In a surprising twist to the boxing schedule, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, the formidable light heavyweight contender, has confirmed his next fight will be against David Benavidez in Las Vegas, slated for June. This development comes amid speculation that Benavidez might face Canelo Alvarez; however, Gvozdyk, known as “The Nail,” has emerged as Benavidez’s next opponent.
Gvozdyk, a former WBC champion, holds the number two spot in the WBC light heavyweight rankings, presenting a significant challenge for Benavidez, who, while unranked at 175 pounds, holds the interim title at super middleweight. Gvozdyk’s excitement about the bout is palpable. “This is why I came back to boxing, to fight at the top level,” he stated in an exclusive interview, expressing his eagerness for the bout and his ambition to reclaim championship glory.
Watch Oleksandr Gvozdyk with One Hitter Quitter: Watch
The fight not only represents a significant opportunity for Gvozdyk to reassert his presence in the light heavyweight division but also marks a potential shift for Benavidez towards the 175-pound class. Despite being in line to challenge boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, Benavidez and his camp have previously expressed interest in moving up to light heavyweight, making this match-up against Gvozdyk a pivotal moment in his career.
Benavidez, undefeated in his career with a record of 28 wins, faces a tough challenge in Gvozdyk, whose only professional loss came against Artur Beterbiev in 2019. Gvozdyk anticipates a challenging fight, acknowledging Benavidez’s formidable presence in the ring. “People call him The Monster Bandera for a reason,” Gvozdyk said, noting Benavidez’s significant size advantage even at the light heavyweight limit.
Watch Benavidez vs. Andrade highlights: Watch
Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez’s manager, confirmed the fight’s planning stages, though the venue is yet to be determined. The bout has also received the WBC’s blessing, with president Mauricio Sulaiman announcing its sanction for the interim light heavyweight championship, adding further prestige to what promises to be an electrifying contest.
Image Credit: X