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Boxing in 2018: Top 5 bouts to ring in the new year

By Jeremy Herriges

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: George Groves (L) and Chris Eubank Jnr (R) square up during a George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. Press Conference at the Savoy Hotel on November 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: George Groves (L) and Chris Eubank Jnr (R) square up during a George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. Press Conference at the Savoy Hotel on November 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 05: David Benavidez celebrates after defeating Denis Douglin during a super middleweight fight at 2300 Arena on August 5, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 05: David Benavidez celebrates after defeating Denis Douglin during a super middleweight fight at 2300 Arena on August 5, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

David Benavidez vs. Ronald Gavril II

When David Benavidez fought Ronald Gavril in September last year for the WBC super middleweight title, it was assumed that Benavidez would win the title easily. That wasn’t the case.

Despite being 10 years older then Benavidez, Gavril ate his punches and gave as good as he received. Benavidez was awarded a majority decision and the title, but it was a close fight

Before their first bout, Benavidez was on cruise control. The 21-year-old was knocking out everyone. Before Gavril, he knocked out 17 of his 18 opponents.

During their battle, it looked like Benavidez expected his KO power to take care of Gavril, but Gavril proved to have a granite chin. Benavidez showed several vulnerabilities against Gavril.

Benavidez tired early against Gavril. He needs to demonstrate better stamina in their rematch if he wants to be a player in the super middleweight division. He also needs to show better defense. Gavril didn’t light Benavidez up, but Benavidez showed very little head movement. He was an easy target.

Benavidez’s power is great, but his hand speed was off against Gavril. He also telegraphed his punches by throwing rounded punches instead of delivering them straight. He should have a better night against Gavril this time around if he improves upon his shortcomings.

Regardless of who wins the rematch, both boxers are skilled combatants who are tough. Expect the second fight to be as hard-fought as the first. Gavril’s chin stood up to Benavidez’s power the first time, but will it survive the second fight? We will see on Saturday, Feb. 17.

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