Undefeated David Benavidez takes on Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a matchup for the interim WBC light heavyweight title in a scheduled 12-round bout on Saturday, June 15 in Las Vegas. It’s a full night of boxing action with the fight the co-main event along with the WBA lightweight title fight between champion Gervonta Davis and Frank Martin. A two-time WBC super middleweight champion, Benavidez debuts at 175 pounds looking to continue his dominant career. He has yet to lose in 28 professional fights with 24 wins coming via stoppage. As a result Benavidez is a heavy +450 favorite on the early boxing betting line.
One thing going for Benavidez is that he’s fought at 175 pounds for a few years and he’s been good winning 20 of his 21 fights, including a light heavyweight title scrap with Adonis Stevenson in 2018. However, Gvozdyk was hospitalized after a TKO loss to Artur Beterbiev in 2019 subsequently retiring from the sport. Over three years after his lone setback, Gvozdyk returned to the ring easily dispatching three club-level opponents. A win puts Gvozdyk on a path for a potential rematch with Beterbiev, but oddsmakers aren’t giving much of a chance positioning him as a +450 underdog.
David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk Betting Odds
David Benavidez -650
Oleksandr Gvozdyk +450
The 12-round light heavyweight clash for the interim WBC strap between David Benavidez ( 28-0, 24 KOs ) and Oleksandr Gvozdyk ( 20-1, 16 KOs ) will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight will air on Prime Video.
David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk Fight Preview
Following some bad choices Benavidez is on track to challenge for another world title. Quickly ascending the ranks in multiple divisions with his brutal style, Benavidez won the vacant NABF junior light heavyweight title with a first TKO over Rollin Williams in just his ninth fight. In a rare decision he outpointed Ronald Gavril in 2017 for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. Gavril and his handlers disputed the split decision and set up a rematch that took place five months later. Leaving no doubt, Benavidez pummeled his opponent to retain the title.
In late 2018 Benavidez was stripped of his title and suspended after testing positive for cocaine. In September 2019 in his second fight since returning, Benavidez scored a TKO of Anthony Dirrell for the WBC super middleweight belt. Benavidez was stripped of his title again when he failed to make weight for a bout with Alexis Angulo.
With the past behind him 2023 was a banner year for Benavidez with two decisive wins over former champions. But the run started the year before when he scored a third-round TKO of former IBF middleweight champ David Lemieux to claim the vacant WBC interim super middleweight belt. He successfully defended with a unanimous decision over former IBF title holder Caleb Plant and followed with a stoppage of Demetrius Andrade last November.
With an attacking approach and endless stamina, Benavidez puts opponents on the defensive and simply wears them down. In his second fight with Gavril, Benavidez threw nearly 200 more punches landing 37 percent of them.
This is a golden opportunity for Gvozdyk to complete his comeback bid. His rise up the rankings was derailed by undefeated Beterbiev in a unification bout in October 2019. Fading in the later rounds, Gvozdyk was forced to take a knee twice in the 10th round putting an end to the match. He was hospitalized for a few days afterwards with what was diagnosed as a concussion and later announced his retirement.
In 2022 The Nail announced his return the ring more than three years after his setback registering wins over three regional-level opponents. Considering the competition following his return it’s hard to say if Gvozdyk is back to his pre-Beterbiev form and we’ll find out in a hurry if he truly is.
Bet David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk
It’s never easy moving up a weight class so there is some concern when it comes to wagering on Benavidez. However, this was a logical move considering his dismantling of opponents at his previous class. With the winner in position for a fight against the winner of the undisputed title bout between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, Benavidez has a shot at greatness. One thing he can’t do is overlook his opponent putting Gvozdyk in an advantageous spot. Benavidez has been more active with a string of impressive wins and his opponent has shown a lack of stamina, which will cost him as the bout progresses.
Boxing Odds Pick: David Benavidez / KO
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