The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation for a potential blockbuster event scheduled for December 14th, where Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and David Benavidez may headline a notable pay-per-view (PPV) card under Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). Both fighters are emerging stars in their respective divisions, and aligning their bouts not only serves to bolster their individual profiles but also caters to the financial interests of the promotion and their supporters.
PBC’s decision to pair Benavidez and Davis on the same card is an astute business maneuver. Davis, the reigning WBC ‘regular’ lightweight champion, holds a pristine record of 30 wins and no losses, with a remarkable 28 of those victories coming by knockout. Meanwhile, Benavidez, currently the WBC interim light heavyweight champion, boasts a similar undefeated record at 29-0, with 24 KOs. Yet both fighters will face opponents that do not offer substantial challenges; Benavidez is projected to defend his title against Jesse Hart, a seasoned but relatively unheralded fighter. This strategy ensures that both fighters can maintain their winning momentum without risking their future lucrative title shots.
This upcoming PPV card aims to maximize visibility and appeal, especially since neither Davis nor Benavidez has yet penetrated the mainstream awareness of casual boxing fans. While each is formidable in the ring, they lack the widespread recognition afforded to boxing’s elite stars. Reportedly, the duo’s last collaboration in June 2023 yielded 350,000 buys, signaling that their co-headlining could enhance audience interest. To further entice viewers, Davis’s anticipated opponents, like Edwin De Los Santos or Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela, are poised to offer thrilling matchups. These bouts, however, lack the star power typically associated with boxing’s biggest events.
Further down the line, both fighters have their sights set on prestigious matchups. For instance, Davis could potentially face off against Shakur Stevenson in a highly-anticipated unification bout next year. Such a fight would undoubtedly elevate Davis’s status, contingent on Stevenson’s recovery from a hand injury. On the other hand, Benavidez longs for a showdown against the winner of the upcoming clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Both fighters are on the cusp of monumental career-defining opportunities, making their shared card even more pivotal.
Davis and Benavidez participating in the December 14th PPV card is not just a tactical effort to boost individual profiles but also a strategic alignment that could invigorate pay-per-view sales for PBC. With both fighters positioned on the precipice of greatness, the stakes are high, and the need for effective promotion is paramount. The boxing community will be watching closely to see how this collaboration unfolds, with hopeful eyes set on a future filled with high-stakes matchups and the elevation of both fighters’ careers.