The WBC’s newly elevated light-heavyweight king David Benavidez is in negotiations to defend his crown against WBO interim titlist Callum Smith in October, with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz floating Las Vegas, Dallas or a lucrative trip to the U.K. if Eddie Hearn “gets the deal right.” For both fighters, the upside is obvious: victory keeps them first in line for the Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy winner and its seven-figure payday. The downside - especially for Hearn - is watching that jackpot disappear if Smith falls short.
On paper the pairing is combustible. Benavídez proved durable but hittable against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and then survived a late charge from David Morrell in February, absorbing more body punishment than at any point in his career. Those mid-section bruises embolden Smith’s camp. The 35-year-old Liverpudlian can’t match Benavídez’s volume, but his rib-raking hooks remain his equalizer - and the Mexican Monster’s lone visible weakness.
Watch Benavidez vs. Morrell highlights: Watch
Stylistically the bout screams trench warfare. Smith lacks the footwork to box on the outside, so expect him to edge in, rip to the torso and gamble he disturbs Benavídez’s engine before the champion’s trademark combinations pile up. For Benavídez, sustaining early pressure and keeping elbows tight is critical; one well-placed liver shot could erase any path to undisputed.
So, ribs or riches? Whoever controls the body work controls the future at 175 lbs.
Image Credit: The Ring