On May 2, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, David Benavidez achieved a significant milestone in boxing history by becoming the first boxer to hold titles in three different weight classes. He accomplished this by defeating Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, winning both the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
This victory was not just about titles; it was a decisive moment for Benavidez. He knocked Ramirez out in the sixth round, marking the first stoppage loss of Ramirez’s career. With this win, Benavidez improved his record to an impressive 32-0, including 26 knockouts. In contrast, Ramirez now holds a record of 48 wins and only two losses.
The implications of this fight extend beyond just numbers. For Benavidez, it solidifies his status as a top contender in boxing. After his victory, he called out Canelo Alvarez, asking fans if they wanted to see that highly anticipated fight. “I see Canelo in the building. Let me just ask the fans this. Do you guys want to see Canelo versus David Benavidez?” This bold statement indicates his readiness to challenge one of boxing’s biggest stars.
Yet, not all reactions have been positive. Boxing legend Mike Tyson expressed concern about Benavidez taking unnecessary shots during the fight. Despite this critique, Benavidez claimed he did not feel any significant power from Ramirez’s punches throughout their bout—an assertion that may raise eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Interestingly, Jaime Munguia also fought on the same card and won the WBA super middleweight title by defeating Armando Resendiz. This adds another layer of excitement to the current boxing landscape as multiple fighters are vying for recognition and championship belts.
As for what lies ahead for Benavidez, he has expressed willingness to return to 175 pounds for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez or even Dmitry Bivol. However, Terence Crawford congratulated him on social media after this victory but announced his retirement in December 2025, which makes a potential matchup unlikely.
This moment is pivotal for boxing as it reflects not only individual achievement but also sets up intriguing matchups that could change the sport’s dynamics. Will we see Benavidez face Canelo next? The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await developments.