David Benavidez steps up in weight when he challenges unified cruiserweight world champion Zurdo Ramirez on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) faces Zurdo (48-1, 30 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena, with DAZN and Amazon Prime broadcasting the card on pay-per-view.
Benavidez is looking to become a three-division world champion, having previously reigned as super middleweight champion and is the current, reigning WBC light heavyweight titlist.
‘The Mexican Monster’ secured his first stoppage at light heavyweight in November, halting Anthony Yarde in the seventh round in Riyadh.
The undefeated 29-year-old plans to return for an undisputed title clash with Dmitry Bivol after facing Zurdo.
Ramirez, also a two-weight world champion, unified the division with a unanimous decision victory over Chris Billam-Smith in 2024, before retaining his titles by the same result against Yuniel Dorticos last June.
The 34-year-old Mexican has won four on the spin since a points defeat to the aforementioned Bivol.
Prediction: I’m expecting Benavidez’s size and speed to carry up to his new weight class and he should become the new champion by decision.
Resendiz defends title vs Munguia
Jose Armando Resendiz makes a first defence of his WBA super middleweight world title in all-Mexican showdown with former super welterweight champion, Jaime Munguia.
Resendiz (16-2, 11 KOs) was elevated from interim champion to full titlist, following Terence Crawford’s decision to relinquish his belt and retire.
The 27-year-old scored a shock split decision win over Caleb Plant last May to win the belt.
Munguia (45-2, 35 KOs) tested positive for a banned substance after beating Bruno Surace in their rematch last May, but was later cleared of any wrongdoing with the test failure adjudged to being caused from contamination.
Prediction: Munguia can become the new champion on points.
Duarte battles Fierro
In another likely all-Mexican war, Oscar Duarte faces Angel Fierro at super lightweight.
Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs) last fought in August, edging past Kenneth Sims Jr by majority decision.
The 30-year-old was supposed to have fought in February, but saw his scheduled world title fight against Richardson Hitchins cancelled on fight week, with Hitchins withdrawing through illness.
Fierro (23-4-2, 18 KOs) has only one won of his last four contests and was disqualified in his last outing in October against Abraham Cordero.
Prediction: Duarte can close in on a world title shot with a decision victory.
Remaining Undercard
Isaac Lucero (18-0, 14 KOs) can continue his unbeaten streak by stopping Ismael Flores (17-1-1, 12 KOs) to take the WBO NABO super welterweight title.
Daniel Blancas (14-0, 7 KOs) should also remain undefeated with a points victory over Raul Isaias Salomon Pantoja (16-3-1, 14 KOs) in their WBC USA super middleweight title battle.
Petr Khamukov (13-1, 6 KOs) should get back to winning ways with a decision win over Bernard Joseph (12-3-1, 5 KOs) at middleweight.
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In a clash of unbeaten light heavyweights, Juan Carrillo (14-0, 10 KOs) can outpoint Marlon Delgado (8-0, 6 KOs), while Julio Ocampo Hernandez (9-0, 5 KOs) should edge past Carlos Lewis (5-1, 3 KOs) at lightweight.
Super lightweight prospect, Javier Meza (5-0, 2 KOs) should snap the unbeaten record of Damonte Smith (3-0, 1 KO).
Lightweight prospect, Dylan Capetillo (1-0, 1 KO) can make it two straight professional wins by knockout against James William Pierce III (2-0, 2 KOs).
Jordan Palacios can mark his professional debut with a points win over Sean Waugh (1-0, 1 KO) at super lightweight.
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