David Benavidez delivered a devastating performance on Saturday night, dismantling Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez with a breathtaking combination to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Benavidez Dominates from Early Rounds
The 29-year-old American dropped Ramirez in the fourth round with a powerful left hook that also caused significant damage to his eye. Despite being saved by the bell, Ramirez struggled to recover and was again floored in the sixth round after Benavidez unleashed a rapid eight-punch combination. The Mexican southpaw sank to one knee and shook his head when the referee reached the count of eight, prompting a jubilant celebration from Benavidez.
A Three-Weight World Champion
With this victory, Benavidez improved his professional record to 32-0 with 26 knockouts and became a three-weight world champion, having previously held titles at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight. For Ramirez, the defeat was only his second in 50 fights, following a points loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Benavidez had long been chasing a fight with Canelo Alvarez but moved up in weight after failing to secure that bout. He now has his sights set on Bivol, though the former undisputed champion is currently scheduled to face Michael Eifert on 30 May and may then engage in a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev.
The win solidifies Benavidez’s status as one of the sport’s elite talents, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move in the cruiserweight division.
