The Foorprint Center crowd was equally emphatic for David Benavidez and for Kayone Davis in their recent Showtime fight in Arizona. The winner was never in doubt. Davis is not yet at the top of his game. He fights at middleweight, one weight under Benavidez, and he took the fight on two weeks’ notice when the original opponent, former champion Jose Uzcatequi, tested positive for steroids. Everyone hoped that he would at least hang in for a round or two and not just fall down to collect a paycheck.

 

Benavidez brought to the ring everything for which he is noted: speed, power, endurance, balance, great chin, and great heart. He has the fastest hands in the super middleweight division. All those skills were brought against Davis.

 

The first few rounds were more to loosen up as both men exchanged shots. Davis attempted to hang in and tried to give as good as he could. In round four Benavidez began to unload. From then until the finish of the seventh round, David showed what he had—an enormous heart.

 

Although he was constantly being pummeled and beaten about, Davis refused to quit. Just when he looked like he was finished, he battled back as best he could. His corner attempted to stop the fight on several occasions. Davis refused. He pleaded with them to not stop the fight.

 

Benavidez pounded Davis with everything he had, punches that would have broken the bones of most fighters. Still Davis refused to go. Still he fought back as best he could. The crowd cheered him for his courage. They were witnessing something spectacular, a super machine of determination.

 

Davis’ corner finally had enough and tossed in the towel in the seventh round. Again the crowd cheered for him.

                                

Benavidez brought nothing new to the fight. There is nothing new he can bring unless he grows another arm. He is a complete fighter.

                                                                                               

Davis brought to the ring a physical magnificence seldom seen. In seven rounds his fan base grew tenfold.