BENAVIDEZ LEAVES NO DOUBT OVER GAVRIL
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 17, 2018) – David Benavidez 20-0 17KO’s erased any doubt from a split decision victory over Ronald Gavril five months ago when he was knocked down in the 12th round. The rematch wasn’t even close, Benavidez landed everything but the kitchen sink and Gavril had absolutely no answers for the onslaught of shots coming from every direction.
Flashing a pool-stick jab setting up hooks to the body and head of Gavril, Benavidez put on a clinic in the ring. Firing punches from all angles and providing eye popping moments Benavidez showed the audience his real star potential, making a solid claim as the best super middleweight in the world. Benavidez nearly dropped the plodding Gavril in the fourth with an uppercut that shook the Romanian to his core buckling his knees. Gavril showed heart surviving the onslaught but the writing was on the wall and his moments in the fight were too few and far between to make note of.
“I knew he was going to come aggressive. He’s a one-trick opponent,” Benavidez said. “I knew I could jab and box him all day. When I saw the opening I took it. I didn’t knock him out though – he’s a tough son of a gun.”
Showing his hands to the Showtime cameras after the fight Benavidez clearly injured them after not throwing the right hand much after the ninth round. “Both my hands hurt but I have that warrior’s mentality so I kept pushing.”
For twelve rounds Gavril took a beating from the Phoenix native that should’ve been stopped sooner to save the fighter from taking unnecessary damage. On scores of 120-108 (twice) and 119-109 Benavidez successfully defended his title and put the division in an exciting position. With other belt-holder Groves, Smith, and Ramirez there’s a potential for great fights down the road. “I want to be the best in division. So whoever they put in front of me that’s what I want to do.” said Benavidez.
