Benavidez was floored in the 12th round of the fight but won 117-111 and 116-11 on two judges' scorecards, while the other was 116-111 in Gavril's favour.
The victory leaves Benavidez unbeaten from 19 fights.
Britain's Callum Smith was supposed to fight Anthony Dirrell for the vacant WBC super-middleweight title in September.
However, Smith sacrificed his title shot to take part in the World Boxing Super Series, while Dirrell could not fight through injury.
The belt was vacated after Badou Jack moved up a weight division after being ordered to defend his title against Liverpool's Smith.
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