Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin & David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk Tales of the Tape, breakdown, & undercard

Current interim WBC super middleweight champion, David Benavidez begins his 175 lb run by facing former lineal champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the interim WBC light heavyweight world title.

After his impressive knockout of “Boo Boo” Andrade in November, David Benavidez realized that his shot at becoming a three-time super middleweight champion is less than likely in the current landscape. He now sets his sights on the next weight class, currently lorded over by two kings, seemingly more monster than man, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Watching Benavidez’s career so far, the belief that the 27 year old is up to the task isn’t difficult to muster. At only 20 years old he was able to become the youngest super middleweight champion of all-time. In the seven years since, he lost the title, won it back, and lost it again all the while remaining undefeated in the ring. 

Benavidez’s style is difficult to describe. If one were to compare him to the textbook, it would seem like he’s doing a few things wrong. But the thing about it is, it works. His footwork, for example, appears to be lumbering and almost clumsy, but thus far he has been able to use it to cut the ring off and trap good fighters whose own footwork was more pleasing to the eye. Benavidez tends to square up against his opponent, opening himself up to shots, but also allowing him to use both hands in tandem, giving his foe little avenue to escape. A few reasons his unorthodox way of boxing is successful is his naturally fast hand speed, heavy hands, and varied punch selection. That, combined with a solid chin, incessant pressure, and a love of exchanges come together to make an extremely fan-friendly fighter that has had his hand raised in 28 consecutive fights. Whether that will be enough against his largest opponent to date, with all the technicality that Gvozdyk possesses, is one of the things that makes this match-up so intriguing.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk had a long and successful amateur career that ended with an estimated record of about 225-30. He even boxed the 2012 Olympics alongside legends Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko, as well as newly crowned champion Denys Berinchyk. Gvozdyk made a name for himself in the pro game by being the man that dethroned the long reigning Adonis Stevenson at the tail end of 2018 to become the Lineal and WBC champion at light heavyweight. 10 months and one defense later, he went headlong into a unification bout with Artur Beterbiev. The match ended in defeat, but was a good example of the level of his technical ability. By the 10th round he had proven that he possessed the skill and will to keep it close, and was even ahead on the scorecards before he succumbed to fatigue, and the damage accrued in the previous rounds by Beterbiev’s almost otherworldly power. That was his first and only defeat, but it was devastating enough for him to retire afterwards, albeit temporarily. In February of 2023, almost 4 years post-retirement, Gvozdyk decided to lace up the gloves once more. His return bout fell into the cruiserweight category as he worked his way back down to his career-long weight of 175. He was successful in that outing earning a UD and went on to fight twice more that year, ending both by knockout. The coming bout against Benavidez will be his first of 2024.

As is the case with most boxers with an extensive amateur record, Gvozdyk’s style is very technically sound. Even since his comeback, he tends to work behind a solid and accurate jab. His stance and footwork are such that he is almost always in position to punch whether it be going forward or moving back. As indicated by his 80% knockout ratio, and when he unfortunately put Stevenson in a coma, he has enough power to do real damage, or at the very least, keep his opponents honest and on their toes. Even in his athletic prime his speed has never been blazing, and it may have even slowed down a bit with his age. He’s 37 as of now, but unlike most boxers at that age, he took a four year break from wear and tear, as well as damage accumulated, leaving him in good enough shape to advance his career or at worst, continue for a while yet.

For Benavidez fans, this will be a great chance for him to rise to the occasion and show just how well his power and speed translate to the higher weight and the smaller cut. For those that back Gvozdyk, this is the perfect opportunity to show the world that he still belongs at the very top of the division, and possibly endear himself to new fans around the world. Regardless of who you root for, just how their respective skills and wills compliment or clash against one another is what is most intriguing.

Dallas’ Opinion: David Benavidez is a special fighter, but he has his hands absolutely full when it comes to Oleksandr Gvozdyk. On one hand, it’s a shame that the more casual boxing fans won’t fully grasp just how much of an undertaking Benavidez has in front of him, win or lose. On the other hand, Gvozdyk has a great opportunity to gain the respect of fans around the world by showing his level in the fight game. For me, it’s hard to picture Benavidez losing to anyone. While I have seen Gvozdyk lose before, it’s almost equally difficult to imagine a 168lb-er moving up and bullying a boxer of his caliber. I think it’s about 50/50 but my bias towards unorthodox pressure fighters makes me lean towards Benavidez. I, personally, wouldn’t put money on it.