Benavidez Told He Won’t Beat Beterbiev – ‘Nobody Beats Beterbiev’
David Benavidez will not beat Artur Beterbiev.
That is according to trainer Andre Rozier. His comments come after Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol via a controversial majority decision to become the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion. The fight was decided in the championship rounds, which Beterbiev shaded as he piled on the pressure. However, some in the boxing community felt that Bivol had done enough to win. This raised question marks over the 116-112 scorecard, which only gave Bivol four rounds. The Saudis have confirmed that they want a rematch, while both fighters are keen on doing it.
Benavidez is the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. He defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his first fight at the weight class to make him the interim champion. He is expected to face David Morrell Jr. next year in a blockbuster clash. Morrell Jr. is the WBA interim Light Heavyweight Champion. The winner will solidify their position to face Beterbiev. But that would depend on the rematch potentially happening first.
Rozier On Beterbiev
That leaves Benavidez with time to consider where he goes next if he gets past Morrell. The Mexican Monster had been waiting for an undisputed bout at 168 pounds, only for the Canelo Alvarez fight to not happen. He had been the interim champion for over two years, but the WBC did not call the mandatory nor strip Canelo. The Mexican Monster ultimately moved up to 175 pounds, but Rozier felt that he would come up short against Beterbiev.
“Nobody beats Beterbiev, no one. I don’t care if he slowed down 10 miles. He is the Bernard Hopkins of this time and period. Bernard Hopkins was doing it until he was 50. He was winning world titles at 45 and 46. It’s not going to happen. Nobody beats Beterbiev,” Rozier said
Benavidez Vs. Morrell
Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind the following. Benavidez also has a height and reach advantage, which he could utilize against Beterbiev. Bivol showed what can happen if a boxer has good footwork and an IQ. But Benavidez’s footwork is not seen as on the same level as Bivol. However, Beterbiev is 39 years old. While he keeps himself in good condition, he is in the latter part of his career, making it much more difficult to sustain this level moving forward.
The Bivol fight was the first time that he was taken the distance. And ironically, it was the only time there were question marks over whether he did won. Benavidez is also a knockout artist with a 29-0 record, which includes 24 stoppages. Although he failed to stop Gvozdyk, he later disclosed that he had a hand injury, which he picked up during the fight. But before Benavidez can even think about that, he must get past Morrell. Rozier expected that to be one of the most competitive fights this year.
“That is one of the best fights at light heavyweight other than Beterbiev and Bivol. I think it’s going to be mad fireworks in that fight. It’s going to be crazy. “I’m moving in the direction of David Morrell. I like his smooth boxing style. He can punch, and he has fast hands. Benavidez is a monster. He comes to get you, but I think David Morrell has enough to short-circuit that ability of his,” Rozier said
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