In the high-stakes world of boxing, moves matter. Not just the ones in the ring, but career shifts too. David Benavidez, fresh off a knockout victory over Demetrius Andrade, is making a bold leap. Up to light-heavyweight, for a June showdown. His target? Oleksandr Gvozdyk, for the WBC ‘interim’ belt.
Intriguingly, behind the scenes of this career-defining moment, lies a tale of unwavering support. Not from a coach or a mentor, but from someone closer to his heart. It was his fiancé. And her reaction? A blend of pride and bold prophecy. What did she say?
A love corner stronger than steel
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
David Benavidez’s transition to the light-heavyweight division is not just a move; it’s a statement. “Im very excited to announce that I will have the opportunity to fight for the wbc intern title at 175 in June. LFG,” he exclaimed on Instagram. This announcement came with a screenshot of a tweet that read, “!! David Benavidez is set to move up to light-heavyweight for his next fight and will face Oleksandr Gozdyk in June for the WBC ‘interim’ belt and WBC mandatory position for the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev winner, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has announced.”
Furthermore, this shift sets the stage for a June showdown with Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC ‘interim’ light-heavyweight belt. This fight isn’t just another bout; it’s a gateway, potentially leading Benavidez to challenge the winner of the highly anticipated match between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
Amidst this backdrop of professional ambition, Karina Silva, Benavidez’s fiancée, shared her excitement and pride. Re-sharing his post, she declared, “My man is the best boxer in the world!!!!! & he will continue to show the world he is!!! Teeee amoooooo bb.” Silva’s words add a personal dimension to Benavidez’s professional leap, intertwining love with the pursuit of legacy.
View this post on Instagram
But what about the Canelo Alvarez match, the one that Benavidez has been wanting for a long time?
Is Canelo Alvarez not wanted anymore?
Despite gearing up for a significant challenge against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, David Benavidez’s potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez remains a tantalizing possibility. Michael Benson highlighted a compelling offer from PBC’s Al Haymon: a supposed $55 million guaranteed purse for Alvarez to face Benavidez next. “David Benavidez’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has declared that Al Haymon’s PBC have now offered Canelo Alvarez a guaranteed purse of $55million to fight Benavidez next,” Benson shared.
‼️ David Benavidez’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has declared that Al Haymon’s PBC have now offered Canelo Alvarez a guaranteed purse of $55million to fight Benavidez next, who will be moving up to light-heavyweight to fight Oleksandr Gvozdyk instead if he turns it down.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 22, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This offer comes amidst a backdrop of negotiation tensions and differing preferences for Alvarez’s next opponent within the PBC circles. With Jaime Munguia and Jermall Charlo in the mix, Benavidez’s move up in weight doesn’t close the door on a blockbuster clash with Alvarez.
Also Read: Boxing Update: David Benavidez Leaves Canelo Alvarez Behind, Moves to 175, Opponent Revealed
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Will the allure of a mega-payday and the chance to test himself against one of the best in the sport draw Alvarez into a clash with Benavidez, or will the paths of these two warriors diverge?
Read More: Canelo Alvarez Offered $55 Million to Fight David Benavidez