David Benavidez recently posted a training video on Instagram gearing up for defending his WBC interim light heavyweight title on December 14th. While he displays impressive speed in the video, doubts arise about his punching power. Many fans are concerned that Benavidez might not perform as well at 175 pounds, his natural weight, compared to his earlier fights at 168 pounds.
In his recent bout at 175 pounds against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Benavidez struggled with his power against the stronger opponent, even though he emerged victorious. This raises uncertainties about his future in the division, particularly when facing tough competition like Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, David Morrell, and Anthony Yarde.
Questions linger about Benavidez’s capability in the light heavyweight category, with worries about his power and endurance for longer matches. While the opponent for his December fight is yet to be confirmed, there are rumors pointing towards Jesse Hart. While Benavidez is still in the running for a world title shot, fans are eager to see him challenged by formidable opponents like David Morrell or Anthony Yarde.
Critics have dubbed Benavidez a “weight bully,” implying that his victories stem from competing against lighter opponents. Despite these critiques, Benavidez boasts significant wins in his career against fighters such as Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade, and David Lemieux. Fans are hopeful that Benavidez will step up in competition and establish himself as a serious contender in the light heavyweight division.