- Did this defeat of Gvozdik surprise you or was it still expected against an opponent of such a high level?
- For me it was expected. I predicted Benavides' victory before the fight and was leaning towards it. I said the fight would be competitive, even and challenging for Benavides, but that he would win on points. That's the way it turned out, give or take. So I wasn't really surprised.
- You actually brought up the competitive fight, but according to the judges' assessments, it's still a bit of a solid gap. Is it logical or did they underestimate Gvozdyk's performance?
- No, yes, the way they evaluated it - that's how it was. Benavides was basically better in this fight. In many rounds was a little bit, but better.
- What was the overall reason for his advantage, what were the key moments?
- Benavides is a front hand, he's fast. He was faster than Alexander plus good combination boxing from him - he threw a lot of punches, acted more diverse. Probably, it was his main advantage.
- What about the tone of official fights compared to Gvozdyk?
- Yes, I also think that he is more ready. Benavides is constantly in work, he had no pauses. Oleksandr took a pause for several years. It also affects the result when such breaks.
Benavides was constantly in shape, constantly training, he has fights all the time. He is gaining, now he is on the move, he is reaching peak form.
And Gvozdyk's peak, apparently, has already passed. And the age is affecting him, and these pauses. And the competition in the last fights, because after his return the opposition was not of the best level. I fought 2 or 3 fights - the first opponent was weak, the second one was a little bit stronger.... But there was no good opposition. Benavides is in his best condition.
- What's next for Gvozdyk?
- It's very difficult to say. Maybe he will finish his career. Maybe he'll continue. I don't see it though... If there are ambitions to get a championship fight, I don't know. Bivol and Beterbiev are champions - it's almost unrealistic to box with them now. And just wait for a year or two - there is no time, he is not 18-20 anymore.
He may have a few more fights, but not championship fights. He has experience, he has a name, he is known in America, so maybe it makes sense to have a couple of fights purely to earn money. But to go for a championship title fight - I think the chances are very small.
Last weekend Benavides defeated Gvozdyk by unanimous decision of the judges.