‘David Benavidez will take over down the stretch against David Morrell’

Oleksandr Gvozdyk believes that David Benavidez will take over down the stretch against David Morrell this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

Gvozdyk was the last man to face Benavidez, losing a unanimous decision in “The Mexican Monster’s” light heavyweight debut back in June. Gvozdyk was a slow starter against Benavidez, losing many of the opening rounds but coming on strong late. He, however, believes that Benavidez’s fight against Morrell will play out differently.

“I’m predicting a Benavidez decision, in a hard fight though,” Gvodzyk told BoxingScene. “I fought him, I know what he is going to do. I think Morrell is going to have success in the first couple of rounds and then Benavidez will start taking over. [Benavidez] by decision, unanimous decision.”

Gvozdyk has shared the ring with the very best at 175 pounds, knocking out Adonis Stevenson to become world champion before losing his title to Artur Beterbiev in a unification. Gvozdyk rates Benavidez up there with the very best.

“He is a very good fighter,” he said. “I’ve been in the ring with a lot of fighters, strong and different ones. I wouldn’t say I was impressed by something because I sparred him back in the day, I knew what to expect. But I can confirm that he is really good.

“100 percent [he is the real deal at light heavyweight].”