David Benavidez achieved a remarkable milestone on May 2, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas by becoming the first boxer to hold titles in three different weight classes. He secured this historic victory by defeating Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, winning the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
Benavidez delivered a stunning performance, knocking out Ramirez in the sixth round. This victory marked the first stoppage loss of Ramirez’s career, significantly altering the landscape of boxing. With this win, Benavidez improved his record to 32-0, including 26 knockouts, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the sport.
Following his victory, Benavidez immediately called out Canelo Alvarez, asking fans if they wanted to see a fight between them. He expressed willingness to drop back down to 175 pounds for this potential matchup, indicating his ambition to unify titles and further cement his legacy.
Meanwhile, Ramirez was taken to a hospital for a head scan after the fight. Reports indicate he was in good spirits despite suffering a swollen eye. His record now stands at 48 wins with 2 losses, including 30 knockouts.
On another front, Jaime Munguia also competed on the same card, winning the WBA super middleweight title against Armando Resendiz. This event showcased not only Benavidez’s achievement but also highlighted emerging talents in boxing.
Experts are weighing in on Benavidez’s performance. Mike Tyson raised concerns about him taking unnecessary shots during the fight, though Benavidez claimed he did not feel any significant power from Ramirez’s punches. This discrepancy raises questions about future strategies as he aims for higher-profile bouts.
Terence Crawford congratulated Benavidez on social media after the fight, acknowledging his accomplishment. However, Crawford’s recent retirement in December 2025 complicates any potential future matchups between them.
The next steps for Benavidez include pursuing fights with either Canelo Alvarez or Dmitry Bivol, both of whom represent significant challenges and opportunities for further championship glory.
