By Geno McGahee
David Benavidez, 22-0, 19 KO’s, was far too strong and young for Anthony Dirrell, 33-2-1, 24 KO’s, punishing him systematically and stopping him in the 9th round, capturing the WBC super middleweight title.
Dirrell tried to use his boxing skills to control the fight but the power of Benavidez dictated the end result, and won the majority of the rounds. In round six, a bad cut over the right eye of Dirrell would put the champion into do or die mode. Dirrell was on the verge of being stopped with the referee taking every opportunity to take him to the doctor for review. Granted, it was a bad cut, but the referee seemed determined to get the fight stopped.
Well ahead on points and smelling blood, Benavidez began turning up the pressure. Dirrell didn’t have any answers and could not hurt Benavidez and when he opened up, he got hit more. In the 9th round, Dirrell was taking a severe beating and the corner saw enough and called the fight. Benavidez is a strong fighter and his power made the difference in the end. He has regained the WBC super middleweight title.
