The stars will be out in Las Vegas tonight as Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis faces Frank Martin and David Benavidez returns to the ring to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk in back-to-back fights from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Davis is making the first defense of his recently acquired WBA lightweight title against undefeated Martin, a top contender in the main event. Davis has one-punch knockout power like few others in the sport, stopping 93.1% of opponents on his way to pound-for-pound status. His opponent, Martin, has risen up the lightweight division to become one of its top contenders in recent years.
“Frank is a good fighter, but there is a difference between good, and special. ‘Tank’ is special,” Davis’ promoter Leonard Ellerbe said. “Everything that Frank does good, ‘Tank’ does better. Come Saturday night, don’t blink, because this could be over early.”
Benavidez is universally regarded as the second best fighter at 168-pounds behind undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, but after years of campaigning in vain for a fight with Alvarez, Benavidez is moving up to stake his claim at 175 pounds. He’ll face Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the co-main event, a former world champion who had three wins in 2023.
Stay tuned below for live updates throughout the Davis vs. Martin and Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk fight card.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin fight result
Gervonta Davis defeated Frank Martin by eighth round knockout, defending his WBA lightweight title.
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs Frank Martin fight live updates
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 8
Tank threw over 30 punches for the first time in round seven, landing some real good shots. Martin lands some solid shots while combination punching in the opening minute. Tank chopping down and landing some good shots on Martin in the corner. Martin goes down! Martin counted out after a huge shot sends him down and Tank Davis takes it by KO in round 8!
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 7
Martin active with some combinations to start the round. Tank lands a big overhand right a minute in and looks to pile on the pressure. Martin does well to avoid further damage. Tank continues to find success when he can get Martin backed against the ropes, teeing off on him until Martin escapes. Tank dominant this round, certainly his best of the fight, pushing Martin back and landing often. Tank takes that round, maybe his first of the fight.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 6
Fight going as expected so far, Martin has banked potentially every round so far being the more active fighter. Tank continues to walk him down though. Tank gets Martin into the corner and lands a solid shot or two but Martin quickly moves out of danger. Tank starting to find more success off his pressure, particularly when he gets Martin in the corner, his best round of the fight so far. Closest round of the fight.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 5
Tank repeatedly flashing his jab at Martin to start the round, Martin showing good defense to avoid a follow up combination. Tank lands a solid shot on Martin in the corner but Martin manages to avoid taking more damage with his feet. Martin is outlanding Tank through five, but Tank is landing his shots at a higher clip.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 4
Martin moving well making life difficult for Tank, landing some solid shots in the opening minute. Tank lands well to the body midway through, Martin is quick to tie up when Tank does land. Martin the more active fighter but his combinations haven’t been able to push Tank back yet, although they are landing. Tank finishes the round with a strong connect, closer round but still likely goes to Martin.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 3
Tank is stalking Martin, looking for an opening but Martin is moving well. Tank’s pressure is translating to some connects but nothing to phase Martin. Martin is spending a lot of this round in the corner but he’s countering well to evade danger. Martin connects with a nice combination in the final 30 seconds, causing Tank to tie up. Martin starting strong, but Tank seems to be building momentum.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 2
Martin using his jab as a range finder thus far, trying to quell the pressure of Tank in the opening minute. Martin landing some shots set up by his jab, but nothing that’s affecting Tank. Tank is pushing Martin back, not throwing an awful lot but the threat of a big shot is looming. Solid round for Martin fighting on the back foot.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin: Round 1
Tank returns from a 14-month layoff tonight as he defends his WBA lightweight title for the first time since being elevated from WBA ‘Regular’ champion. It is Martin’s first world title bout. Tank is generally a slow starter, early rounds could be a good opportunity for Martin to bank some rounds. Martin starts well, landing a few solid shots. Tank throwing some shots but none with real intention. Martin takes the opener.
David Benavidez defeats Oleksandr Gvozdyk for interim title
David Benavidez defeated former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk by unanimous decision in Saturday’s co-main event to win the interim WBC light heavyweight title. It was Benavidez’s first fight at 175-pounds since moving up from super middleweight, after repeatedly trying in vain to secure a fight against undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez.
The judges’ scorecards were 116-112, 117-111, 119-109 all for Benavidez.
Benavidez started the fight strong, dominating the opening half of the fight with his pressure overwhelming Gvozdyk. In the second half he still looked comfortable, but seemed to allow slightly more pressure from Gvozdyk as he took his foot off the gas.
In the end it was a comfortable outing at light heavyweight for Benavidez, who now sits as a mandatory challeneger to the winner of October’s undisputed fight between Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev. He remains mandatory challenger to Canelo at 168-pounds, so it’s safe to say Benavidez has some solid options going forward.
After the fight he said he hopes to get a shot against Canelo next, but he plans on fighting at both super middleweight and light heavyweight.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk fight live updates
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 12
Into the final round and Benavidez looks all but set to claim his first win at 175-pounds. Gvozdyk staying active and finding some success with the jab early in the round. Benavidez is outlanding Gvozdyk by over 60 punches midway through the round. He seemed to tire slightly, or at least slow the pace in the second half of the fight, but it will be a comfortable victory for Benavidez in his first outing at light heavyweight in many years.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 11
Benavidez has landed 190 punches through 10 rounds, it will take a knockout from Gvozdyk to win this one. Benavidez is landing well on the inside but Gvozdyk has responded with some solid connects himself. Gvozdyk finding more success late on in the fight, but Benavidez still landing frequently. Gvozdyk needs a KO to win but has improved as fight has gone on.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 10
Benavidez looks like he’s content to let Gvozdyk pressure him a bit more these past few rounds. In full control of the fight he seems like he’s going to cruise to a decision victory, although he probably could stop Gvozdyk if he piled on the pressure. Benavidez lands some strong shots into the final minute.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 9
Benavidez is connecting on 44% of his punches through eight. Benavidez is back to pressuring Gvozdyk in this round, although still hesitant to fully unload. Gvozdyk landing sporadically but Benavidez in full control, landing frequently but just not piling on the pressure. Gvozdyk lands a couple shots to finish the round, another close round.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 8
Benavidez staying on the back foot in the opening minute. He starts to turn up the pressure, landing some solid jabs as he begins to pressure Gvozdyk again. Benavidez far more reserved this round, throwing just 17 shots in the first two minutes of the round. Benavidez allowing Gvozdyk more these past two rounds, but still landing strong shots throughout. Closer round as they each land 14 shots.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 7
Benavidez looks to be on cruise control more or less so far, slightly less active than normal but in control of the fight. Gvozdyk doing his best to move and push Benavidez back with the jab but it hasn’t been enough through six. Benavidez continues to have success digging away to the body of Gvozdyk. In the final minute Gvozdyk gets Benavidez on the ropes but can’t capitalize. Better round for Gvozdyk but Benavidez finished strong.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 6
Strong start for Benavidez who looks plenty comfortable in a new division. He’s outlanding Gvozdyk 107-57 through five. Gvozdyk had some success at the start behind his jab, but Benavidez’s pressure mounts into the round and he lands some solid shots on Gvozdyk, taking another round.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 5
Gvozdyk pushing the pace slightly to start the fifth, landing some jabs. Benavidez is outlanding Gvozdyk 84-47 through four rounds. Quieter round so far, but Benavidez lands some solid jabs himself midway through. Into the final minute and Benavidez is starting to unload some combinations, although Gvozdyk’s guard holds strong. Gvozdyk doesn’t look too hurt but it’s been one way traffic thus far as Benavidez continues to build momentum.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 4
Benavidez has landed 30 body shots through three rounds, peppering Gvozdyk down low. Despite it being his first fight at 175, Benavidez looks like a career long light heavyweight in there size wise. Benavidez continues to apply the pressure, landing effectively but he’s yet to unload on Gvozdyk. Benavidez starts to land some real strong shots in the final 30 seconds but Gvozdyk stands up to them. 4-0 Benavidez so far.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 3
Gvozdyk really emphasizing that jab to start the round, Benavidez responds with a strong jab of his own. Benavidez finding lots of success to the body of Gvozdyk. Gvozdyk doing well to keep Benavidez off him midway through the round, blocking a lot of shots. Benavidez landing the stronger shots more frequently, up through three.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 2
Benavidez lands a big left hook in the opening seconds. Benavidez walking Gvozdyk down, who’s trying to use his jab to keep Benavidez at bay. Two minutes in and Benavidez lands a solid two-punch combination on Gvozdyk, buzzing him. So far Gvozdyk unable to keep Benavidez off of him, strong start for “The Mexican Monster” through two.
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk: Round 1
Benavidez faces a man bigger than him for the first time in a long time as he moves up for his first fight at 175-pounds. Benavidez is 10 years younger than Gvozdyk. Gvozdyk using his legs but Benavidez still closing ground well. Benavidez landing well when he gets inside, targeting the body. Good start for Benavidez.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin undercard results
- Alberto Puello def. Gary Antuanne Russell by split decision
- Carlos Adames def. Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin undercard live updates
Alberto Puello hands Gary Antuanne Russell his first loss
Alberto Puello remains undefeated as he beat Gary Antuanne Russell by split decision. The judges’ scorecards were 118-109 for Russell, then 115-112 and 114-113 for Puello.
Russell suffers the first loss of his career while the former champion Puello wins the interim 140-pound title.
Russell started the fight strong but Puello stormed back in the second half of the fight, securing a win on the cards despite questionably having a point deducted for holding. Russell applied the pressure the whole fight, but Puello fought expertly on the back foot, moving well and countering Russell with strong shots throughout.
Despite the asinine scorecard for Russell, in what was undeniably a close fight, Puello moves one step closer to once again becoming a junior welterweight champion, after having his belt stripped previously for a positive drug test.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 12
Both fighters’ unbeaten records are on the line as we enter the final round. Each land some big shots to start the round. Puello lands a low blow on Russell a minute in, pausing the fight briefly. They return from the stoppage each unloading bombs, just what Russell wants. Puello survives the pressure and returns to counterpunching. Both fighters throwing like they need to win this round. Exciting finish to the fight, Puello likely remains undefeated but it will be close.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 11
Russell sees the eleventh round for the first time in his career, his perfect knockout rate is at stake in a close one. In the opening minute Puello lands a huge left hand on Russell with his back against the ropes, but Russell takes it well. 86 landed punches a piece through 10 and 2/3 rounds. Close fight but Puello has seemingly gotten out to a lead in the second half of this one.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 10
Puello has a 72-71 connect advantage at the start of round 10, he’s turned the fight around fighting extremely well on the counter. Russell connects on some nice shots on the inside and soon after the fight is stopped for a low blow on Puello. Short stoppage. Russell finishes with a flurry, but another good round by Puello who is landing some real solid shots on the back foot.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 9
The referee deducts a point from Puello for holding in the first 30 seconds, a questionable decision as he’s not been holding excessively by any means. That could prove crucial in what’s a close fight late on. Puello has the advantage in power punches so far in the fight. Puello looking comfortable with Russell’s pressure although he is taking some solid shots. That point deduction was uncalled for by the referee and could make the difference.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 8
Russell has a slight 55-52 advantage in landed punches through seven rounds. Puello’s experience seems to be paying dividends as he’s handling Russell’s pressure well. Again Russell is doing the pressuring, but the more significant landed shots certainly came from Puello. He’s come back to make it close after eight.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 7
Puello lands flush to the chin of Russell to open the round. Russell continues to walk Puello down despite the former champion’s effective countering. Russell’s knockout rate should give his fans confidence, but Puello hasn’t allowed him much through seven. Russell continues to be more active but Puello is moving well and his counterpunching could give him the round.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 6
Puello starts with a couple strong shots, Russell responds by pushing him back. Russell has a slight edge in landed shots this fight midway through the sixth. The referee warns Puello for holding. Russell’s pressure translates to some nice connects in the final minute, but Puello continues countering well. Close round, pressure of Russell could take it.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 5
Puello with some strong shots to start the round, Russell continuing to walk down Puello but not as aggressive as the previous round. Midway through Puello lands a few nice shots in the center of the ring. Puello doing some nice body work this round. Good round for Puello after Russell seemed to be heating up.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 4
Russell opens the round with a nice flurry, walking down Puello. Russell starting to ramp up the pressure steadily and its translating into some nice landed shots. Puello countering and escaping pressure well, but Russell landing more and not backing down. Puello pushes Russell back with a few strong shots on the counter in the final minute. Close round with each fighter landing eight punches a piece.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 3
Russell continues to pressure and lands some nice shots on the inside but Puello showing some responsible defense. Russell finding a home for his right hand midway through the round and then catches Puello in the corner, landing a flurry of shots. Puello responds to the pressure with a nice left hand that gets him out of trouble. Puello effective on counter but Russell has his best round of the fight so far.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 2
Puello landing some nice shots on the back foot, even initiating some pressure himself in the opening minute. Russell doing some work behind his southpaw jab, but Puello avoiding the pressure well. Russell dictating the pace but Puello has avoided taking any big shots so far. Puello’s effective counters likely give him the round.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Alberto Puello: Round 1
Gary Antuanne Russell looks to continue his 100% knockout rate against former world champion Alberto Puello in the second fight. Puello with a clear size advantage in the ring, but Russell applying the pressure to start. Russell having some success getting inside so far, but Puello has landed some nice shots on the counter.
Carlos Adames defeats Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision
Carlos Adames defeated Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision to defend his WBC middleweight title. The judges’ scorecards were 119-109, 118-110, and 118-110 all for Adames.
The pay-per-view opener was slow to start and never picked up as Adames never pushed the pace, despite walking Gausha down the majority of the fight. Despite the wide scorecards the fight seemed close heading into the championship rounds, with Gausha finishing strong after Adames opened a lead early.
But the judges clearly saw it as one way traffic, in what was a lack luster first defense for the recently elevated Adames.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 12
Final round and Gausha could take it with a strong round depending on what the judges have preferred. Adames has seemingly landed the better shots but his inactivity has left the door open for Gausha. Round 12 mirroring the previous 11 as Adames walks him down, throwing sporadically while Gausha responds with some solid connects. Punch stats virtually identical into the final minute of the fight. Adames probably wins a close final 30 seconds, it’ll be tight on the cards.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 11
Into the championship rounds and Gausha could seemingly take it with a strong finish. Adames looks uninspired in his first title defense. Adames beginning to land regularly midway through the round, Gausha responds with some shots but more significant connects came from Adames. Gausha gets hit below the belt soon after, pausing the action. Neither fighter has landed more than 100 punches through 11.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 10
The punch stats are very close into round 10 and while Adames had opened up a bit of a lead early, it seems Gausha has closed that slightly on the cards. Tough fight to judge with neither fighter doing much of anything. Adames lands some nice shots, especially to body, but hasn’t thrown more than two consecutive punches all fight it seems. Adames likely takes the round, though it was close.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 9
Adames is outlanding Gausha 64-58 through eight rounds. Both fighters staring each other down and throwing the occasional shot or two but neither wants to unload. Gausha doing well all things considered, turning up the pressure on Adames in the second half of the fight while avoiding any damaging shots, although Adames hasn’t given him much to avoid.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 8
Gausha throwing a little more than Adames to start, but Adames lands some nice body shots on the inside in the opening minute. Not only are both fighters not throwing a ton of punches, but neither are landing very many, often glancing shots off the gloves. Both fighters close out the round with a few shots, Gausha outlands Adames though and likely takes the round.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 7
You would think Adames would be fired up for his first fight as world champ but not thus far. Things are starting to heat up in the opening minute, Gausha lands on the inside and Adames responds with some strong shots. For the first time this fight Gausha is walking Adames down, but Adames shakes Gausha with a big right halfway through. Liveliest round of the fight so far, but that’s not saying much. Adames could take it off some big connects but close round.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 6
Gausha lands a couple solid shots in the opening minute. Adames responds with a right to the body but looks hesitant to unload. When Adames attacks he’s throwing one or two shots at a time and then taking a step back. Gausha at the very least is unloading on occasion. Adames probably takes the round off the consistent pressure, but he’s landed under 35 punches through six.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 5
Thus far Adames is outlanding Gausha 22-14, unimpressive so far but Adames continues to increase his output as the fight goes on. Adames landing some shots throughout but Gausha responds with a nice flurry midway through. Adames seems hesitant to unload while Gausha is moving around the ring, avoiding his pressure and popping in with a combination sporadically. The challenger likely takes that round.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 4
Adames ramping up the pressure some more and lands a nice right to the body at the start of the round. Gausha finally starts to throw some combinations landing a few shots on Adames. Adames is starting to bang away at Gausha, landing some solid shots but not piling on the pressure. Adames takes the round, landing his best shots of the fight, but this one is yet to heat up.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 3
Adames is ever so slightly ramping up the pressure, but neither fighter landing much of anything in the first half of the round. Gausha looks to be waiting for a chance to counter, but Adames hasn’t gotten inside to give him a chance. Adames controlling the pace but hardly any landed punches through three in this one.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 2
Another cautious start from both fighters, as Gausha continues to jab away, although not many are finding a home. Adames looking to set up a big right hand with his jab and while he’s pushing Gausha back, he’s not throwing many punches. Guasha lands a nice right in the final thirty seconds, probably takes the round on his activity.
Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha: Round 1
This is Adames’ first defense of the WBC middleweight title since getting elevated from interim champion earlier this year, a long overdue action by the WBC. Gausha is throwing lots of jabs to start the fight, trying to fend off the pressure of Adames. Neither fighter too aggressive in round one, slow start.
How to watch Gervonta Davis, David Benavidez fights?
The Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin and David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk fight card will be streamed on Prime Video pay-per-view.
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Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin, Benavidez vs Gvozdyk ring walk times
Saturday’s four-fight pay-per-view card will begin at 7 p.m. CT, with the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin ring walks expected to begin at approximately 10:15 p.m. CT. The ring walks for the co-main event between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk are expected to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. CT.
- PPV start time: 7 p.m. CT
- Davis vs. Martin ring walks: approx. 10:15 p.m. CT
- Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk ring walks: approx. 9:15 p.m. CT
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin, Benavidez vs Gvozdyk pay-per-view price
The Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin pay-per-view, featuring David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk, will cost $74.95 through Prime Video.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin, Benavidez vs Gvozdyk fight predictions
Each of the top two fights on tonight’s card have the potential to be either intriguing battles or one-sided affairs.
Martin’s footwork could go a long way, but he will still have his work cut out for him trying to avoid a bomb from Tank for 12 rounds.
Martin can use his legs and size advantage to stay out of Tank’s range and pressure him methodically, likely banking some rounds in the first half of the fight. But as the fight enters its second half, Tank will start to find his timing, landing some solid shots before eventually connecting on a bomb that ends the fight late.
Benavidez and Gvozdyk I see being more one-sided.
Benavidez is coming off the two best wins of his career, most recently dominating previously unbeaten Demetrius Andrade, while Gvozdyk is only semi-recently returned from a four-year layoff. We see Benavidez starting strong, overwhelming Gvozdyk with his pressure and stopping him in the first half of the fight.
Predictions: Davis def. Martin by TKO-9; Benavidez def. Gvozdyk by TKO-4; Russell defeats Puello by KO-6; Adames def. Gausha by KO-8.
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs Frank Martin fight undercard
In addition to the Davis and Benavidez doubleheader, Saturday’s card features a handful of former and current world champions. The pay-per-view opener will feature recently elevated middleweight champion Carlos Adames, before former world champion Alberto Puello takes on the undefeated Gary Antuanne Russell.
- Main event: Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin; WBA lightweight title
- Co-main: David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk; interim WBC light heavyweight title
- Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Alberto Puello; interim WBC junior welterweight title
- Carlos Adames vs. Terrell Gausha; WBC middleweight title
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin, Benavidez vs Gvozdyk fight location
The Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Frank Martin card, featuring David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk, will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
One of the most historic venues in all of boxing, the MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted major fights including Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao and Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder. This weekend’s card will be the 100th championship boxing event to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs Frank Martin fight odds
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is a -700 favorite to win on BetMGM, while Frank Martin is +450. The fight is +150 to go the full 12 rounds.
- Davis by KO/TKO: -190
- Davis by decision: +250
- Martin by KO/TKO: +1200
- Martin by decision: +800
Fight odds as of June 10, odds via BetMGM and Hard Rock Bet
David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk fight odds
David Benavidez is a -550 favorite to win on BetMGM, while Oleksandr Gvozdyk is +350. The over/under on rounds is 9.5.
- Benavidez by KO/TKO: -190
- Benavidez by decision: +240
- Gvozdyk by KO/TKO: +800
- Gvozdyk by decision: +1000
Fight odds as of June 10, odds via BetMGM and Hard Rock Bet
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis fight record
Gervonta Davis is 29-0 with 27 wins by knockout.
Davis has been a world champion at junior lightweight and now lightweight, knocking out virtually every opponent that’s crossed his path. Most recently, Davis took on Ryan Garcia in April 2023, winning by seventh-round knockout in one of the most anticipated and most watched fights of the past few years.
Davis is ranked No. 2 at lightweight and No. 8 pound for pound by The Ring. ESPN ranks him No. 2 at lightweight and No. 7 pound for pound.
Frank Martin fight record
Frank Martin is 18-0 with 12 wins by knockout.
Martin is one of the top contenders at lightweight and will be challenging for his first world title on Saturday. The best win of his career came in December 2022 when he beat fellow undefeated contender Michel Rivera by unanimous decision.
Martin is ranked No. 5 at lightweight by both The Ring and ESPN.
David Benavidez fight record
David Benavidez is 28-0 with 24 wins by knockout.
Benavidez is a two-time former super middleweight champion, having lost his belt outside of the ring both times. He is the interim WBC super middleweight champion and mandatory challenger to Canelo Alvarez.
No longer content to wait for his shot at the 168-pound undisputed champion Alvarez, Benavidez now moves up a weight class to challenge for the interim WBC title at light heavyweight. The winner will be a mandatory challenger to the winner of the undisputed 175-pound title fight between Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol in October.
Benavidez is ranked No. 2 at super middleweight by The Ring and ESPN.
Oleksandr Gvozdyk fight record
Oleksandr Gvozdyk is 20-1 with 16 wins by knockout.
Gvozdyk is a former world champion at light heavyweight, having lost the belt in his lone career defeat to unified 175-pound champion Artur Beterbiev. Following the loss to Beterbiev, Gvozdyk was out of the ring for over three years before returning in 2023.
Since returning, Gvozdyk has won three times in seven months against largely unknown opponents, and now steps up to face Benavidez, who may be the toughest opponent of Gvozdyk’s career.
Gvozdyk is ranked No. 7 at light heavyweight by The Ring and No. 6 by ESPN.
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis stats
Gervonta Davis is one of the best knockout punchers in the sport, but like many big punchers, he’s not particularly active in the ring until he finds his opening and puts his opponent’s lights out.
Davis throws the second-fewest punches per round in all of boxing with an average of 33.2, but he is top 10 in connect percentage, landing 35.2% of his punches. Davis’ output in the ring may not be very high, but when he does throw, he tends to connect at a high rate.
While he’s top 10 in total connect percentage, Davis has boxing’s second-best power punch connect percentage, landing 47.7% of power punches thrown. Davis tends to lose lots of rounds due to a relative lack of activity in the ring, but it is almost inevitable that he will find a hole and capitalize with a brutal knockout shot.
David Benavidez stats
As opposed to the main event’s star, Benavidez is active inside the ring, providing consistent pressure and punches in bunches.
Benavidez doesn’t just throw a lot of punches to see what sticks, he’s methodical when he attacks and is one of the most accurate punchers in the sport. Benavidez lands an average of 23.5 punches per round, seventh best among active fighters.
He lands those punches at an efficient rate too, connecting on 37.4% of his total punches, second best in boxing. Benavidez’s pressure doesn’t mean he’s lacking on defense though, his opponents land just 24.7% of power punches on Benavidez and his plus/minus is top five among active boxers.
Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin, Benavidez vs Gvozdyk weigh-in results
Gervonta Davis weighed in at 133.4 pounds during Friday’s weigh in, while Frank Martin weighed in at 134.4 pounds. The lightweight limit is 135 pounds.
David Benavidez weighed in at 174.2 pounds for his first light heavyweight fight, while Oleksandr Gvozdyk weighed in at the same, 174.2 pounds. The light heavyweight limit is 175 pounds.
Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @hccamp.
First appeared on www.tennessean.com