Benavidez. Too slick for Smith. He has shown greater skills than Smith ever has. If Smith is getting countered like that by a novice kick boxer, then good luck when its an elite fighter in there. Also Skogland also was countering him for fun too. Smith was only just able to edge out Skogland.
Benavidez hands low style will be his undoing just like with Groves and DeGale vs a refined conventional precise punching boxer. Benavidez to me is a tad overrated on here by some because of his video game stoppage of Porky Medina. Benavidez always open for a left hook and left cross. His gangliness and awkwardness keeps him going at the moment with his right arm extended until he fights a good southpaw. He can be timed and stopped. He's got a lot to learn. Some of these guys are just weight bullies who should be fighting at light heavy but they're scared. This content is protected Smith is the more precise puncher of the two and the better jabber. Benavidez has a more of an unorthodox approach but uses his right arm extended and his awkwardness quite well. Both guys are similar level in terms of where they are in boxing. Smith looks the more refined at the moment. Benavidez is young and has a lot to learn.
Smith has the size(don’t ask me how he makes weight) has the better jab but I think it’s clear by now he has zero power unlike Benavidez who has some highlight stoppages. I’d go for Benavidez
