David Benavidez: The Greatest Hits

5
J’LEON LOVE

Date: March 16, 2019

 

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

 

Records at the time: Benavidez 20-0 (17 KOs), Love 24-2-1 (13 KOs)

 

Result: Benavidez KO2

 

Significance: Benavidez ended a 13-month layoff in front of a massive Texas crowd and didn’t disappoint. Love came to fight, taking it to Benavidez in the opening round. The strategy proved costly. Late in the first, a Benavidez right stunned the Detroit, Michigan product. Benavidez pounced, unloading on a Love who was saved by the bell. 

 

In the second round, Benavidez wasted no time picking up where he left off in the first. A long right hand rocked Love again, who staggered back. Smelling blood, Benavidez pinned him against the ropes, landing punch after punch until referee Laurence Cole stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:14 of the second. 

4
KYRONE DAVIS

Date: November 13, 2021

 

Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona

 

Records at the time: Benavidez 24-0 (21 KOs), Davis 16-3-1 (6 KOs)

 

Result: Benavidez TKO7

 

Significance: Kyrone Davis wasn’t your average late substitute. The well-sculpted American, trained by respected trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards, had fought Anthony Dirrell to a disputed draw earlier that year. On this night, the athletic boxer proved he possessed a warrior’s heart as he took a hammering from a determined Benavidez.

Davis stood in the eye of the storm and fought back, but it wasn’t enough. Benavidez slowly wore him down, flashing his signature combinations—all thrown with hurtful intentions. 

The prolonged punishment forced trainer Edwards to throw in the towel midway through the seventh frame. Benavidez was still eager for combat afterward, calling out division king Canelo Alvarez afterward.

“I think everyone wants to see me against Canelo, right?” said Benavidez. “I don’t really care what [Alvarez’s] assessment is of me. They need to give me the opportunity. I’ll go through anybody, whoever they want me to go through.”

3
DAVID LEMIEUX

Date: May 21, 2022

Location: Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona

At stake: Benavidez’s WBC Interim Super Middleweight World Title

Records at the time: Benavidez 25-0 (22 KOs), Lemieux 43-4 (36 KOs)

Result: Benavidez TKO3

Significance: Fresh off the win over Davis, Benavidez took on the power-punching Lemieux, a former middleweight world champion now campaigning at 168 and riding a five-fight winning streak. 

That came to a screeching halt against Benavidez. A perfect counter left hook in the first drove a woozy Lemieux back. By the second, the Canadian’s face was a swollen, bloody mess. The battering ensued until Lemieux’s corner mercifully threw in the towel at 1:31 of the third round. 

“I just feel I’m the strongest 168-pounder,” said Benavidez. “Nobody can mess with me.”

2
ANTHONY DIRRELL

Date: September 28, 2019

Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

At stake: Dirrell’s WBC Super Middleweight World Title

Records at the time: Benavidez 21-0 (18 KOs), Dirrell 33-1-1 (24 KOs)

Result: Benavidez KO9 

Significance: Dirrell, a two-time world champion defended his title against former champion Benavidez in a highly anticipated battle. Both had their moments early on as Dirrell boxed well from the outside, peppering Benavidez with the jab. Benavidez’s steady, intelligent pressure ultimately caused Dirrell to wilt. A left hand opened a cut over Dirrell’s right eye. The bout grew increasingly one-sided as it progressed. 

In the seventh, referee Tom Taylor paused the action to have the ringside doctor inspect Dirrell’s cut which was leaking due to the fusillade of blows from Benavidez. After a quick examination, the fight continued though not for long. More volleys from Benavidez convinced Dirrell’s corner to stop the action at 1:39 of the ninth round. 

“This was one of the hardest fights I’ve had,” Benavidez said after the bout. “It was very tactical. It wasn’t easy. I’ve got a lot of respect for Anthony Dirrell, especially the way he fought tonight.”

1
CALEB PLANT

Date: March 25, 2023

Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada

At stake: Benavidez’s WBC Interim Super Middleweight World Title

Records at the time: Benavidez 26-0 (23 KOs), Plant 22-1 (13 KOs)

Result: Benavidez UD12 (115-113, 116-112, 117-111)

Significance: On this night, Benavidez and Plant settled the score on arguably boxing’s best rivalry. Over the years, the two had engaged in a war of words that left fans salivating for a matchup between these elite 168-pounders.

The bout was also Benavidez’s first pay-per-view headliner. The action didn’t disappoint. Plant took control early, using his high-level boxing skills, athleticism and hand and foot speed to keep Benavidez off-balance. But he couldn’t stop “El Munstruo” from coming forward.  

The tide turned in the sixth. Benavidez began to find a home for his jab, pushing Plant back and digging to his ribcage. Benavidez had found his rhythm, creating space to land his punches and seemingly hurting Plant in every round. An overhand right in the eighth, forced Plant to clinch. The Tennessee native could have folded during several moments yet he gamely fought back despite being outgunned by Benavidez’s heavier artillery.

Benavidez couldn’t secure the knockout but he did win in decisive fashion over 12 rounds. 

“I know there was a lot said between us but in the end, we settled this like men,” said Benavidez. “I’m happy we gave the fans the best rivalry of the year or the last five years. I’m just very happy.”

For a closer look at David Benavidez, check out his fighter page.