In his recent debut at light heavyweight, David Benavidez failed to impress in his win over Oleksandr Usyk. Despite being a dominant force at 168, his power was notably lacking in this fight, especially against former WBC light heavyweight champion Gvozyk. The judges’ wide scores in favor of Benavidez did not accurately reflect the close nature of the fight, with many social media fans even seeing it as a draw. Benavidez struggled to showcase any significant power, raising concerns about his ability to compete in the light heavyweight division.
Looking ahead, Benavidez may face David Morrell in the fall, pending Morrell’s victory against Radivoje Kalajdzic. Morrell’s power at 175 poses a significant challenge for Benavidez, who needs a real test in this weight class before aiming for the undisputed championship. The Mexican Monster must carefully consider if he is prepared to take on opponents like Morrell, who possess a level of power and skill beyond what he faced in his recent fight with Gvozyk.
Benavidez Acknowledges His Situation
Following his victory over Gvozyk, Benavidez admitted to the differences in power he experienced at light heavyweight compared to his fights at super middleweight. Despite facing challenges such as a cut in his eye and a torn tendon in his right hand, Benavidez recognized the need for improvement in his power and overall performance at 175. It is crucial for him to acknowledge his current limitations rather than making excuses for his lackluster showing in the ring.
Moving forward, Benavidez must confront the harsh reality of his debut at light heavyweight and the obstacles that lie ahead. With potential matchups against formidable opponents like Morrell looming on the horizon, he will need to elevate his game significantly to compete at the highest level in the division. The road to the undisputed championship at 175 is fraught with challenges, and Benavidez must rise to the occasion if he hopes to establish himself as a legitimate contender in the weight class.
David Benavidez’s debut at light heavyweight revealed significant vulnerabilities in his game, particularly in terms of power and performance. While he managed to secure a win over Gvozyk, the fight underscored the need for Benavidez to make substantial improvements in order to compete with the elite fighters at 175. As he looks ahead to potential matchups with the likes of David Morrell, Benavidez must confront the reality of his current skill set and make necessary adjustments to fulfill his ambitions of vying for the undisputed championship. Only time will tell if Benavidez can rise to the challenge and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of the light heavyweight division.