David Benavidez vows ‘Mexican Monster' performance against Zurdo Ramirez

David Benavidez says he’s ready to fight through fire when he challenges Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the WBO cruiserweight title Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Benavidez, who has won titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight, spent five months in camp preparing for Ramirez — a former sparring partner he still considers a friend. “I’m very excited for this. I’ve been training extremely hard,” Benavidez told reporters Thursday, per Bad Left Hook. “With that being said, it’s time to go to war. And when David Benavidez goes to war, he doesn’t shy away from anything.”

Third title would elevate legacy

The bout headlines Cinco de Mayo weekend, a first for both fighters. Benavidez said capturing a third divisional belt would separate him from the pack. “That just catapults me into the same category as the greats,” he said, per Bad Left Hook. “You know, it’s very hard to become world champion in two weight classes. So, three weight classes would put me in the same conversations as the greats.”

Ramirez holds belts at super middleweight and cruiserweight, making the matchup a collision of Mexican two-division champions. Benavidez acknowledged their shared history — the two logged rounds together in sparring years ago — but said he expects Ramirez to bring everything on fight night. “When I see the fire, I put myself in the fire to get the best version out of myself, and I’m not scared of nobody,” he said. “You guys will see what the Mexican Monster is made of.”

The pay-per-view card airs on DAZN and Prime Video, with the main event scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Prelims begin at 5:30 p.m. ET and will be available free on both platforms. The undercard features Armando Resendiz defending his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia.

Original reporting:

• badlefthook.com — ‘Time to go to war’: David Benavidez fearless ahead of Zurdo challenge | Bad Left Hook
• badlefthook.com — How to watch Benavidez vs Zurdo: Start time, streaming and TV | Bad Left Hook