Key Takeaways
- David Benavidez earns potential $8 million payday in light heavyweight debut, favored to win against Gvozdyk due to size and skill.
- Benavidez criticizes Canelo Alvarez's opponent choices, accuses him of prioritizing money over competition, adds tension to potential rivalry.
- As Benavidez prepares for fight against Gvozdyk, boxing world eagerly watches for outcome and developments in quest to face Canelo Alvarez.
Former two-time super middleweight champion David Benavidez is making a bold move to light heavyweight, challenging former WBA light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
This highly anticipated bout will serve as the co-main event for the Davis vs. Martin fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Related
David Benavidez Likely to Receive Undisputed World Title Offer, Excluding Canelo Alvarez
David Benavidez will likely have a chance to become an undisputed champion but not against Canelo Alvarez.
David Benavidez Set For Career Biggest Payday
‘The Mexican Monster Is Set To Benefit From Sharing Tank Card
Benavidez, also known as the ‘Mexican Monster,’ is expected to earn a significant payday for his light heavyweight debut. He previously secured a guaranteed salary of $2 million for his bout against Demetrius Andrade last November. The 27-year-old is projected to earn around $8 million, including pay-per-view shares, for his upcoming fight against Gvozdyk.
Gvozdyk, the 37-year-old Ukrainian fighter, may not draw the same attention as he did in his prime, but he is still set to make a considerable sum. He is expected to receive a base salary of $500,000, with an additional $300,000 from pay-per-view revenue.
Benavidez is favored to win against Gvozdyk, known as ‘The Nail,’ due to his size and punch output. This fight is crucial for Benavidez as he eyes a potential showdown with Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev winner of the undisputed light heavyweight titles.
At the official weigh-in, both fighters came in at 174.2 pounds, ready for their Saturday night clash during the PBC on Prime event at the MGM Grand Arena.
Related
Canelo Alvarez Defeats Jaime Munguía, Remains Undecided on David Benavidez Clash
Canelo Alvarez refuses to commit to fighting David Benavidez despite huge demand.
David Benavidez Criticizes Canelo's Opponent Choices
He Accuses His Rival Of Ripping Off His Fans
Benavidez's move to the light heavyweight division comes amid his ongoing pursuit of a fight with Canelo Alvarez. Despite his perfect 28-0 record, Benavidez has yet to secure a bout with the Mexican champion.
Currently the number one contender in the super-middleweight division, Benavidez has criticized Alvarez for demanding $200 million to step into the ring with him, accusing Canelo of prioritizing money over competition.
Benavidez has been vocal about his frustrations, especially during Canelo’s fight against Jaime Munguia, where he criticized the champion for cherry picking opponents and charging PPV. Benavidez argued that Canelo is disrespecting fans and avoiding top challengers, adding tension to an already heated potential rivalry.
As Benavidez prepares for his light heavyweight debut, the boxing world eagerly watches, not just for the outcome of his fight against Gvozdyk, but also for any developments in his quest to face Canelo Alvarez.
