David “El Monstro” Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) is daring to be great by going up a division and challenging the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs).
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The 25-pound weight increase is the biggest weight increase between divisions. David seeks to capture championship gold in his third division. Fighting on Cinco De Mayo weekend, he aims to become the next Mexican superstar and take the reins from Canelo Alvarez, who’ll be in attendance to support stablemate Jaime Munguia. The co-main event will feature WBA super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz defending the title for the first time against Munguia.
Benavidez will seek to utilize 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 weren’t able to handle my speed. So I definitely know he’s going to have a problem handling my speed, but I’m not thinking about that. I’m just thinking about getting my combinations in there and inflict as much damage as possible.”
Having weighed in at 196.4 pounds, he’ll 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 acclimated to this weight, and how much of an advantage he holds in power remains to be seen. David has stated he did not have to cut weight like he normally does and feels stronger and faster in this division.
His father and trainer, Jose Benavidez, knows the challenges Gilberto poses, but they’ve prepared for him and are prepared to make the necessary in-ring adjustments to be successful. He believes the relentless pressure they’ll place on Zurdo will be too much and will stop him in the eighth or ninth round.
Jose says he noticed a significant difference in David this training camp. Stating he finally got his man strength, 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 may very well see Ramirez stopped for the first time in his career. Doing so will 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 performed great last November against Anthony Yarde, stopping him in the seventh round. Overwhelming him with speed and volume. He now seeks to seize the moment and give a career-defining performance on the grand stage of Cinco De Mayo weekend. He wants nothing more than to perform to expectations. He is focused and determined to give the fans a great show.
Last Updated on 2026/05/02 at 12:27 PM
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