Gvozdyk: «If Anyone Doubts – I'll Prove Them Wrong on June 15»

Ukrainian light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) commented on his upcoming bout against David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs).

– You have a big fight coming up against Benavidez, a chance to become a world champion again. Most people I’ve talked to don’t see you as the favorite, and the bookmakers aren’t giving you much chance either. What can you say about your fight? How is your preparation going?

– Preparation is in full swing, we are approaching peak loads. As for who thinks what, it doesn’t concern me much because I know what I’m going to do, I know what I’m capable of. So, if anyone doubts, I’ll prove them wrong on June 15.

– How did the idea for this fight come about?

– Actually, it came up quite unexpectedly. I just came home, got a phone call, and was offered the fight. I agreed immediately and signed the contract that same day. We hadn’t talked about it before, there wasn’t even such an option because he fights in a lower weight class and was planning to hunt for Canelo or someone else. Then he decided to move up, and the first person they offered it to was me.

– What does this fight mean to you? Is it your last chance to grab a championship belt?

– I don’t like terms like "last chance." It’s just another chance that needs to be taken. A big fight is not only a title shot. It’s a big name, and fighting such guys, and even better, beating them, brings you to star status.

The fight for the interim WBC light heavyweight title between Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Benavidez will take place on June 15 in Las Vegas, USA.