Written by David Benavidez recently listed some of the attributes that have allowed him to win two world titles and build a perfect resume. Among his claims: He’s the most accurate puncher in the 168-pound division.
That’s true, according to Bob Canobbio of CompuBox. Benavidez did himself a disservice, though.
“Benavidez underestimated himself,” Canobbio told Boxing Junkie. “He leads all fighters — not just 168 — in total connect percentage.”
Yep. No one in the sport connects at a higher rate than the 26-year-old from Phoenix, who faces Caleb Plant on March 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He lands 38.4% of every punch he throws, which well ahead of No. 2 Gennadiy Golovkin at 36.5% (see Top 10 below).
Of course, no one who has followed the career of Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) career would be shocked to hear that news.
The naked eye can see that he’s one of the most destructive offensive forces in the world, which accounts for his high knockout percentage (88). He isn’t a one-punch knockout artist; he tortures his opponents, battering them unmercifully until they can fight no more. He has stopped his last six opponents.
He expects the same against Plant (22-1, 13 KOs), who was stopped by Canelo Alvarez in 11 rounds in 2021 but rebounded to KO Anthony Dirrell in nine last year.
“Some people don’t understand that I’m the most accurate puncher in this weight class,” he said. “I’ve had 23 knockouts in 26 fights. I’ve hurt every man I’ve been in the ring with and Caleb Plant is no different.”
Benavidez believes Plant is particularly vulnerable against powerful opponents.
“You can see that every time Caleb is in the ring with a power puncher, he’s not comfortable,” he said. “He beat Jose Uzcategui but he was hurt in the fight and then Canelo hurt him. Even Anthony Dirrell hit him with good shots, and he’s not a hitter like that.
“I’ve got the power and I feel like I’m faster. I just have to get my feet in the right position, because he’s going to be moving a lot. I think he has a little bit more confidence after beating Dirrell though, so we’ll see if he wants to trade with me.”
Bad idea for Plant?
“I’m a big guy and I throw punches in bunches,” Benavidez said. “I’m ready to mix it up in there. Every question you all have will be answered on March 25.”
TOP 10 CONNECT PERCENTAGE (TOTAL PUNCHES)
Source: CompuBox
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
38.4%
GENNADY GOLOVKIN
36.5%
VASILIY LOMACHENKO
36.0%
ROMAN GONZALEZ
35.8%
BADOU JACK
35.6%
ANTHONY DIRRELL
35.5%
GERVONTA DAVIS
35.1%
SAUL ALVAREZ
35.1%
JULIAN WILLIAMS
34.7%
NAOYA INOUE
34.7%