David “El Monstro” Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) dares to be great by moving up a division and challenging unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs).
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The 25-pound weight gain is the largest weight gain between divisions. David aims to win championship gold in his third division. Fighting on the Cinco De Mayo weekend, he aims to become the next Mexican superstar and take the reins from Canelo Alvarez, who will be in attendance to support stablemate Jaime Munguia. The co-main event will feature WBA super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz making his first title defense against Munguia.
Benavidez will look to use his strengths to his advantage. When asked how Zurdo will manage his speed and volume, Benavidez said, “I don’t think he’ll be able to handle it to be honest with you. People at 168 and 175 couldn’t handle my speed. So I definitely know he’s going to have a problem handling my speed, but I don’t think about that. I just think about getting as much damage as possible and getting in my combination.”
After weighing 196.4 pounds, he will be the smaller man. Zurdo weighed 3.6 pounds heavier at an even 200. This is Ramirez’s fifth fight as a cruiserweight, and he holds the divisional experience. He is used to this weight, and how much of an advantage he has in power remains to be seen. David said he didn’t have to cut weight like he usually does and felt stronger and faster in this division.
His father and trainer, Jose Benavidez, know the challenges Gilberto poses, but they have prepared for him and are willing to make the necessary adjustments in the ring to be successful. He believes the relentless pressure they will put on Zurdo will be too much and will stop him in the eighth or ninth round.
Jose says he has noticed a significant difference in David this training camp. He said he finally got his man power, although late at the age of 29, he said he felt stronger than ever. Jose believes the speed and power will overwhelm Zurdo, and he won’t be able to handle it.
If Jose’s assessment of David’s power is true, we could very well see Ramirez get stopped for the first time in his career. Doing so would be monumental. The biggest question for David is how will he perform at this weight? Punch resistance will be key; if he can absorb Zurdo’s punches well, he will be able to follow his game plan and apply the pressure.
He did excellent against Anthony Yarde last November, stopping him in the seventh round. Overwhelm him with speed and volume. He now aims to seize the moment and deliver a career-defining performance on the big stage of Cinco De Mayo weekend. He wants nothing more than to perform according to expectations. He is focused and determined to give the fans a great show.
Last updated on 2026/05/02 at 12:27
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