David Benavidez Expecting ‘Strongest’ Version Of Oleksandr Gvozdyk

David Benavidez knows he is in for a tough fight against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15.

Benavidez is set to move up to 175lbs and face the former lineal and WBC light heavyweight and bronze Olympic medalist in Gvozdyk. It’s an intriguing matchup and Benavidez says the fight will be the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin card.

“It’s a big opportunity for me and a special treat for the fans to have two of the most devastating punchers in boxing fighting on the same card,” Benavidez told BoxingScene. “I’m very excited to have this fight. I get to perform in front of his fans, and he gets to perform in front of my fans. It’s going to be a victory for boxing overall.”

As Benavidez says, it is a big opportunity as the winner of the fight will face the winner of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. 

Heading into the fight, David Benavidez is a -650 favorite but he’s expecting a tough fight on Saturday.

“Gvozdyk is a tough fighter,” said Benavidez. “I’m 100 percent focused on this fight. Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out when the time comes. I’m just thinking about June 15. We’ve been training extremely hard. I’m very excited to steal the show and make another splash…

“If I’m thinking he’s old, not the fighter he was, and he’s injured, I won’t motivate myself 100 percent to get the best version of myself,” said Benavidez. “I have to train like this guy is going to be the strongest, fastest, and most relentless guy I faced. That’s what I am getting ready for. It might be different in the fight and I go in there and clean him out easily in two rounds. I am preparing myself for the best possible outcome.”

Benavidez is 28-0 as a pro and coming off a win over Demetrius Andrade back in November.