David ‘El Monstro’ Benavidez made history on Saturday night when he JUMPED UP 25lbs in weight class to take on WBA & WBO world cruiserweight champ Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez as part of Premier Boxing Champions and Golden Boy Promotions ‘CINCO DE MAYO’ weekend DUBBED the ‘Super Bowl of Boxing’ and STOPPED the reigning champion in just 6 rounds to become a 3 weight world CHAMPION.
The Las Vegas crowd were treated to a MASTERCLASS as Benavidez DROPPED Zurdo twice and dispatching him at 2.59 of the 6th round when the ref counted Zurdo out.
Benavidez 32-0, 26 KO’s is still WBC light-heavyweight champion but simply outclassed the 2 weight world champion. After a CRACKING first round where Benavidez put on a display of his lightening combinations, he switched stances in the second and was no less effective. When Ramirez 48-2, 30 KO’s came forward, he was countered. When he didn’t, Benavidez punished him with stiff jabs. And on the occasions when Ramirez pushed Benavidez toward the ropes, “El Monstro” slipped, rolled and parried the incoming.
The one sided action continued in round 4 and with just seconds remaining in the round, another TRADEMARK COMBO forced Ramirez to take a knee. He slowly beat the count as the bell saved him for the end of the round.
Ramirez showed his pedigree in the 5th, fighting back, but Benavidez was on another level. More big flurries of punches hurt Ramirez again in the 6th. This time, Benavidez closed in on VICTORY, pummeling until Ramirez who went down for the second time and got counted out.
Speaking after the fight Benavidez said “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to overpower him because it was my first time coming up to 200lbs,”
“So, I knew I had to use the gifts that God gave me: speed, power, movement, punch selection and IQ. That’s exactly what I did.”
“I just wanted to give [Ramirez] thanks for the opportunity,” said Benavidez. “I love Zurdo Ramirez. You know, we came up together. We came up sparring together. I got him ready for his world championship fights. He got me ready for my world championship fights. So, I just want to say I love Zurdo Ramirez, but, you know, it is what it is in here. There’s only one Monster.”
So, what is next for Benavidez? “I just want to give the fans what they want to see. I see Canelo is in the building. Let me just ask the fans this. Do you guys want to see Canelo versus David Benavidez? Enough said. That means we can’t leave that fight on the table. I have respect for Canelo. He’s a great champion. I’m a great champion, too. Let’s do it.
“I’m still champion at 175. I’m champion at 175 and 200. So, if they want to come get it at 175, let’s get it at 175. Bivol is the number one on my hit list. He’s a great competitor, great champion, but I’m a good champion, too. I just want to test myself every single fight.
“I don’t care who it is, man. Nobody can f**k with me.”
In the co-main event Jaime Munguia 46-2, 35 KO’s beat Armando “Toro” Resendiz 16-3, 11 KO’s on points 120-108, 119-109 and 117-111 to take the WBA world super-middleweight title by unanimous decision.
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