LAS VEGAS – February 23, 2026 – Undefeated two-division world champion David Benavidez will move up in weight to challenge Mexico’s first cruiserweight world champion, unified WBA and WBO king Gilberto Ramirez, in a historic Mexico vs. Mexico showdown on Saturday, May 2 at T-Mobile Arena.
The clash headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video during Cinco de Mayo Weekend in Las Vegas.
This marks the first Mexico vs. Mexico world championship fight to take place above 168 pounds. Between them, “El Monstro” and “Zurdo” carry a combined record of 79-1 with 55 knockouts, promising fireworks on one of boxing’s biggest stages.
In addition to Prime Video (available regardless of Prime membership), fans can access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite providers.
Ticket Information
- Pre-sale: Tuesday, February 24 (10 a.m. PT – 10 p.m. PT) via AXS.com using codes PBC or GBP
- Public On-Sale: Wednesday, February 25 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com
- Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions.
Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, emphasized the explosive potential of the matchup.
“I’m really excited about Cinco de Mayo weekend this year,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “These guys have 55 knockouts between them. They’re not gonna bore the crowd. They’re gonna put on a show. They’re technicians, but they’re fighters. The pressure is on. Cinco de Mayo is a date where people expect fireworks and that’s exactly what we will get.”
Sampson Lewkowicz echoed the sentiment.
“This is going to be a special Cinco de Mayo,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “I’m thankful that we’ve come together to make a great show and many more in the future. This is going to be one of the best shows that money can buy. Benavidez is taking his own way to become the best of the best. He’s not going to wait around for any challenger or champion. I want to thank ‘Zurdo’ for stepping up, because this is the fight.”
Already the youngest 168-pound champion in boxing history and the reigning WBC and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion, Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) now seeks a world title in a third division.
The 29-year-old Phoenix native has dominated elite opposition in recent years. In 2025, he defeated unbeaten rival David Morrell Jr. to add the WBA belt to the WBC title he captured from Oleksandr Gvozdyk. His 2023 campaign included a grudge-match victory over Caleb Plant and a sixth-round stoppage of Demetrius Andrade. Most recently, he stopped Anthony Yarde in seven rounds.
Benavidez reflected on the magnitude of this opportunity:
“This is something I’ve been working toward for a long time,” said Benavidez. “We’ve had so many great sparring sessions and I told Zurdo then, we’ll have to do this on pay-per-view one day. Now we’re going for two titles on May 2 and I’m very grateful…I’m gonna go in there and leave everything in the ring. I’m making sure I’m doing extra reps with anything and everything I do. That’s just the way I fight. I want to earn the fans respect and go in there and put on a great fight…I want to make my own lane and achieve greatness.”
His father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr., added:
“David Benavidez doesn’t just have to win, he has to show out to prove he can go after the Bivols and Beterbievs. This is gonna be an explosive fight. I want to thank all the Mexican people for all their love and support. David Benavidez is showing he truly is the Mexican Monster. Be there on May 2. A new era will begin. The era of the Mexican Monster.”
Ramirez Looks to Defend Cruiserweight Throne
Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs), a native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, became Mexico’s first cruiserweight world champion in March 2024 by defeating Arsen Goulamirian for the WBA title. He later unified the division with a win over Chris Billiam-Smith for the WBO belt and further cemented his status by defeating Yuniel Dorticos.
Previously, Ramirez enjoyed a dominant run as WBO Super Middleweight Champion, beginning with his 2016 victory over Arthur Abraham. His lone career loss came against Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Ramirez welcomes the challenge.
“I’m so glad to be here to make a huge fight for May 2,” said Ramirez. “Don’t miss this fight. I know Team Benavidez, they actually helped me a lot for my first world title fight. We’re gonna make this an exciting fight. At the end of the day, the titles are staying with Zurdo…I just want to be the best. I want to fight the best and he’s one of the best. I just want to give the fans who love this sport the best fights.”
Trainer Julian Chua emphasized the magnitude of the event:
“I can’t say how much of an honor it is to be a part of Cinco de Mayo weekend. The heritage of Mexican boxing built this sport…Neither team is too big into talking, and there won’t be a need for it. I’ve seen them sparring up close, and those rounds were all pay-per-view worthy. Now you layer on that it’s a real fight, the competitive nature that brought them both to where they are today, at its peak form, it will be there.”
A Defining Night for Mexican Boxing
Cinco de Mayo Weekend has long delivered legendary fights, but Benavidez vs. Ramirez raises the bar — a rare all-Mexican world title clash above super middleweight with legacy implications on both sides.
On May 2 in Las Vegas, two champions will step into the ring. Only one will leave as the defining force of a new era.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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