Former WBC champion, David Benavidez, returns to the ring this weekend to face Ronald Ellis. The undefeated American, ‘El Bandera Roja’ will go out to make a statement to the division after weeks of calling out the best in the 168 lbs category.
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Though he is facing a relatively low-profile opponent in Ronald Ellis, Benavidez cannot let his guard down. We look closely at the fight and see who will come out on top when the two meet in the ring.
Benavidez goes into the fight unbeaten with a record of 23-0. The former champ last fought in August 2020, where he lost his title, despite winning the fight. The American weighed in 2.8 pounds over the 168 lbs limit, and thus, was ineligible to retain his title.
Ellis comes into the fight with an 18-1-2 record and on the back of an impressive fourth-round win over Matvey Korobov in December. And at 31, Ellis will look at this fight as a chance to push for a title bid. Therefore, he goes into the fight as the underdog.
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Our prediction for the David Benavidez vs. Ronald Ellis fight
Both fighters have shown their ability to fight. However, we’re going with the favorite, David Benavidez, to win by a technical knockout in round 5. The hunger, power, and speed of the American will be too much to handle for the 31-year-old Ellis.
Benavidez can box in different styles. He is equally good at counter-punching as well as walking down his opponent. Moreover, the former champion has shown his speed and power and boasts of an 86% knockout rate as proof of his power.
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 28: David Benavidez (red/green trunks) reacts after defeating Anthony Dirrell (not in frame) after a corner stoppage in their WBC Super Middleweight Championship fight at Staples Center on September 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Although he is not a slick boxer and may not have the movement like other fighters, Benavidez can be smart in the clinch. Hence, if Ellis is to win, he is going to have to start well and keep the 24-year-old under constant pressure.
However, given the former champion’s incredible range of punches, and his ability to adjust his game, we can’t see Ellis enjoying a lot of success. If Ellis gets the victory, it would be a huge upset. Moreover, it would derail Benavidez’s plans of facing Canelo Alvarez.
Who do you think will leave the ring with his arms raised?
