After defeating Anthony Yarde, David Benavidez was set to fight Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Everything seemed to be the next step, but everything took an unexpected turn when he announced that his next fight will be against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez on May 2, 2026.
Golden Boy made the news of the fight official.
I have news for you. On May 2, me against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. I’m going to move up to cruiserweight to challenge him for his title
Ramirez’s unified cruiserweight title,
as he is the current champion by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Fully aware that he will undergo arduous training to obtain the mandatory weigh-in, Benavidez is confident and already sees himself as the winner:
“Of course I will win,”
he said. He is so motivated that he ventures to predict the triumph of his corner.
warns that he will be the winner.
I’m excited for this fight, it’s something I’ve been aiming for years. It will be the classic war between Mexican and Mexican-American. I know David and his team, I’ve shared gym and ring with them in the past. They are great people, but business is business and in May I will raise my arm
Boxing’s toughest challenge
Jumping from light heavyweight to cruiserweight is the biggest and most complex in boxing. Benavidez will undergo relentless training with a physically and mentally intense camp to avoid any possibility of a withdrawal. That is why the news has caused such an impact.
The transition between these two categories is not common, nor is it easy.
Canelo should be careful
Benavidez could have stolen the spotlight from Canelo Alvarez
in the Cinco de Mayo week, since his fight was scheduled for the weekend of May 2. This date has been traditional, emblematic and exclusive to the Mexican, but in 2026 this story may change.
Be careful! Because if Benavidez defeats Ramirez,
he would be becoming the next big picture in boxing that would set the agenda for his next big fights against big opponents in Cinco de Mayo week.
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