The boxing world is somewhat split on David Benavidez’s ceiling. His credentials thus far, his spot somewhere on the lower half of the pound-for-pound list – those are pretty undisputable. Benavidez is a world-class fighter who passes the eye test with his blinding combinations, ring IQ and durability.

But is he more than that? Can he firmly establish himself as the best fighter in a weight class, by, say, beating Dmitry Bivol someday? Some believe he can, but others are dismissive of his chances, saying that Bivol would outclass him or that Beterbiev would brutalize him.

Count Oleksandr Gvozdyk among the Benavidez believers.

“He now will be a big problem for any fighter, including champions, including Bivol and Beterbiev. I guess, Bivol, he [dropped] the title for a reason,” Gvozdyk told BoxingScene, referring to Bivol vacating the WBC portion of his undisputed championship to avoid a mandatory fight with Benavidez in favor of a likely trilogy bout with Beterbiev.

Gvozdyk, who on Saturday fights Anthony Hollaway at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, fought Benavidez, 30-0 (24 KOs), in June 2024 and lost a unanimous decision via scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 119-108. Benavidez started fast, peppering Gvozdyk with power shots and using improved head movement to slickly dodge return fire. But his second-half fade, which Benavidez chalked up to injured hands, resulted in the fight somewhat damaging “The Mexican Monster’s” stock to some.

Turns out the man who took his punches doesn’t see it that way. As a former opponent of not just Benavidez but Beterbiev, Gvozdyk’s opinion holds water.

He even thinks Benavidez can be a threat north of light heavyweight.

“Even moving up to cruiserweight, he’s still – look, I don’t know the fighter who’s gonna have [an] easy fight against David Benavidez, in any weight classes,” Gvozdyk said.