MEXICO CITY – March 10, 2026 – The World Boxing Council witnessed a Martes de Café (“Coffee Tuesday”) like no other so far in 2026, as it welcomed undefeated two-division WBC champion David Benavídez and Unified WBA and WBO World Champion Gilberto Ramírez to Mexico City to talk about their upcoming bout, which will take place during Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, alongside their host WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and other boxing luminaries in Mexico City.
Benavidez, the current WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, requested and was granted permission to challenge for the WBA and WBO Cruiserweight titles held by Zurdo Ramirez, so they will meet under the bright lights for the first time on May 2 after having been sparring partners for a long time.
To commemorate this fight that puts the spotlight on this Mexican card, the WBC has created a special commemorative belt for the winner to hoist: the Tollan Tlatequi Belt, inspired by the culture of Hidalgo in the heart of Mexico.
“I am very happy with everything that has happened in my life. Sometimes the hardest lessons I had to learn were the ones that made me stronger,” Benavídez reflected. “I am proud of my accomplishments, but I don’t like to live in the past or dwell on them; there is still so much more I can achieve. By the time I’m done with boxing, there will always be room for more. I am very grateful to all of Mexico for welcoming me in such a beautiful and warm way. I felt right at home and hope to return soon. Many thanks to the WBC for making this possible.”
For his part, Ramírez commented: “The clash of styles will inevitably make this fight attractive. Benavidez is a pressure fighter who comes forward, so it will be a great battle. I respect him because I know him; we’ve shared a lot of time in the gym, and I know he is a very dedicated fighter—but I am going to win.”
“I’m grateful to be in Mexico for this press conference, and I appreciate the hospitality that always characterizes the WBC.”
Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the WBC, hosted the event and also presented WBC mini belts to Benavidez and Zurdo´s kids, stating that “this fight is one of unity. Zurdo’s world championships will be on the line, and Benavidez will enter the ring as the WBC Champion. This is a fight for the world and for Mexico, featuring two Mexican warriors who will leave their souls in the ring.”
For more information, visit https://wbcboxing.com/, follow us on Twitter @wbcboxeo and @wbcboxing, and on Instagram @wbcboxing.