questions about his long-term strategic goals in the light heavyweight division.
In his post-fight comments, Benavidez exuded confidence and determination, emphasizing his ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious against tough competition. While his victory over Gvozyk was significant, it also highlighted areas for improvement and growth in Benavidez’s skillset.
Moving forward, Benavidez will need to address the inconsistencies in his performance and focus on maintaining a high level of excellence throughout the duration of his fights. By refining his technique and strategic approach, Benavidez can solidify his position as a top contender in the light heavyweight division and continue to pursue championship opportunities with confidence and clarity.