David Benavidez is thrust into the Ramirez fight as a proving ground rather than a destination, with his own trainer making it clear that beating Ramirez is only meaningful if it shows he belongs alongside Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
The statement cuts through the build-up around the Cinco de Mayo date and puts the onus firmly on Benavidez to do more than rack up laps.
At this stage of his career, a routine decision does little. He needs a performance with authority, something that stamps his name in the upper echelon rather than leaving it in rotation.
Coach Jose Benavidez Sr. made that expectation explicit during Saturday’s press conference in Las Vegas, saying: “David Benavidez doesn’t just have to win. He has to show to prove that he can go to the Bivols and Beterbievs.” His words confirmed that the Ramirez fight is being treated within the camp as a test of readiness for the division’s reigning champions, not the final step.
The bout, scheduled for May 2 at T-Mobile Arena and headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Videomatches two undefeated champions from different weight paths. Ramirez enters as the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion, while Benavidez arrives having built his position across two divisions. Their meeting on Cinco de Mayo weekend brings attention, but the expectation in Benavidez’s camp focuses on validation rather than celebration.
Benavidez himself acknowledged the importance of the moment and its role in his rise. “I feel like I’m about to be the face of boxing,” he said. “Now we’re going for two titles on May 2, and I’m very grateful.” His comments reinforced that he sees this fight as part of a larger climb to the sport’s top level.
Ramirez enters with confidence built on his cruiserweight championship run and long familiarity with Benavidez dating back to sparring sessions earlier in their careers. “I knew it would happen eventually,” Ramirez said. “Right now is the right moment at 200 pounds. We’re going to feel comfortable and be at our best.” His side sees the fight as a confirmation of his standing rather than an introduction.
The hierarchy surrounding the battle remains clear. Ramirez holds the belts, but the expectations placed on Benavidez go beyond winning a title. He is measured against the fighters who currently define the division. If he can’t clearly separate himself from Ramirez, the path to Bivol and Beterbiev becomes harder to justify.
Benavidez walks into the most important fight of his career with the burden of proof already defined by his own team, and that reality leaves little room for anything less than a convincing performance.
