[Boxing] David Benavidez vs. Olexandr Gvozdyk interim WBC Championship

[FinneysTrueVision]

Earlier today, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that David Benavidez will be facing former light heavyweight champion Olexandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk for the interim championship. Artur Beterbiev is still the real WBC champion and currently active. It seems like they are only creating this belt for Benavidez as a way to save face for not being able to enforce his mandatory status against Canelo, who is very obviously avoiding Benavidez.

Gvozdyk is a fighter with an excellent record. His only loss has come against Artur Beterbiev. After the loss, he took a 3 year break from the sport and came back last year. He is now 36 years old and his comeback fights were against mediocre competition. I think these factors will make Benavidez the favorite in this fight.

https://twitter.com/wbcmoro/status/1760770531215691983

[SamReomo]

I think this time Olexandr Gvozdyk is going to get kicked very badly, he's 36 years old and he's now facing a champion who's just 27 years old. Age gap between them is huge and that's in favor of David Benavidez. Other than age factor, David is again a quite dominating champion and it's going to cost Olexandr Gvozdyk as loss when he plays against David Benavidez. Although, I agree that Gvozdyk is a quite good fighter but Benavidez is at another level.

[Yogee]

I think this time Olexandr Gvozdyk is going to get kicked very badly, he's 36 years old and he's now facing a champion who's just 27 years old. Age gap between them is huge and that's in favor of David Benavidez. Other than age factor, David is again a quite dominating champion and it's going to cost Olexandr Gvozdyk as loss when he plays against David Benavidez. Although, I agree that Gvozdyk is a quite good fighter but Benavidez is at another level.

The 24 out of 28 fights that ended in KO easily tells you that David is a dangerous fighter. I don't think this will end in a decision so I'm looking forward to the odds of winning by KO in under six rounds. David would likely pound the body early on and go for the "kill".

The little reach advantage of Olexandr is not going to help him that much.

[FinneysTrueVision]

David Benavidez’ promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has posted this update stating that PBC has offered Canelo a guarateed $55 million to fight Benavidez. If Canelo declines then this fight against Gvozdyk will go ahead. Since it’s not official yet, I will lock the thread and wait for Canelo to make up his mind.

Update: Sampson has deleted the tweet about the $55 million offer. Benavidez has confirmed on Instagram that his next fight is against Gvozdyk.

[freedomgo]

I thought this is gonna happen first.

Canelo Alvarez to face David Benavidez by order of the WBC

Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), has made it clear that Canelo Alvarez, the world super middleweight champion, must face David Benavidez in 2024.

Sulaiman emphasized that Benavidez will confirm his mandatory status, which would oblige Canelo to put his 168-pound championship belt on the line.

"It is very likely that Benavidez will confirm his mandatory status," Sulaiman told Boxing Social.

Now, Benavidez will be facing Oleksandr Gvozdyk who has a high KO rate. Hopefully after this it will be Canelo next, if he wins.

[electronicash]

PBC will release Canelo if he ducks Benavidez but it was said also Canelo is to fight Munguia soon or Edgar Berlanga as Hearn said.

Benavidez is going to weigh himself for LW, it's his fight time and fighting a hard hitter such as Gvozdyk will also be risky for him and it's not sure if it's going to sell PPV. this is final?

because Canelo refuses, Benavidez has to move on as waiting seems not an option for him. it's a big step up for Benavidez's career and i think he can beat Gvozdyk given that the fight will be in Sept.

[Natalim]

PBC will release Canelo if he ducks Benavidez but it was said also Canelo is to fight Munguia soon or Edgar Berlanga as Hearn said.

Benavidez is going to weigh himself for LW, it's his fight time and fighting a hard hitter such as Gvozdyk will also be risky for him and it's not sure if it's going to sell PPV. this is final?

I think this is final as it was announce by the president. However, as to your question if it's going to sell PPV, that's a tough question and it's quite uncertain since both boxers aren't really popular. If Benavidez would fight canelo, then sure the answer is very obvious that it will sell a lot of PPV subscriptions.

because Canelo refuses, Benavidez has to move on as waiting seems not an option for him. it's a big step up for Benavidez's career and i think he can beat Gvozdyk given that the fight will be in Sept.

What is with September? Do you imply about a long period of preparation fro Benavidez  to ensure he is ready for this challenge?

[btc_angela]

PBC will release Canelo if he ducks Benavidez but it was said also Canelo is to fight Munguia soon or Edgar Berlanga as Hearn said.

Benavidez is going to weigh himself for LW, it's his fight time and fighting a hard hitter such as Gvozdyk will also be risky for him and it's not sure if it's going to sell PPV. this is final?

because Canelo refuses, Benavidez has to move on as waiting seems not an option for him. it's a big step up for Benavidez's career and i think he can beat Gvozdyk given that the fight will be in Sept.

Canelo signs a 3 fight deal with PBC, I don't think that they will released him without meeting that contract. But he is in control, he has been given or options to choose who he wanted to fight. He was offered big money for David Benavidez, which I think he will refused.

And that's why Benavidez opted to go and look for the light heavyweight division now, and wanted to fight Gvozdyk. It's a win-win situation for him, Gvozdyk is old and he beats him, he should be the next in line for the winner of the super fight between Beterbiev and Bivol.

[Kemarit]

Earlier today, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that David Benavidez will be facing former light heavyweight champion Olexandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk for the interim championship. Artur Beterbiev is still the real WBC champion and currently active. It seems like they are only creating this belt for Benavidez as a way to save face for not being able to enforce his mandatory status against Canelo, who is very obviously avoiding Benavidez.

Gvozdyk is a fighter with an excellent record. His only loss has come against Artur Beterbiev. After the loss, he took a 3 year break from the sport and came back last year. He is now 36 years old and his comeback fights were against mediocre competition. I think these factors will make Benavidez the favorite in this fight.

https://twitter.com/wbcmoro/status/1760770531215691983

Good, I mentioned it here first. This is a good decision by the camp of Benavidez. And it clearly shows that Canelo is ducking Benavidez and his next fight will be against Charlo based on this development. Not sure why Canelo doesn't want to give Benavidez a fight but it's obvious he might be thinking that David can beat him.

Age is going to be a big factor for Gvozdyk. Benavidez is young and hungry and I wouldn't be surprised if David is going to knock out Olexandr. This fight will be in June and if everything works out for Benavidez, he will be fighting the winner of then Bivol vs Beterbiev. So big fights lining up till the end of the year for us.

[Dave1]

This is what we call a contingency fight for Benavidez, OP also had this thread: [Boxing] Beterbiev vs. Bivol - Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. So what I'm seeing here is to best option for David Benavidez.

1. This fight could be treated as a get busy fight for him and a very winnable fight if no Canelo. But if Canelo wants to fight him next then this fight could be scrap right away

2. Win this fight and challenge the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol

3. If David Benavidez wins this fight, he can still go down in weight for a mega fight with his target Canelo Alvarez

So this is a brilliant move by his Father Benavidez Sr.

[yazher]

Not an interesting fight but worthy opponent for Benavidez to further continue his domination until they no longer had a choice but to let him fight Canelo. But on the other hand, Canelo wants to avoid him until maybe they find some fault in his boxing skills. This is what happening in the boxing sport nowadays because when they lose to some worthy opponent and they are not that popular, they are meant to lose their popularity as well until they are given a chance to take a fight against another champion. that's why they are so afraid to lose nowadays unlike before when such things don't really matter as long as they fighting someone capable of beating them as well. They like to be challenged with stronger opponents in the past.

[TravelMug]

Not an interesting fight but worthy opponent for Benavidez to further continue his domination until they no longer had a choice but to let him fight Canelo. But on the other hand, Canelo wants to avoid him until maybe they find some fault in his boxing skills. This is what happening in the boxing sport nowadays because when they lose to some worthy opponent and they are not that popular, they are meant to lose their popularity as well until they are given a chance to take a fight against another champion. that's why they are so afraid to lose nowadays unlike before when such things don't really matter as long as they fighting someone capable of beating them as well. They like to be challenged with stronger opponents in the past.

Yes, for those who haven't followed this division, maybe except for Beterbiev and Bivol, Olexandr Gvozdyk is no name. But if you will have to check the rankings for the Light HW, he is amongst in the top 10, even recognizing as high as #2. So he has his resume and fair share of winnings in this division. But as pointed out by everyone, his age could be a big factor. Although Beterbiev is also old by our standards, he is undefeated and he game Olexandr Gvozdyk that L as well. So I still consider this a big test for Benavidez, new division and he might not have the height and reach advantage when he campaigns at 168 lbs and maybe this is his true weight class after all. And Benavidez is very young, and I do agree that he can go down to Super MW anytime if the fight against Canelo is open for him.

[serjent05]

Now, Benavidez will be facing Oleksandr Gvozdyk who has a high KO rate. Hopefully after this it will be Canelo next, if he wins.

Indeed, the only loss of Gvozdyk is from Beterbiev and we know that Beterbiev is an excellent KO puncher with a perfect KO record of 20/20.  but the thing is Gvozdyk is a bit past his prime so I think the younger Benavidez may win the fight.

Aging boxer may prolong their prime by rigid training and proper diet, I don't know what preparation Gvozdyk is planning to keep up with the tempo of the younger Benavidez.

Yes, for those who haven't followed this division, maybe except for Beterbiev and Bivol, Olexandr Gvozdyk is no name. But if you will have to check the rankings for the Light HW, he is amongst in the top 10, even recognizing as high as #2. So he has his resume and fair share of winnings in this division.

Gvozdyk's record is impressive having 21 fights, 16 of them won by knockout and 1 defeat from Beterbiev, it would be an exciting fight if Gvozdyk is still in the prime but at age 36, the guy had probably lost some of his quickness, punching power and speed.

But as pointed out by everyone, his age could be a big factor. Although Beterbiev is also old by our standards, he is undefeated and he game Olexandr Gvozdyk that L as well. So I still consider this a big test for Benavidez, new division and he might not have the height and reach advantage when he campaigns at 168 lbs and maybe this is his true weight class after all. And Benavidez is very young, and I do agree that he can go down to Super MW anytime if the fight against Canelo is open for him.

I agree that the 1 inch-longer reach of Gvozdyk won't give him the advantage unless he perfectly reads the strategy and movement of Benavidez.

[Jating]

This is what we call a contingency fight for Benavidez, OP also had this thread: [Boxing] Beterbiev vs. Bivol - Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. So what I'm seeing here is to best option for David Benavidez.

1. This fight could be treated as a get busy fight for him and a very winnable fight if no Canelo. But if Canelo wants to fight him next then this fight could be scrap right away

2. Win this fight and challenge the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol

3. If David Benavidez wins this fight, he can still go down in weight for a mega fight with his target Canelo Alvarez

So this is a brilliant move by his Father Benavidez Sr.

This got me thinking, let's say Benavidez won in this fight and then challenge the Beterbiev vs Bivol winner, in case that he lost that fight, can he still get the fight that he wanted? Against Canelo Alvarez, or will Alvarez again hide and make excuse that Benavidez doesn't deserve the fight because he lost to this X fighter. Benavidez though said that he is willing to receive the bare minimum of $5 million just to be able to fight Canelo, but the deal maker is the network that will cover the fight, However, Sampson Lewkowicz promoter of Benavidez’s promoter wanted it to be on Amazon Prime PPV.

There are no odds yet for this fight in our favorite sport bookies, but I will assume and I think majority will agree that Benavidez will like be a favorite here by a huge margin. I'm seeing Olexandr Gvozdyk to be 6:1 or even at 7:1 underdog here initially.

[Yaunfitda]

PBC will release Canelo if he ducks Benavidez but it was said also Canelo is to fight Munguia soon or Edgar Berlanga as Hearn said.

Benavidez is going to weigh himself for LW, it's his fight time and fighting a hard hitter such as Gvozdyk will also be risky for him and it's not sure if it's going to sell PPV. this is final?

because Canelo refuses, Benavidez has to move on as waiting seems not an option for him. it's a big step up for Benavidez's career and i think he can beat Gvozdyk given that the fight will be in Sept.

It's less risk for Benavidez here, yes Gvozdyk could be consider as a knock out artist, but he hasn't face a boxer like Benavidez who has all the physical advantage over him. And the age gap though, a young and motivated fighter like Benavidez might be enough as he is looking for the next fight, against the winner of the Beterbiev against Bivol fight. So this is for unification fight and that could cemented his legacy. He said that he is going to chase his own for now as Canelo Alvarez doesn't want to give him that fight even if for the minimum and Canelo getting the major portion of the split. But still Canelo is bent on his reasoning of not wanting to fight another Mexican, so be it.

[Kemarit]

And the date of this fight will be June 22, co-headline for Tank Davis vs Frank Martin fight.

At least it's a good undercard as we will have both superstars headlining this fight. Nothing has chance though, Benavidez is still a huge favorite in this fight. And the date is still good, ample time for him to train instead of just going on Twitter and focusing on Canelo.

He will be there as Mexican for Cinco-de-Mayo event and most likely going to watch Canelo vs Munguia.

[coin-investor]

Gvozdyk was the GOAT of the light heavyweight before Beterbiev took away the crown by knocking him out in the 10th round, this is a good fight for Benavidez I don't want to call this a tune or a consolation fight because Gvozdyk can still fight and poised a huge challenge for Benavidez.

Benavidez must win impressively so he can call out the winner of the Bivol - Berterbiev match, this will gauge Beterbiev's power if he can take it from Super Middleweight to the Light Heavyweight, Canelo will continue to duck him so he makes the right decision on going up and conquer other territories.

[cabron]

Gvozdyk was the GOAT of the light heavyweight before Beterbiev took away the crown by knocking him out in the 10th round, this is a good fight for Benavidez I don't want to call this a tune or a consolation fight because Gvozdyk can still fight and poised a huge challenge for Benavidez.

Benavidez must win impressively so he can call out the winner of the Bivol - Berterbiev match, this will gauge Beterbiev's power if he can take it from Super Middleweight to the Light Heavyweight, Canelo will continue to duck him so he makes the right decision on going up and conquer other territories.

I think Benavidez can defeat Gvozdyk in a few rounds without issues. He looks bigger with his height, he won't need much adjustment but a few lbs only to 175. Who he will be challenging next might just be his greatest challenge whichever of the two.

Canelo is moving on now, although who he will be fighting is someone from his gym also. Some people are asking what got into him already after evading Benavidez.

[robelneo]

I think Benavidez can defeat Gvozdyk in a few rounds without issues. He looks bigger with his height, he won't need much adjustment but a few lbs only to 175. Who he will be challenging next might just be his greatest challenge whichever of the two.

Olexandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk is a decent fighter I am not aware of who this fighter is I have to watch and analyze his fight against Beterbiev to see if he is good or he can match Benavidez's rapid punches and tenacity and based on what I saw and if he has that kind of performance when he fought Beterbiev I think we have a good fight coming between David Benavidez vs. Olexandr Gvozdyk, but eventually, Benavidez can win the match, Gvozdyk had a hard time against pressure fighter

Canelo is moving on now, although who he will be fighting is someone from his gym also. Some people are asking what got into him already after evading Benavidez.

The titles and reputation made Canelo a wise businessman he needs to protect his legacy and the flow of money, he comes a long way to waste it by risking it against a guy who has a chance to beat him.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Gvozdyk was the GOAT of the light heavyweight before Beterbiev took away the crown by knocking him out in the 10th round, this is a good fight for Benavidez I don't want to call this a tune or a consolation fight because Gvozdyk can still fight and poised a huge challenge for Benavidez.

Benavidez must win impressively so he can call out the winner of the Bivol - Berterbiev match, this will gauge Beterbiev's power if he can take it from Super Middleweight to the Light Heavyweight, Canelo will continue to duck him so he makes the right decision on going up and conquer other territories.

That should be the main goal of Benavidez here, to win impressively, knocking out Gvozdyk.

And as we have seen in the last 2 week, Saudi is willing to have Benavidez fight the winner of Bivol vs Beterbiev. He got the attention already and so his request is already on the pipeline by  Turki Alalshikh.

The ball is now on the side of Benavidez that he is the one that everyone is talking about, the new Mexican superstar.