Lionell Thompson’s prediction regarding the upcoming fight between David Benavidez and Artur Beterbiev is not one to be taken lightly. Thompson firmly believes that Benavidez stands no chance against the light heavyweight champion, citing Benavidez’s lack of power and conditioning. While Benavidez has dominated the super middleweight division, his transition to light heavyweight has been met with skepticism from many in the boxing world.
The concerns surrounding Benavidez’s performance in his debut at light heavyweight are valid. Many fans noted his lack of power against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and questioned his ability to stand toe-to-toe with power punchers like Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Benavidez’s size advantage at super middleweight did not seem to translate to the higher weight class, raising doubts about his readiness for this new challenge.
Thompson’s assessment of Benavidez’s future prospects in the light heavyweight division is grim. He believes that even if Benavidez were to lose to Beterbiev or Bivol, the financial incentives of the fight might still make it worthwhile for him. However, Thompson emphasizes that Benavidez should stay at 175 and not move back down to 168, as his size and skillset are better suited for the higher weight class.
Thompson’s comparison of Benavidez to Canelo Alvarez highlights the importance of fighting within one’s appropriate weight class. Benavidez’s size and physicality may align more closely with the light heavyweight division, making it crucial for him to stay and compete against opponents of similar stature. Moving down to 168 could result in unfair matchups and potentially damage Benavidez’s reputation in the sport.
Overall, Thompson’s critical analysis of David Benavidez’s chances against Artur Beterbiev sheds light on the challenges the young boxer may face in the light heavyweight division. Benavidez’s performance in his debut at 175 has raised concerns among fans and experts alike, leading to questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. As he prepares to take on formidable opponents in Beterbiev and Bivol, Benavidez will need to address these issues and prove his critics wrong if he hopes to achieve success in this new weight class.