Boxing
Keys to Victory: Where will David Benavidez and Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez land major damage?
Benavidez vs. Zurdo: Watch on DAZN PPV - TONIGHT
David Benavidez has been every bit of a monster at super middleweight and light heavyweight.
Now, ‘The Mexican Monster’ tries his hand at a new division, challenging for Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez’ WBA and WBO unified cruiserweight world titles tonight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and live on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier.
The two have sparred numerous rounds together, making this Mexican showdown during Cinco de Mayo weekend all the more intriguing. Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) enters having defeated Yuniel Dorticos via unanimous decision in June, while Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) is coming off a seventh-round destruction of Anthony Yarde in November.
Will Benavidez dominate his way toward becoming a three-division world champion? Or will Ramirez find a way to put fright in a monster’s heart? With the anticipation soaring, DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory between Benavidez and ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
David Benavidez’ Keys to Victory
Pressure forward early
For a cruiserweight his size, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is quite sound at the sweet science and seemingly content in smoothly boxing his way to points victories.
To prevent that from being his fate, David Benavidez must pressure and fight forward against the unified cruiserweight world champion, forcing ‘Zurdo’ onto the back foot.
All Benavidez needs is a couple of punches landed in order to cut off the ring and dictate inside action against his longtime sparring partner.
Crank the volume up early
‘Zurdo’ Ramirez can be a bit of a stationary target at times, which should be an all-out invitation for Benavidez to crank his punching volume way up.
If Benavidez lands early, he ought to string together multiple-punch combinations in attempt to drag the champ through damaging, deep waters.
‘The Mexican Monster’ is already a relentless puncher. Turning up the heat against ‘Zurdo’ early might be Benavidez’ best route to become the first man to knock Ramirez out.
Work the body, head
Watch Benavidez work and every punch landed thuds with big impact. He’s not only winning fights, he’s beating opponents to a bloody pulp.
Part of Benavidez’ shot selection is making crunching deposits to the body, before whiplashing stiff hooks around opponents’ guards to swivel their jaws.
Effectively working the body and head with volume could have Benavidez leaving Las Vegas with two new titles in tow.
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez’ Keys to Victory
Fend Benavidez off with jab and footwork
As David Benavidez presses forward to cut off the ring and force phone booth action, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez should look to fend off that pressure with his jab. The unified cruiserweight world champion has a piston-like jab that he could aim upstairs or stab to Benavidez’ body with.
His agile footwork for a man his size should aid in diffusing Benavidez’ pressure as well.
Time Benavidez with a counter left hook
Each time Benavidez was dropped — against Ronald Gavril in September 2017 and David Morrell in February 2025 — it came via a flash knockdown.
If ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez can time Benavidez with a counter left hook, he too stands a solid chance at catching ‘The Mexican Monster’ off guard to make him taste the canvas.
The champ does not have the hand speed of Benavidez, but does possess deceptive hand speed, nonetheless. His counter left hook can make all the difference.
Be prepared to fight fire with fire
When pressed, Ramirez can drive his output up. Well, against Benavidez’ relentless punching style, ‘Zurdo’ might need to fight fire with fire and crank his volume up to an all-time high. Benavidez is so incessant with his fighting flow that Ramirez’ only recourse to retain the titles might be to drastically multiply his own output.
Benavidez vs. Zurdo on DAZN PPV
Watch David Benavidez versus Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on DAZN PPV this Saturday, May 2. Buy as a one-off PPV or get it included with the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which also includes the Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), Usyk vs. Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13), and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs without any extra one-off costs.
For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here .
