David Benavidez

Early life and amateur career

David's older brother, José Benavidez is also a pro boxer. Both brothers are trained by their father, José Benavidez Sr. David took up boxing at the age of 3. When he was 15, Benavidez's weight ballooned to 250 pounds, as he struggled with dieting and discipline.

Benavidez fought only 15 amateur bouts, winning all of them.

Professional career

Benavidez made his pro debut at the age of 17, defeating Erasmo Moreno by knockout in one round in Puerto Peñasco. Benavidez won the NABF Junior light heavyweight title, his first belt, against Rollin Williams on April 2015. Benavidez won 16 of his first 17 fights by knockout. Benavidez faced former world title challenger Rogelio Medina on May 20, 2017. Medina was knocked down three times before the referee waved the fight off, giving Benavidez the win. Benavidez was considered one of the top prospects at super middleweight.

Benavidez vs. Gavril

Following his draw against James DeGale, Badou Jack vacated his WBC super middleweight title in order to fight as a light heavyweight. The WBC ordered a match between Callum Smith and Anthony Dirrell, with the winner taking the vacant world title. With Smith taking part in WBSS, he was replaced through Benavidez. The bout was scheduled for September 2017. However on August 5, the WBC announced Dirrell was out due to injury. Instead, Benavidez would face Ronald Gavril on September 8 for the world title.

Benavidez defeated Gavril after 12 rounds by split decision (117-111, 116-111, 111-116). With the win, Benavidez became the youngest champion in super middleweight history at the age of 20. However, Gavril proved to be Benavidez's toughest test so far, with most rounds being closely contested. Benavidez seemed to struggle with conditioning and he was knocked down in the final round.

Professional boxing record

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
19	Win	19–0	Ronald Gavril	SD	12	Sep 8, 2017	The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Won vacant WBC super middleweight title
18	Win	18–0	Rogelio Medina	TKO	8 (12) 1:01	May 20, 2017	Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas, U.S.
17	Win	17–0	Sherali Mamajonov	KO	2 (8) 1:04	Jan 28, 2017	MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
16	Win	16–0	Denis Douglin	TKO	10 (10) 0:35	Aug 5, 2016	2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15	Win	15–0	Francy Ntetu	TKO	7 (8) 1:30	Jul 25, 2016	Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
14	Win	14–0	Phillip Jackson Benson	KO	2 (8) 2:08	Apr 30, 2016	StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.
13	Win	13–0	Kevin Cobbs	KO	2 (8) 1:08	Jan 19, 2016	Club Nokia, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
12	Win	12–0	Felipe Romero	TKO	1 (8) 2:00	Nov 14, 2015	Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
11	Win	11–0	Alberto Gutiérrez	TKO	1 (6) 0:55	Sep 5, 2015	CUM Aguaprieta, Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico
10	Win	10–0	Ricardo Campillo	TKO	2 (6) 1:21	May 15, 2015	US Airway Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
9	Win	9–0	Rollin Williams	TKO	1 (8) 2:59	Apr 25, 2015	Celebrity Theater, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
8	Win	8–0	Azamat Umarzoda	UD	6	Dec 20, 2014	Celebrity Theater, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
7	Win	7–0	Juan Hernández	TKO	1 (4) 1:36	Oct 11, 2014	Gimnasio Municipal, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
6	Win	6–0	Juan Hernández	TKO	1 (4) 1:54	Aug 23, 2014	Cervecería Tecate, Tecate, Baja California, Mexico
5	Win	5–0	Erick Revueltas	KO	4 (4)	May 24, 2014	Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
4	Win	4–0	Arturo Martínez	TKO	1 (4) 2:12	Apr 11, 2014	Hipódromo Caliente, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
3	Win	3–0	Omar Aispuro	TKO	1 (4) 1:15	Jan 31, 2014	Hipódromo Caliente, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
2	Win	2–0	Édgar Gálvan	KO	1 (4) 2:02	Dec 4, 2013	Salón Las Pulgas, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
1	Win	1–0	Erasmo Mendoza	KO	1 (4)	Aug 17, 2013	El Chamizal, Puerto Peñasco, Baja California, Mexico