Sports
Phoenix’s David Benavidez Wins Light Heavyweight Debut in Dominant Fashion
Phoenix‘s own David Benavidez showcased his boxing prowess in his light heavyweight debut, securing a unanimous decision victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a dominant display at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. In a masterful performance, Benavidez claimed the WBC World interim light heavyweight championship, solidifying his place as a rising star in the boxing world.
Benavidez, who hails from Phoenix but now calls Miami home, exhibited his skill and resilience against the former world champion Gvozdyk, impressing fans and critics alike. Despite battling injuries to his hands, Benavidez delivered a clinical performance, controlling the fight from start to finish.
In the co-main event, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis electrified the crowd with a sensational knockout victory over Frank Martin, retaining his WBA lightweight belt. Davis’s explosive performance further solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the lightweight division.
Throughout the night, the arena was packed with notable figures from the sports world, including NFL star Micah Parsons, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, and NBA players like Damian Lillard. The electrifying atmosphere added to the excitement of the evening’s matchups.
Phoenix native Elijah Garcia faced a tough challenge against Kyrone Davis, ultimately falling short in a split decision. Despite the setback, Garcia remains a promising talent in the middleweight division, with a bright future ahead of him in the sport.
Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic also secured a victory, defeating Terrell Gausha in a unanimous decision. The night was a testament to the skill and determination of the fighters who took center stage at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena, marking the 100th boxing event held at the iconic venue in Las Vegas.