David Benavidez eyes history in Cinco de Mayo clash with cruiserweight champ Gilberto Ramirez
LAS VEGAS (AP) — In David Benavidez's perfect world, he would be preparing for a Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown Saturday against Canelo Alvarez, the big-name fighter “The Mexican Monster” pursued only to be repeatedly rebuffed. Benavidez almost certainly won't ever see his dream come true of facing Alvarez, a reality he and many boxing fans have begrudgingly accepted. Maybe it doesn't matter anymore after Canelo was soundly beaten by Terence Crawford last September for the unified super middleweight title.
But that doesn't make what's set to take place this weekend any less worthy for Benavidez. The Phoenix native and Miami resident could make history by becoming the first champion at 168, 175 and 200 pounds if he beats WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. “A win on Saturday lets me know that I’m fulfilling my destiny," Benavidez said.
“I know that I’m going to be an all-time great when it’s all said and done. I’m just going to continue showing everyone that I’m the best in the world. ” Benavidez (31-0, 25 knockouts) is a substantial -450 favorite win those belts and remain undefeated.
But Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) is more than a capable boxer, and he isn't the one moving up 25 pounds to take on the reigning champion. “I’ve been training extremely hard," Benavidez said. "I’ve got five months in this training camp because I knew Zurdo Ramirez is a great fighter.
He’s a great champion. I know he’s going to come to fight. ” Both fighters showed enormous respect toward each other, acknowledging the other's abilities and not disparaging each other.