Cinco de Mayo weekend, the Super Bowl of boxing, now belongs to newly-crowned unified WBA, WBO Cruiserweight World Champion, David “El Monstro” Benavidez.
In front of a raucous crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Benavidez dropped Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez twice, the second of which put him away at 2:59 of the sixth round in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video Saturday night.
Now a three-division world champion – and still the WBC titleholder at light heavyweight -- Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) was simply splendid against a respected two-division world champion. After a strong first round where Benavidez flashed his trademark blinding combinations, he switched stances in the second and was no less effective. When Ramirez (48-2, 30 KOs) led, he was countered. When he didn’t, Benavidez punished him with stiff jabs. And on the occasions when Ramirez pushed Benavidez toward the ropes, “El Monstro” slipped, rolled and parried the incoming.
"I knew I wasn't going to be able to overpower him because it was my first time coming up to 200lbs,” said Benavidez. “So, I knew I had to use the gifts that God gave me: speed, power, movement, punch selection and IQ. That's exactly what I did.”
The one-sided action continued in the fourth. With seconds left in the stanza, another blistering combination forced Ramirez to take a knee. He slowly beat the count and was saved a bell that rang soon as action resumed.
Ramirez showed gumption in the fifth, fighting back. Benavidez was on another plane. Another series of flurries hurt Ramirez again in the sixth. This time, Benavidez closed the show, pounding away until Ramirez succumbed the canvas a second time, this time for the full 10-count.
Benavidez, who moved up an astounding 25 pounds to challenge Ramirez, has now staked his claim as not only arguably the world’s best fighter, but a sure-fire future Hall of Famer.
"I just wanted to give [Ramirez] thanks for the opportunity,” said Benavidez. “I love Zurdo Ramirez. You know, we came up together. We came up sparring together. I got him ready for his world championship fights. He got me ready for my world championship fights. So, I just want to say I love Zurdo Ramirez, but, you know, it is what it is in here. There’s only one Monster.”
So, what is next for Benavidez? "I just want to give the fans what they want to see. I see Canelo is in the building. Let me just ask the fans this. Do you guys want to see Canelo versus David Benavidez? Enough said. That means we can’t leave that fight on the table. I have respect for Canelo. He’s a great champion. I’m a great champion, too. Let's do it.
"I'm still champion at 175. I’m champion at 175 and 200. So, if they want to come get it at 175, let’s get it at 175. Bivol is the number one on my hit list. He's a great competitor, great champion, but I'm a good champion, too. I just want to test myself every single fight.
"I don't care who it is, man. Nobody can fuck with me.”
Michael Bishop / Premier Boxing Champions