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Can David Benavidez seize three-weight immortality in Zurdo Ramirez showdown?
David Benavidez has a chance to make history on tonight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas when he moves up to challenge Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles live on DAZN PPV.
A victory over the unified cruiserweight champion will make Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) a three-division world champion. But the overarching question is whether Benavidez can successfully move up nearly 25 pounds from light heavyweight to achieve immortality?
If you are thinking with your heart and just looking at their respective resumes, and that's it, the natural reaction would be Benavidez in a blowout. There's more nuance to it than meets the eye. Ramirez cannot be overlooked in the slightest bit.
For starters, Benavidez and Ramirez, according to the latter, told DAZN News they sparred between 100 and 200 rounds between the ages of 17 and 23. Benavide admitted he gained information from those sessions and hasn't forgotten about them whatsoever.
Probably good, a hundred rounds, a hundred or 150 rounds," Benavidez admitted to DAZN News. "When I first worked with him, I was 17 years old. I was his main sparring partner for when he fought Arthur Abraham. Sparred him for that whole training camp. And I sparred with him for multiple training camps after that.
"The last time I sparred with him, I was 23. But for me, the fighter I am, I always retained the information I learned from the fighter."
Intriguing styles make for classic between Benavidez and Zurdo
Watch: Tactical breakdown of both fighters
The same argument can be made regarding Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs). Going at it for that many rounds is something that stays ingrained in your brain. It may be minuscule, but that small bit of information could be the thing to propel "Zurdo" to spring the upset.
Another factor is that it is a new weight class for Benavidez. He's never fought at cruiserweight. Jumping from super middleweight to light heavyweight is only a seven-pound difference. Now, Benavidez will be going up 25 pounds.
How will that play a factor in the fight? Benavidez told us it won't be a big deal as he already is under the weight limit, has extra energy, and it's just been about building muscle throughout camp.
Ramirez has the advantage in that he's competed four times at cruiserweight and dominated every contest thus far. He's used to the weight, fights better at this division and is more dangerous than in his previous stops at 168 and 175 pounds.
A key factor is how Ramirez handles the moment against the most notable foe and toughest fight of his career. Remember, his lone defeat came at 175 when he challenged WBA champion Dmitry Bivol in November 2022. Bivol dominated from start to finish for a lopsided decision win.
Yes, that will be just short of three-and-a-half years ago on fight night, and this is a new weight class. But some fighters cannot handle the bright lights in the brightest moments.
Benavidez has been there. He's wiped out Demetrius Andrade, Caleb Plant, and David Morrell. No light is too bright for the "Mexican Monster."
The opportunity to achieve a historic feat is right in front of Benavidez. At the end of the day, it's up to Benavidez to rise to the occasion. No one else can do the boxing for him. All that's standing in the way is a 6′ 2½″ Zurdo Ramirez, who is looking to cement his own legacy and erase the horror of the Bivol fight.
Benavidez vs. Zurdo on DAZN PPV
Watch David Benavidez versus Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on DAZN PPV this Saturday, May 2. Buy as a one-off PPV or get it included with the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which also includes the Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), Usyk vs. Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13), and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs without any extra one-off costs.
For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here.
