WBC super-middleweight world champion David Benavidez took on Ronald Gavril in a rematch tonight at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
The first fight between the pair ended in a split decision victory last September for Benavidez who this time left no doubt in the decision.
This time around he delivered a beat down of Gavril whom although he did not knock out, dominated throughout.
Gavril must be applauded for his incredible toughness this weekend however. A warrior of the highest regard to stay in there with the punishment he was receiving.
David Benavidez won by a large margin on all three scorecards. He improved his pro record to 21-0 and made his first successful defence of his WBC middleweight title.
A belt previously held by Badou Jack of Sweden who vacated it last year when he moved up to the light-heavyweight division.
Benavidez on the whole seemed much fitter and stronger than he did in the first fight where he fatigued in the second half of the bout.
This wasn’t the case in the rematch. His hiring of strength and conditioning coach Alexa Ariza had clearly paid off.
After the fight Benavidez showed TV viewers a badly swollen right knuckle which he said stopped him from throwing the right hand with full effect.
Benavidez now moves on to big fights and no doubt will be eyeing the winner of the upcoming final in the World Boxing Super Series tournament – where George Groves is now the first finalist in.
Groves beat Chris Eubank Jr earlier in the evening in the UK by unanimous points decision.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions)
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