David Benavidez has his first title target at cruiserweight, and it comes against a champion who already belongs at the weight. Premier Boxing Champions and Golden Boy confirmed Friday that Benavidez will challenge Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on May 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlining a Prime Video pay-per-view event.
The announcement answers the immediate question surrounding Benavidez’s move to 200 pounds. After exhausting the title picture at super middleweight without securing a fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Benavidez moved up, knowing he would need a credible opponent to establish himself. Ramirez provides that test as a reigning champion who has already built his position in the division.
Promoters have confirmed both fighters will appear at a kicker conference in Las Vegas on Saturday, formally beginning promotion for the May 2 fight.
Benavidez enters undefeated after 29 fights with 24 knockouts and has already shown that his power carries over to cruiserweight. His size has long suggested he would eventually move up, but this fight will determine whether he can secure a championship foothold against a full cruiserweight titleholder. Winning a belt in a second division would immediately boost his standing and confirm that his move up was more than temporary.
Ramirez enters undefeated after 46 fights with 30 knockouts and has already been settled at cruiserweight. He won a title there after moving up from super middleweight and fought at the full limit rather than adjusting to it. Ramirez is naturally the bigger man compared to Benavidez, and this fight will show if Benavidez can handle a champion who belongs full-time at the weight.
The fight also represents a major test for Benavidez’s career direction. Moving up created new opportunities, but it also removed the advantages he had over smaller rivals. This fight will show if he can win titles in a division where he is no longer the naturally bigger fighter.
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Last updated on 20/02/2026
