“I Like the Way He Fights”: Teddy Atlas Predicts David Benavidez’s Fate at 175 Against Oleksandr Gvozdyk

Published 03/04/2024, 8:43 PM EST

David Benavidez is charting his path and has taken a risk in moving up to the 175-pound division. He has his work cut out in front of him in the form of Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Can ‘The Mexican Monster’ replicate a similar success at light heavyweight? Will he drop his opponents to the canvas like he did at Super Middleweight? Teddy Atlas offers fans some answers.

After failing to bag the Canelo Alvarez bout for almost two years, Benavidez, 27, finally decided to chase glory in a different division. He will fight it out for the WBC interim light heavyweight strap against the former world champion Gvozdyk in June. A win will then put him on the cusp of a title fight against the winner of Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev. But can he impose his will on the heavier opponents? Atlas has some lingering doubts and a gruesome prediction for him.

Teddy Atlas bursts the David Benavidez bubble

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The American trainer discussed the implications and probabilities of David Beanvidez’s next fight on his YouTube channel. While he heaped praise on the 28-0 record holder, he foresees a tumultuous ride for him at 175. Atlas believes Gvozdyk will hand Benavidez his first professional defeat. “I like what he [David Benavidez] represents, I like the way he has overcome certain things in his life. I like the way he fights, I like the way he behaves as a fighter. The way that he is proud to be a fighter,” the 67-year-old said.

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“He is not afraid to put that on the line in the ring against anybody. I love him in those ways. Love him. I think he gets beat by Gvozdyk,” Atlas concluded.

While Benavidez is coming into the fight with a sound beating of Demetrius Andrade, Gvozdyk made quick work of Isaac Rodrigues last. This might be the toughest fight of Benavidez’s career, as he has always enjoyed a size advantage against the super middleweights. This might not be the case anymore.

In addition, Gvozdyk, at 20-1 with 16 KOs, poses a unique challenge. The veteran has dismantled all his opponents but one, Beterbiev.

He retired in June 2020 after suffering his first loss, but made his comeback and has racked up three wins since. It remains to be seen whether Teddy Atlas’ prediction comes true or not.

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What do you make of these comments by Teddy Atlas? Do you believe David Benavidez has made the right call? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Will Canelo Alvarez Return to Matchroom Boxing After Rumored PBC Split? Fans Share Their Opinions: “Golden Goose Back”

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I hail from a family of passionate sports lovers, especially combat sports. It is from there that I realized how aptly combat sports embody life. The words of Jeremy Lesniak, "It's not about learning to fight, it's about learning to be better through the expression of action" resonated with the interest I had in combat sports.

Edited by:

Amal Joyce

“I Like the Way He Fights”: Teddy Atlas Predicts David Benavidez’s Fate at 175 Against Oleksandr Gvozdyk

Teddy Atlas bursts the David Benavidez bubble

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