David Benavidez delivered the biggest statement of his career Saturday night in Las Vegas.Fighting for the first time at cruiserweight, Benavidez overwhelmed Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirezover six rounds. Doing so, he captured the unified WBA and WBO titles and improved his record to 32-0.He is now the first boxer to win titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight, and cruiserweight.
Benavidez breaks Zurdo down round by round
Benavidez entered the fight below the 200-pound cruiserweight limit, but his punching power clearly carried up in weight. Despite giving up size against the naturally bigger Ramirez, Benavidez controlled the fight from the opening round. His speed immediately stood out.
Several exchanges left Ramirez visibly shaken as the challenger continued to press forward with relentless volume. Ramirez struggled to react as Benavidez fired off rapid combinations and repeatedly landed clean power shots upstairs.
Benavidez trapped Ramirez near the ropes and unloaded a barrage of punches that forced the defending champion to take a knee late in the round. Ramirez beat the count and showed toughness in the fifth, trading shots and trying to slow the pace.
Benavidez came out aggressively again in the sixth and targeted Ramirez’s damaged right eye. Another fast combination snapped Ramirez’s head back before a series of hooks forced him down for the second time in the fight. The swelling around Ramirez’s eye had become severe by that point.
When the referee checked on him, Ramirez waved the fight off, giving Benavidez the TKO victory. Ramirez was later taken to the hospital.
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Benavidez wastes no time calling out Canelo
Benavidez immediately shifted focus toward the fight boxing fans have wanted for years. With Canelo Alvarez sitting ringside in support of Jaime Munguia, Benavidez used his post-fight interview to once again challenge the Mexican superstar.
“I just want to give the fans what they want to see,”
“I’ve seen Canelo in the building. Let me just ask the fans this: Do you guys want to see Canelo vs. David Benavidez? [Crowd roars approval] Enough said. We can’t leave that fight on the table.”
Benavidez also made it clear he is comfortable defending titles in multiple divisions.
“I have respect for Canelo, who is a great champion, but I’m a great champion, too. Let’s do it!”
“I’m still champion at 175, I’m champion at 200 and 175. So, if they want to come get it at 175, let’s get it at 175!
He also made clear that if Canelo does not want to fight him, light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol should challenge him instead.
“Bivol is the number one on my hitlist.”