LAS VEGAS – David Benavidez savored his Grand Arrival at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas today, ahead of his appearance against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the co-main event of Saturday’s show and alongside Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin.
The 27-year-old “Monster” is stepping up to 175 pounds to carve out title opportunities and cannot seem to avoid being asked about Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
“I really believe in my heart it’s going to happen,” Benavidez said of the proposed showdown with unified 168-pound champion Alvarez. “When? I don’t know, but we’re 100 percent ready to get that fight and get that victory as well. I’m ready to fight whoever and beat whoever.”
Benavidez is 28-0 (24 KOs) and he has amassed a highly watchable highlight reel. He plans to add Ukrainian Gvozdyk to it on Saturday.
“I worked extremely hard [in camp] and we’re going for the knockout this Saturday,” Benavidez said. “My plan is just to conquer the light heavyweight weight class and the super middleweight weight class. Whoever comes, they can get it.
“I just have a lot to prove to myself and to the world. I really do want to be the best of my generation, and until I make that happen I’m going to keep working hard.”
Former WBC light heavyweight champion Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) thinks that Benavidez’s move up in weight might suit the Las Vegas-based star, who was born in Phoenix.
With Canelo Alvarez holding all of the gold at 168 pounds but seemingly looking elsewhere for fights, Gvozdyk, a career light heavyweight, admits his opponent might be well-served having moved up in weight.
Benavidez is 6-foot-2 and earlier in his career weighed more than 180 pounds.
Gvozdyk, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, said that, at 38, he is in his best condition.
“He’s still big guy, so I’m expecting his best shape,” said Gvozdyk. “I don’t care if he’s moving up or moving down. I’m in my best shape and I’m expecting him to be in his best shape.
“I think in terms of experience we’re kind of even. He might even have more experience because the quality of fighters he’s had could be more than mine. But I’ve had a longer career, 250 amateur fights, and I have something to show him.”
