Benavidez Overpowers Gvozdyk to Win Unanimous Decision The light heavyweight version of David Benavidez looked as proficient, punishing, accurate, and dominant as his super middleweight form. On the Gervonta Davis-Frank Martin undercard, Benavidez gradually dismantled former WBC light heavyweight titlist Oleksandr Gvozdyk before 13,249 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Despite wearing down in the latter rounds, Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) won comfortably by unanimous scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 119-109.
Gvozdyk Starts Strong but Fades Gvozdyk, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, came out fast but was quickly subdued by Benavidez's body shots. Benavidez dominated from the second round onwards, landing punishing combinations and snapping Gvozdyk's head back with straight rights. Gvozdyk's output slowed considerably by the fifth round, and he was in survival mode by the eighth. Despite a late resurgence in the ninth and tenth rounds, Gvozdyk couldn't overcome Benavidez's early lead.
Injuries Can't Stop Benavidez Benavidez revealed after the fight that he reinjured his hand in the third round and had suffered multiple injuries during camp. Despite this, he pushed through and delivered a dominant performance. "I’m proud of myself because I also got a cut three weeks ago and I pushed through and gave the fans a good fight," said Benavidez. "I’m looking forward to what’s next in the division.”
Gvozdyk Reflects on Loss Gvozdyk acknowledged the accuracy of the scores and expressed his desire for a rematch. "I wish I had done a little more and been more active in the early rounds of the fight," he said. "I think the scores were pretty accurate. It was a good fight, a close fight. He was better in the first half of the fight, but I think I started doing better in the second half."
Puello Hands Russell His First Defeat in a Split-Decision Win
Major Upset by Alberto Puello Former WBA junior welterweight titlist Alberto Puello pulled off a major surprise by defeating Gary Antuanne Russell by split decision. Judges Glenn Feldman (115-112) and Tim Cheatham (114-113) scored for Puello, while judge David Hudson scored it 118-109 for Russell, causing some controversy. Puello won the WBC “interim junior welterweight title.”
Puello's Joy and Russell's Regret “I got down on my knees and the first thing I did was thank God," said Puello. "It feels great to be a champion, because this will mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life." Russell, however, was not as pleased, stating, “It wasn’t about what Puello did tonight, it was about what I didn’t do. I should have listened more and executed more.”
Adames Retains WBC Middleweight Title Against Gausha
Carlos Adames Dominates Terrell Gausha Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) made his first defense of the WBC middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Terrell Gausha (24-4-1, 12 KOs). The judges scored it 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 for Adames, who displayed dominance throughout the fight.
Adames and Gausha's Reactions “This win is very satisfying,” said Adames. “To have defended my title the way I did, with the convincing decision, was what I wanted after a year away.” Gausha, on the other hand, felt the scorecards were wide. “The scorecards were wide. I don’t agree with them. I thought it was closer, but at the end of the day he won the fight. So, it is what it is.”
Other Notable Fights
Kyrone Davis Upsets Elijah Garcia Middleweight Kyrone Davis (19-3-1, 6 KOs) won the biggest fight of his career, upsetting the previously undefeated Elijah Garcia (16-1, 13 KOs) by 10-round split decision.
Mark Magsayo Wins Decision Over Eduardo Ramirez Fighting for the second time as a junior lightweight, former WBC featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo (26-2, 17 KOs) won a 10-round decision over Eduardo Ramirez (28-4-3, 13 KOs).
Justin Viloria Stays Undefeated Junior lightweight southpaw prospect Justin Viloria (6-0, 4 KOs) remained undefeated by stopping Angel Contreras (15-9-2, 9 KOs) at 2:02 of the fifth round in a scheduled six-rounder.
Brayan Gonzalez Wins Pro Debut Junior featherweight Brayan Gonzalez won his pro debut with a four-round decision over James Mulder (0-2).
Other Results Super middleweight Daniel Blancas (10-0, 4 KOs) won an eight-round decision over Aro Schwartz (23-8-1, 15 KOs). Featherweight Reina Tellez (8-0-1, 5 KOs) won a four-round decision over Beta Dudek (4-2, 4 KOs). Junior lightweight Margaret Whitmore (3-0, 2 KOs) won a four-round majority decision over Mia Ellis (7-3, 6 KOs).