The Rise and Fall of David Benavidez: Is the Mexican Monster Out of His Element?
After a promising debut at 175 pounds against former WBC light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15th, David Benavidez’s stock has taken a sharp hit in recent weeks.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The highly anticipated debut of Benavidez at 175 pounds fell short of expectations. The Mexican Monster, as he was dubbed, showed signs of struggle and revealed that he may not be the unbeatable force that was once believed by the boxing world.
At only 27 years old, Benavidez’s performance has shed light on a crucial aspect of his success at 168 pounds – his size advantage over his opponents. This begs the question, is Benavidez truly a dominant fighter or does his success stem from his physical advantages?
Is There Room for a Rehydration Clause?
One potential explanation for Benavidez’s struggles at 175 pounds is the 10-pound rehydration limit imposed by the IBF for fights involving their title. This rule is in place to ensure fairness and safety for all fighters.
Kosport Magazine believes that a consistent rehydration limit across all sanctioning bodies should be implemented for the sake of the fighters’ well-being. However, this rule could prove problematic for Benavidez as he may find it difficult to make weight without the advantage of significant rehydration.
What About a Grandfather Clause?
While a uniform rehydration limit is necessary for the safety of the sport, a grandfather clause similar to what was done with the spitball in Major League Baseball should be considered for fighters who cannot compete within the limit. This would allow Benavidez to continue fighting at 168 pounds without risking his health.
Eddie Hearn’s Doubts
Promoter Eddie Hearn has shared his skepticism about Benavidez’s ability to compete at 175 pounds. Hearn believes that Benavidez is suited for 168 pounds and would not fare well against champions like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
“I like Benavidez; I think he’s a good fighter. How good? [Oleksandr] Gvozdyk is decent. He’s old. I don’t think Benavidez is a 175-fighter,” Hearn said in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV.
Benavidez’s Future in Boxing
If Canelo Alvarez is not in the picture for Benavidez, there may not be enough big names at 168 pounds to keep him in that weight class for long. Furthermore, at 27 years old and getting heavier, it may become increasingly difficult for Benavidez to maintain his dominance at 168 pounds.
Kosport Magazine predicts that Benavidez will face challenges against top opponents at 175 pounds if he continues to fight in that weight class. However, he may have a fighting chance if he is granted a grandfather clause for the 10-pound rehydration limit.
Kosport Magazine’s Final Thoughts
The transition to a higher weight class has exposed some weaknesses in David Benavidez’s game, but he still has time to regroup and strategize for the future. The pressure is on for Benavidez to solidify his place in the boxing world, and Kosport Magazine eagerly awaits to see what his next move will be.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Kosport Magazine and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the sport or organization.
