By: Sean Crose
While he was unable to fight Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez was able to earn himself the WBC interim lightweight title by defeating veteran Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a dominating performance on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The 12th round match is the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis – Frank Martin pay-per-view.
Gvozdyk came out strong in the first round, but Benavidez was able to assert himself in the round. Benavidez continued to use his solid body in the second part. By the third round, it was clear that Benavidez was in complete control of the fight, as he was essentially landing the shots of his own volition. Despite Gvozdyk starting the fourth round aggressively, Benavidez was still able to reach the finish line. While it’s true that Gvozdyk is talented and not without skill, he continued to be dominated by the undefeated Benavidez in the fifth round. However, Gvozdyk continued to try to assert himself in the sixth – with either little or no results.
And while it’s true that Gvozdyk knocked Benavidez out in the seventh round, Benavidez continued to be effective against his opponent. The eighth round was not particularly different from the previous seven, as Benavidez was able to find his mark high and low. Gvozdyk was able to land well again in ninth place. However, is it enough to win the round? Both men had their moments in round ten, but Benavidez was clearly the stronger of the two opponents. Gvozdyk went on to finish in round 11, which was probably his best round.
The twelfth and final round was deemed over, but after the final bell rang, it was Benavidez who was rewarded with a unanimous decision victory courtesy of the judges.
