David Benavidez is poised to make another leap in weight and ambition, with sources confirming he is set to challenge WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on May 2 in Las Vegas. The bout is expected to take place at T-Mobile Arena and would mark Benavidez’s first fight at cruiserweight.
Benavidez would be aiming to become a three-division world champion after previously holding titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight. The 29-year-old last fought in November, when he retained his WBC light heavyweight title with a seventh-round stoppage of Anthony Yarde. Shortly after that victory, Benavidez publicly identified Ramirez as his desired next opponent.
Ramirez enters the matchup riding strong form at cruiserweight. He defended his WBA and WBO titles in June with a unanimous decision win over Yuniel Dorticos. Since moving up from light heavyweight, Ramirez has won four consecutive fights, with his lone career defeat coming via unanimous decision to Dmitry Bivol in a 2022 title challenge.
Beyond titles, the fight also carries symbolic weight. Benavidez has stated his intention to claim major boxing weekends traditionally associated with Canelo Alvarez, including Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day.
If finalized, Benavidez vs. Ramirez would pit two unbeaten champions across weight classes in one of the most significant cruiserweight fights in recent years.
Image Credit: Queensberry Promotions