David Benavidez Says He Will Face Zurdo Ramirez on Cinco De Mayo 2026

David Benavidez to Challenge Cruiserweight Zurdo Ramirez in All-Mexican War Cinco De Mayo 2026

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

 Riyadah, Saudi Arabia (November 25th, 2025)– In a post-fight dressing room interview immediately after defeating Anthony Yarde in defense of his World Light Heavyweight title, David Benavidez announced he will be fighting Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez for his World Cruiserweight title on May 3, 2026, as part of a Cinco de Mayo 2026 card, in an action packed All-Mexican war, the best possible Mexican matchup today short of Canelo Alvarez fighting either one of these combatants.

 Benavidez, 31-0 with 25 knockouts, Miami, Florida, age 28, 6’2″, the World Boxing Council World Light Heavyweight champion and a former WBC World Super Middleweight champion, fighting out of the orthodox stance with a 74 1/2 inches of reach, has fought his career between 164 and 180 pounds. Records indicate Benavidez has won two bouts above 175 pounds, a first-round knockout of Edgar Galvan in Tijuana in 2013, and a fourth-round knockout of Erick Revuelta in 2014 in Tijuana.

   Ramirez, 48-1 with 30 knockouts, a southpaw who currently holds the Super World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organisation World Cruiserweight titles, age 34, 6’2″ with a 75-inch reach, is also a former WBO World Super Middleweight champion, and has transitioned up in weight classes as Benavidez has. Ramirez has fought between 159 pounds (at his pro debut) to 199 ½ pounds in his last two titular defenses in 2024 and 2025.

 Real Combat Media’s early projection is that Benavidez will win by a 12-round unanimous decision against Ramirez.

 According to AI, David Benavidez is the clear betting favorite against Gilberto Ramirez. The fight is scheduled to take place on May 3, 2026, and is expected to be for the WBA Super and WBO cruiserweight titles. Current approximate odds from various sportsbooks for the agreed-upon bout, presented in both American and fractional formats, are as follows:

Moneyline Odds (Winner, as of November 24, 2025)

Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].