Benavidez Stops Ramirez in Sixth, Captures Cruiserweight Titles and Makes History

Key facts

• David Benavidez defeated Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez via sixth-round TKO at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 2.
• Benavidez dropped Ramirez in the fourth round with a left hook and again in the sixth with an eight-punch combination.
• Benavidez improved to 32-0 with 26 KOs, becoming a three-division world champion.
• Ramirez fell to 48-2, with his only previous loss a 2022 points defeat to Dmitry Bivol.
• Benavidez captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, adding to his previous reigns at super middleweight and light heavyweight.
• Benavidez is the only boxer in history to hold world titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight.
• Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the fight at 2:59 of the sixth round after Ramirez shook his head at the count of eight.

A Dominant Display Ends With a Devastating Combination

David Benavidez overwhelmed Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on Saturday night, stopping the Mexican southpaw in the sixth round to win the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old dropped Ramirez twice, first with a left hook in the fourth round that badly damaged his right eye, and then with a blistering eight-punch combination in the sixth that left Ramirez on one knee, shaking his head at referee Thomas Taylor when the count reached eight. Benavidez, known for his rapid-fire flurries, mixed single heavy shots with sustained barrages throughout the fight. In the fourth, he backed Ramirez against the ropes and unleashed a series of punches, culminating in a left hook that sent Ramirez to the canvas. Ramirez survived the round thanks to the bell, but his right eye was visibly swollen by the fifth. In the sixth, Benavidez fought off the ropes and dug a right hook to the body before unleashing a rapid combination — a left hook, a right, and two more of each — that froze Ramirez. The 34-year-old retreated, holding a glove over his damaged eye, and sank to a knee. Benavidez refrained from adding unnecessary blows as Ramirez signaled he could not continue.

Benavidez Makes History as a Three-Weight World Champion

With the victory, Benavidez improved to 32-0 with 26 knockouts and became the first boxer in history to hold world titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He had previously reigned as WBC super middleweight champion and WBC light heavyweight champion before moving up 25 pounds to challenge Ramirez for the cruiserweight straps. Benavidez’s hand speed carried over to the higher weight class, posing significant problems for Ramirez from the opening bell. He forced Ramirez backward with rights down the middle in the first round, and while Ramirez had success at close range in the second, Benavidez’s left hook landed with frequency. Ramirez’s pressure and front-foot approach led to a strong fourth round until the late knockdown, after which he was on borrowed time. Ramirez, now 48-2 with 30 KOs, tasted defeat for just the second time, following his 2022 unanimous decision loss to Dmitry Bivol. The former champion’s right eye was nearly shut by the sixth round, and he increased his intensity in a desperate bid to turn the fight, but Benavidez’s accuracy and volume proved overwhelming.

A Postfight Callout to Canelo Alvarez Ignites the Crowd

In his postfight interview with Jim Gray, Benavidez directly addressed the crowd, asking, 'Do you guys want to see Canelo vs. David Benavidez?' The Las Vegas audience cheered in response. 'Enough said,' Benavidez replied. 'That means we can’t leave that fight on the table.' Alvarez, who was in attendance to watch training partner Jaime Munguia fight in the co-main event, reportedly left before Benavidez’s main event. Earlier on the Cinco de Mayo weekend broadcast, Alvarez’s name had been heavily booed. During the livestream, Alvarez told Jim Gray he had agreed to fight WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in September. Benavidez acknowledged Alvarez’s achievements but made his case. 'I have respect for Canelo. He’s a great champion. But I’m a great champion too. Let’s do it,' he said. The potential matchup has been a subject of speculation for years, with Benavidez expressing frustration at failing to secure the fight, which led him to move up in weight.

Bivol and Beterbiev Loom as Future Options

Before targeting Alvarez, Benavidez had set his sights on Dmitry Bivol during his recent run at light heavyweight. Bivol, the former undisputed champion, is currently tied up with a fight against Michael Eifert on May 30 and then likely a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez’s victory over Ramirez positions him as a potential challenger for the winner of those bouts. Benavidez entered the fight as Uncrowned’s No. 7 pound-for-pound boxer and has now solidified his standing as one of the sport’s elite. His ability to carry power and speed up to cruiserweight suggests he could be a force in the division, though a return to light heavyweight to face Bivol or Beterbiev remains a possibility. The win also keeps Benavidez unbeaten and extends his knockout streak, with 26 of his 32 wins coming inside the distance. His performance has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greats, and he has positioned himself as a potential new face of North American boxing.

A Night of High Stakes and Historic Achievement

The main event was part of a Cinco de Mayo weekend card that also featured Jaime Munguia’s unanimous decision victory over Armando Resendiz for the WBA super middleweight title. Munguia won by scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108. The co-main event underscored the depth of the card, but it was Benavidez’s performance that dominated the conversation. Benavidez’s victory was not just a win but a statement. He had proclaimed before the fight that this is his era and he is the new face of boxing. While that claim may remain in dispute, his skill and electricity as a boxer are undeniable. The T-Mobile Arena crowd, initially receptive to the idea of a Benavidez-Alvarez fight, left with a clear sense that they had witnessed a historic performance. Ramirez, for his part, showed heart by battling through the fifth round after the first knockdown, but the damage to his eye and Benavidez’s relentless pressure proved too much. The defeat marks a significant setback for the former champion, who will need to regroup if he hopes to challenge for titles again.

The bottom line

• David Benavidez stopped Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez in the sixth round to win the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, becoming the first boxer to hold world titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight.
• Benavidez improved to 32-0 with 26 KOs and called out Canelo Alvarez after the fight, though Alvarez has reportedly agreed to face Christian Mbilli in September.
• Ramirez fell to 48-2 with his second career loss, both defeats coming by decision or stoppage against elite opposition.
• Benavidez’s hand speed and power carried up to cruiserweight, suggesting he could be a dominant force in the division or a future challenger at light heavyweight.
• The fight took place on Cinco de Mayo weekend at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with a co-main event featuring Jaime Munguia’s unanimous decision win over Armando Resendiz.
• Benavidez’s victory positions him as a potential new face of North American boxing, with options ranging from a showdown with Canelo Alvarez to a move back down to light heavyweight for fights with Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev.