David Benavidez delivered a statement performance against Gilberto Ramirez, and the victory has already shifted opinions across the boxing world. One of the most notable reactions came from Oscar De La Hoya, who had previously raised questions about Benavidez’s abilities.
Benavidez moved up from light heavyweight to cruiserweight for the bout against Ramirez. The bout took place at T-Mobile Arena on May 2.
Before the fight, De La Hoya openly questioned Benavidez’s defensive skills, power consistency, and durability, given that he was moving up and taking on a bigger opponent. As Ramirez’s promoter, he backed his fighter heading into the bout and believed there were areas ‘The Monster’ could be exposed.
However, the outcome told a very different story.
De La Hoya praises Benavidez
Following the fight, speaking on ‘Fight Hub TV, ‘ De La Hoya offered a completely different assessment. Watching from ringside, he was quick to acknowledge Benavidez’s dominance and relentless style.
“Beautiful. The buzzsaw of Benavidez, punches in bunches, and the only shot that Zurdo had was to throw a punch right in the centre. The speed was too much, Benavidez was too much, The Monster is here for a long time. Very proud of him.”
What was once criticism turned into praise after Benavidez backed up his reputation inside the ring.
De La Hoya’s change in stance highlights just how convincing Benavidez’s performance was.
Benavidez started strong as the bell rang. His hand speed was superior and fast, as came from a lower weight class, though his power punches were telling a different story altogether.
He pieced Ramirez with each passing round. A significant moment came when ‘Zurdo’ couldn’t keep up with beating and took a knee in the fourth round.
‘The Monster’ finished Ramirez in the sixth round by loading a flurry of hooks that shut down Ramirez’s right eye. He took a knee, the referee started the countdown, but he gave up before the ten-countdown.
What’s next for Benavidez
With the victory, Benavidez captured the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles and extended his professional record to 32 victories.
The newly crowned cruiserweight champion etched his name in boxing history as the first to win major titles in 168, 175, and 200 pounds.
With the statement victory, the door has opened for many high-level opponents next. Benavidez has called out Canelo Alvarez, who was in the building to support Jaime Munguia, who was fighting on the undercard.
He has also shown interest in Dmitry Bivol’s fight, who is set to defend his titles against Michael Eifert at UMMC Arena Ekaterinburg on May 30.
‘The Monster’ has expressed a desire to get in the ring against Jai Opetaia; however, the Australian has signed a contract with Dana White’s new boxing venture, Zuffa Boxing, which has complicated the whole scene.