David Benavidez has been knocked down just twice in his career with the latest coming in his most recent fight.
David Benavidez holds a perfect undefeated record of 30-0, with 24 wins coming by way of knockout.
His record has been under threat on two occasions, the earliest being his first world title fight against Ronald Gavril. Benavidez beat Gavril by split decision but won by unanimous decision in their rematch.
The second man to truly threaten Benavidez’s record was his latest opponent in the light-heavyweight division.
David Benavidez was dropped in his latest fight against David Morrell
Benavidez’s last fight came against undefeated Cuban, David Morrell. Benavidez began his light-heavyweight campaign with a win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk after defeating Demetrius Andrade and Caleb Plant at super-middlweight.
Morrell was just 11-0 at the time and had far less experience than the 29-0 ‘Mexican Monster’ he entered the ring with.
Despite this, Morrell proved to be a game opponent as he sent Benavidez crashing to the canvas in round 11 for the first time in eight years, and second time of his career overall.
Benavidez picked himself up and fought on, going the distance with Morrell and winning a clear points decision.
David Benavidez became a world champion after elite fighter refused to face him
In recent news, Benavidez has been elevated by the WBC to full world champion status after Dmitry Bivol has vacated his WBC light-heavyweight title.
This is likely due to Bivol opting to face Artur Beterbiev for a third time rather than face Benavidez, his mandatory challenger.
He said on social media: “Bivol decided to vacate his title, instead of fighting me. Now that makes me the WBC world champion at light heavyweight.”
Benavidez wanted to fight Bivol as he beat Canelo, allowing the Mexican to say he beat the man who beat the man. Benavidez dropped Bivol in sparring allegedly.
Bivol and Beterbiev hold one win apiece in their two encounters and seem destined to decide once and for all who is the best with a third and final bout.