David Benavidez added another win to his undefeated record this weekend in Las Vegas, beating Oleksandr Gvozdyk over the distance in his 175lbs debut.
‘El Monstruo’ put his calls for a fight against undisputed 168 champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez on ice to move up a weight, but said post-fight he would drop back down to continue to chase either that bout or a vacant title if Canelo continues to play hardball.
There are fights there for Benavidez in both divisions. He is now first in line for the winner of Artur Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol later this year at light-heavy and super-middle continues to produce new and exciting talent.
Speaking on Pro Box TV following that successful 175 debut, trainer turned analyst Teddy Atlas said that if he was managing Benavidez he would keep him away from Cuban contender David Morrell at all costs.
“I know people don’t want to hear this attitude, but the fighter’s supposed to have this attitude to fight everyone, the manager’s the one who says ‘no, no, no, I’m gonna step in.’
If I’m managing Benavidez, I’m not getting in the same room as Morrell, much less the same ring. It makes no sense. Way too much danger. I’m not saying he can’t beat him, but way too much danger and no return.”
Morrell is just 10-0, but with nine knockouts at 26-years-old and fighting out of the southpaw stance he is expected to become either bogeyman or champion.
