Oleksandr Gvozdyk told the media at the grand arrivals that he has “something to show” David Benavidez this Saturday night, June 15th, when he battles him for the WBC interim light heavyweight title in a twelve-round bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Benavidez’s Overconfidence
The former WBC 175-lb champion Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) is normally lowkey when it comes to making predictions, but he could be partially motivated by all the talking Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) has been doing about their fight.
Benavidez has been almost dismissive of Gvozdyk, talking as if the win is already in the bag and looking ahead towards a fight against Canelo Alvarez, which he hopes will be next, or a battle for the undisputed 175-lb championship against the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev clash.
Benavidez’s overconfidence is disturbing. He mentions how he beat Gvozdyk during a sparring session years ago and predicts a knockout. Benavidez sounds like he expects to make easy work of Gvozdyk as he did against his recently overmatched opponents, Demetrius Andrade and Caleb Plant.
Gvozdyk’s Response
“So, he’s still a big guy. I expect him to be in his best shape, so I don’t care. I’m going to be in my best shape, and I expect him to be in his best shape,” said Oleksandr Gvozdyk to PBC today at the grand arrivals when asked about his thoughts on David Benavidez moving up in weight from 168 to 175 for their fight this Saturday night on Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video Pay-Per-View.
Although Benavidez is technically moving up in weight to 175, you can’t call it a move-up because he rehydrates well over that weight. Benavidez rehydrates to the 190s, which is what light heavyweights rehydrate to.
“I think I am, yes,” said Gvozdyk when asked if he’s in his best shape. “He has more pro fights, and he’s like a seasoned pro fighter. I think in terms of pro experience, we’re kind of even.’
Gvozdyk has faced better opposition than Benavidez, with his fights against Artur Beterbiev and Adonis Stevenson. Benavidez’s best two opponents are Demetrius Andrade and Caleb Plant. Those guys are not in the same league as Stevenson and Beterbiev were when Gvozdyk fought them.
Gvozdyk’s Promise
“He might even have more experience because of the quality of fighters he had, which might even be more than mine. I had a longer career. I had 250 amateur fights, and I have something to show him.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting and great fight, and you will never regret,” said Gvozdyk when asked about his prediction for his fight against Benavidez this Saturday night.
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