Andreas Hale
Multiple Authors
LAS VEGAS — David Benavidez turned in a star-making performance with a brutal sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles at T-Mobile Arena.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) moved up to cruiserweight after winning world titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight and became a three-division world champion with a violent performance that proved he was worthy of the “Mexican Monster” nickname that Mike Tyson gave him.
Ramirez (48-2, 30 KOs) had previously tasted defeat only once in his career, dropping a wide decision to Dmitry Bivol in 2022 when he challenged for the WBA light heavyweight title. He had found success as a cruiserweight, winning four consecutive fights and becoming the unified champion with wins over Chris Billiam-Smith and Arsen Goulamirian. But he was no match for Benavidez and his superior hand speed.
Still, the way Benavidez dominated Ramirez was eye-opening. He consistently tore into his opponent with combinations, blasting Ramirez with punches that wowed the fans in attendance.
Benavidez and Ramirez were familiar with one another heading into their title fight. Benavidez was 19 when he helped him prepare for his fight with Arthur Abraham in 2016 and was said to have sparred close to 300 rounds with him. But sparring is far different than fighting, and Ramirez found that out the hard way, leaving the ring with what appeared to be a broken orbital bone from the punishment.
Benavidez stayed in close quarters with Ramirez from the opening bell, picking his spots and eventually showcasing the trademark hand speed that has been his calling card. By Round 4, Benavidez began potshotting with hooks and stunned Ramirez with an uppercut. Ramirez stumbled backward, and Benavidez gave chase, swarming him with a stunning series of punches that forced him to take a knee.
Ramirez steadied himself in Round 5, but Benavidez laid in wait for another opportunity to pounce. That opportunity came in the following round when Benavidez slammed a series of uppercuts into Ramirez. With under 30 seconds left, another violent combination staggered Ramirez, and one last salvo from Benavidez sank him for good. Ramirez’s eye began to immediately swell, and the fight was waved off at the 2:59 mark.
With the win, Benavidez could stay at cruiserweight but made it a point to call out former undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, who was ringside, and stake his claim for a fight with unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
Regardless of whom he faces next, Benavidez has proved to be one of the most — if not the most — exciting fighters in all of boxing with Saturday’s performance.
Leave a Reply