David Benavidez delivered a statement finish in Las Vegas on May 2, knocking out unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in the sixth round to become a three-division world champion.
Benavidez dropped Ramirez in the fourth round, then floored him again in the final seconds of the sixth, with Ramirez unable to beat the count. The victory moved Benavidez to 32-0 with 26 knockouts, while Ramirez fell to 48-2.
“I knew I wasn't going to be able to out-power him, because it was my first time coming up to 200 (pounds),” Benavidez said. “So I knew I had to use the gifts that God gave me, speed, power, movement, punch selection and IQ. That's exactly what I did.”
Mike Tyson accompanied Benavidez on his ring walk for the main event of the Prime Video and DAZN pay-per-view card, which began at 7 p.m. CT with main event ring walks expected at approximately 11 p.m. CT. The event was priced at $79.99.
After the win, Benavidez turned his attention to a possible showdown with Canelo Alvarez, who attended the event in Las Vegas. “I see Canelo in the building. Let me just ask the fans this: Do you want to see Canelo vs. David Benavidez?” Benavidez said, later adding, “Enough said, that means that we can't leave that fight on the table. I've got respect for Canelo, he's a great champion, but I'm a great champion too. Let's do it.”
