They are both aware of the history of the legendary Mexican fighters of the past who fought on the memorable weekend date. They are now trying to create their legacy and give fans a fight for the ages.
Benavidez spoke about the importance of a fight on the Cinco De Mayo weekend, “For the entire history of the Cinco De Mayo fights, it has been great fighters like Oscar (De La Hoya), Julio Cesar Chavez, who have had great fights.
Not only were they great battles, but they were also wars because they were associated battles. They did not take on any easy battles. It’s symbolic what it symbolizes, May 5, symbolizes two warriors, and now it’s more special because it’s two Mexican warriors going for a title.”
There are many who believe the winner of this match will be the face of Mexican boxing and eventually take the throne from Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
These fighters have a history together and have sparred with each other several times. Nothing more memorable than when Benavidez helped Ramirez prepare for his first career championship against Arthur Abraham.
Those who saw those sparring sessions say they were pay-per-view worthy rounds. They knew then that they would eventually meet in the ring, but did not expect it to be in cruiserweight. At this weight, both fighters feel more comfortable in terms of not having to cut as much weight.
When asked who would have the power advantage at this weight, Zurdo said, “I believe it’s the same. It’s not an advantage or a disadvantage; he just feels more comfortable with his body (at this weight). I believe that’s why he feels ready to move up in division.”
Those sparring sessions were at an open weight, which is very similar to the cruiserweight level they will be fighting in on fight night.
This will be Gilberto’s fifth fight at cruiserweight, a division in which he is undefeated. His only loss was to Dmitri Bivol at light heavyweight. A fight, Zurdo says, helped him grow and develop as a fighter.
David also has familiarity with Bivol, having had many sparring sessions with him in which he feels he has outwitted him. He would like to fight him in the ring for the titles, but did not want to wait for Bivol to be ready. Instead, he chose to move up and strive for greatness.
“There was nothing else for me at 175 right now. I could have sat on the sidelines and waited and waited for Bivol to have his tune-up and then another fight, but like I said, I’m not interested in that. I’ve been professional for 13 years … I wanted to get the biggest fights possible. I’ve been denied a couple of times. Benavidez from moving up in weight class.
Of all the Mexican fights of the past, this will be the first Cinco De Mayo bout at cruiserweight, and it should be a great one between two Mexican warriors.
 moves up another weight class in hopes of obtaining another world title to become a){kind=link}