Ramírez defends his crown against Benavídez – World Boxing Association

The T-Mobile Arena will once again take center stage this Saturday, May 2, as two of boxing’s most imposing figures collide for supremacy in the 200-pound division. Mazatlán’s Gilberto Ramírez will put his WBA cruiserweight super title on the line against the dangerous David Benavídez in a showdown that could determine the division’s true king.

Ramírez (47-1, 30 KOs) enters the bout looking to cement his legacy. The “Zurdo” made history by becoming the first Mexican fighter to win a world title at cruiserweight, and following his dominant victory over Arsen Goulamirian, he has proven his transition to the weight class is complete. Blending his trademark ring IQ with renewed physical strength, Ramírez has embraced the challenge ahead. “This is the fight the world wants to see, and I’m ready to show why I’m the champion,” he stated during the final press conference.

Meanwhile, Benavídez (29-0, 24 KOs) officially launches his campaign at cruiserweight with ambitions of becoming a two-division world champion. After years of dominance at 168 pounds, the “Mexican Monster” is moving up in search of greater challenges. True to his aggressive, come-forward style, Benavídez has made his intentions clear: “I respect Zurdo for what he’s accomplished, but on Saturday I’m going to prove my power carries to any division,” the undefeated Phoenix native told reporters.

This matchup presents a compelling contrast in styles. Ramírez will look to utilize his southpaw stance, superior reach, and mid-to-long-range boxing to neutralize Benavídez’s advances. Across the ring, the challenger will aim to impose a relentless pace, unleashing power combinations on the inside to break the champion down. The outcome may hinge on whether Benavídez can absorb the firepower of a natural cruiserweight—and whether Ramírez’s technique can withstand one of the sport’s most dangerous punchers.