In a clash for the vacant super middleweight world title, 20-year-old David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez became the youngest super middleweight champion in history and the youngest reigning boxing world champion in the sport today. Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs) scored a twelve round split decision over Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) on Friday night at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In a tough and gritty fight, Benavidez survived a twelfth round knockdown to prevail by scores of 116-111, 117-111. Gavril was up 116-111 on the third card.
Benavidez beats Gavril (video)
Andrew Karlov
Sept. 9, 2017, 1:34 a.m.