Oscar De La Hoya has cast doubt over David Benavidez’s durability ahead of his high-stakes showdown with Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, which has prompted a sharp response from the unbeaten contender.
The two are set to collide on May 2 at the T-Mobile Arena, with Ramirez putting his WBA and WBO unified cruiserweight titles on the line in one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
Speaking ahead of the fight in an interview with Fight Hub TV, De La Hoya questioned Benavidez’s defensive qualities, despite acknowledging his high-output style. He casts a spell on the American’s power and chin.
“I’ve watched many Zurdo fights… but Benavidez throws a lot of punches,” De La Hoya said. “Doesn’t throw everything with power and he doesn’t really have a good chin.”
The comments add a layer of intrigue to the matchup, particularly given Benavidez’s aggressive, pressure-based approach.
David Benavidez responds with confidence and an accurate focus
Benavidez was asked about his thoughts on De La Hoya’s comments. He quickly dismissed the criticism and made it clear that he is focused on proving himself in the ring rather than engaging in verbal exchanges.
“He’s a fighter at the end of the day… I really don’t care,” Benavidez said. “I’m here to prove something else.”
The unbeaten American emphasized that his strengths go beyond raw power, pointing instead to his accuracy and volume punching.
“Accuracy and volume punches. I’m very accurate. I throw a lot and I mix it up very well.”
Benavidez revealed that he had previously sparred with Ramirez.
“This is against a fighter I’ve hurt before in sparring,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the difference between sparring and an official bout.
“This is 10 oz gloves. This is different.”
Benavidez also made it clear that he is not targeting just one area in the fight.
“I’m not just aiming for the chin… I’m aiming for the chin, the body, everything. I’m going to touch everything.”
Ramirez prepares to defend unified titles against Benavidez
Ramirez enters the contest as the reigning unified cruiserweight champion, bringing experience and durability into the bout. Meanwhile, for Benavidez, it’s known territory, as he is moving up in weight for this fight.
There are many unknowns for Benavidez in this bout, whether his power will translate and whether it will affect his cardio.
‘The Monster’ is entering the bout with a professional record of 31 wins, out of which 25 came via knockouts, which highlights his knockout power. On the other hand, the champion has secured 48 victories and 1 loss, with 30 coming via stoppage.
With titles on the line and both fighters carrying momentum, the bout promises to deliver a high-level contest at cruiserweight. ‘Zurdo’ has promised fans a great fight and suggested the fight could be a potential fight of the year.