David Benavidez, known as the ‘Mexican Monster’ in the boxing world, is facing a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to fight Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC interim light heavyweight title. However, his recent placement on the undercard of the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight has raised questions about his drawing power as a headliner. Despite his impressive record of 28-0 with 24 knockouts, Benavidez’s struggles to attract pay-per-view buys have hindered his ability to secure top billing on cards. The disappointing 60,000 buys from his last fight against Demetrius Andrade have cast a shadow over his status as a PPV attraction.
The Demotion of Being a Co-Main Event
Jose Benavidez Sr., David’s father, has attempted to put a positive spin on his son’s undercard status, referring to it as “an honor” to fight on the same card as Gervonta Davis. However, the reality behind this decision is a clear demotion for Benavidez, signaling that he may not be ready to headline a PPV solo. The timing of this placement raises concerns about Benavidez’s future prospects as a draw in the boxing world. With the rise of social media influencers like Ryan Garcia, who have massive followings, fighters like Benavidez need to prove their marketability in order to secure top spots on PPV cards.
Roadblocks and Weight Changes in Pursuit of Success
Benavidez’s ambition to face the best in the light heavyweight division, including Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, is admirable. However, his willingness to skip ahead in the rankings by targeting only Gvozdyk may not sit well with other contenders in the WBC’s rankings at 175. Furthermore, his father’s comments about potentially moving back to the super middleweight division to face Canelo Alvarez reflect a sense of urgency to secure big fights. The ongoing challenges with weight class changes and the frustrations with sanctioning bodies add additional layers of complexity to Benavidez’s quest for success.
David Benavidez’s journey in the boxing world serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring fighters seeking to make a name for themselves in a competitive industry. While his talent and determination are undeniable, his struggles to attract PPV buys and secure top billing on cards highlight the importance of marketability in the modern era of combat sports. As he continues to navigate the challenges of the sport, Benavidez must find a balance between chasing glory and building a sustainable career that resonates with fans and promoters alike. Only time will tell if he can overcome these obstacles and rise to the top of the boxing world.