Atlas: "I Love Benavidez, But Gvozdyk Will Beat Him"

Teddy Atlas, the former trainer of Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs), shared his insights on why the Ukrainian will definitely beat David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) in their upcoming fight.

"Gvozdyk took a few years off to reflect, to draw certain conclusions, to come back. And I believe he's a dangerous fighter. I think he will beat Benavidez. Yes, I believe he will defeat him. I love Benavidez. Haters, go ahead and pour out your hate, I don't care. If I haven't proven anything in 50 years, then I don't care about what some of you say. That's the truth. I love Benavidez. I think Benavidez is boxing royalty, he has the spine of a fighter, he acts like a fighter, fights like a fighter, he has a style you love to watch – aggressive, strong.

But I don't know if he realizes the risk he's taking. Gvozdyk is just bigger. Again, this is a guy who was a world champion, a guy who defended his title, a guy who only lost to Beterbiev, though he was winning the fight. If David isn't ready for this, he's in for a rude awakening. I'm sure he will be prepared because he's going up against someone who will trouble him, attack him, and knock the crap out of him as he advances. Someone who can also make him retreat at times, who can use his legs to pick the right angles, set traps.

Again, it's early to say, but for the haters, I'll finish with this: I like Benavidez, as I said. I love him, but I think Gvozdyk will beat him," Atlas stated.

The confrontation against Gvozdyk will be Benavidez's debut in the light heavyweight division (up to 175 lbs). Oleksandr held the WBC title in this category until 2019.

The fight will contend for the WBC "interim" light heavyweight title, likely happening in June or July 2024. As of now, there is no exact date.