David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Main Statistics and Fight Background
The fight between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk will take place on the night of June 16 in Las Vegas, USA. The interim WBC light heavyweight title (up to 79.4 kg) will be on the line.
David Benavidez
USA
27 y.o.
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg)
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 28 wins, 24 by knockout, and 0 losses
Knockout Percentage: 85.71%
Total Career Rounds: 136
Height: 188 cm
Reach: 189 cm
Last Fights:
11th round TKO win – Ronald Ellis
7th round TKO win – Kyrone Davis
3rd round TKO win – David Lemieux
Unanimous decision win – Caleb Plant
6th round RTD win – Demetrius Andrade
Knockout percentage in the last fights: 80%
Total rounds in the last fights: 39
Combined record of last opponents at the time of fighting David: 131 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws
Oleksandr Gvozdyk
Ukraine
37 y.o.
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg)
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 20 wins, 16 by knockout, and 1 loss
Knockout Percentage: 80%
Total Career Rounds: 112
Height: 188 cm
Reach: 192 cm
Last Fights:
5th round TKO win – Doudou Ngumbu
10th round TKO loss – Artur Beterbiev
Unanimous decision win – Jose Obando
6th round TKO win – Richard Bolotniks
2nd round KO win – Isaac Rodriguez
Knockout percentage in the last fights: 60%
Total rounds in the last fights: 29
Combined record of last opponents at the time of fighting Oleksandr: 119 wins, 52 losses, 3 draws
Fight Background
For Oleksandr Gvozdyk, this fight is the most significant since his return to the ring. In 2019, after losing to Artur Beterbiev, the Ukrainian boxer announced his retirement. Returning in 2023, Gvozdyk defeated three opponents, but none of them were on Benavidez's level in terms of boxing skills or popularity.
For Benavidez, this fight is also more than just another bout. David is moving up to a new weight class, transitioning from super middleweight to light heavyweight. Essentially, he is entering the category where Gvozdyk was a champion until 2019. Additionally, the Mexican will face an opponent over whom he does not have the significant size advantage he had in previous fights.
Undoubtedly, Benavidez is the favorite for most. He is ten years younger than Gvozdyk, has been actively fighting during this time, and has consistently raised the level of his opposition. David is a big guy, and even within the light heavyweight limits, he still cuts a lot of weight. Benavidez utilizes his size well, has excellent hand speed, and masterfully throws multi-punch combinations.
However, one should not overlook Gvozdyk's fundamentally high level. A former world champion who won his title by knocking out long-reigning champion Adonis Stevenson. He is a bronze medalist from the 2012 Olympics and a representative of the best amateur boxing team in Ukrainian history. Gvozdyk's power was enough to create numerous problems for Oleksandr Usyk in sparring sessions, as the two-time undisputed champion himself has stated.
This fight is potentially the most competitive and exciting bout of the tournament taking place on June 15 in Las Vegas.