LAS VEGAS – April 27, 2026 – Undefeated two-division champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez will look to make history as he jumps up to the cruiserweight division to headline a stacked Cinco de Mayo weekend against unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video this Saturday, May 2 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The 29-year-old Benavidez can become the first fighter to win full world titles at 168, 175 and 200 pounds if he can grab the belts from Ramirez in a first-of-its-kind Mexico vs. Mexico matchup that will also serve as Benavidez’s first foray into the cruiserweight division.
“Continuing to move up and challenge world champions shows everyone that I’m serious about what I do, and that I believe in my skills 100%,” said Benavidez. “Making more history on May 2 would mean the world to me. At this point in my life, I just want to reach greatness. Winning these titles will definitely put me back in position to continue to push for more greatness. I’m just really happy with where I’m at in my career, and with all the risks I’m taking, because I believe it will all pay off when my career is all said and done.”
With this move up in weight, Benavidez plans to use the extra weight to his advantage, and combine newfound power with the speed and combination punching that’s made him so devastating at super middleweight and light heavyweight.
“I feel like this weight is definitely gonna help me,” said Benavidez. “Once you get to this weight, the punches are bigger. When you combine that power with my speed, I bring something to the cruiserweight division that hasn’t been seen since James Toney. My speed is superb and it’s just on a different level. This is gonna be the best David Benavidez that you see.”
Trained in Miami and then Las Vegas leading into May, Benavidez also explained how he’ll be entering this fight with no concerns about making weight for the first time and detailed how that will help him be at his best on May 2.
“My training camp hasn’t really changed, but this is the most stress-free I’ve ever been,” said Benavidez. “Training is always gonna be hard, but I got to the weight a week ago already. I’ve never been in a position where I don’t have to worry about the weight, and that’s gonna make me more dangerous.
“When you cut weight you’re running like seven miles every single day. Right now I don’t have to run at all. I don’t have to deplete myself, and I can use that extra energy in the fight.”
The reigning WBC and WBA champion at light heavyweight, Benavidez does believe that one day he’ll eventually try to make a run at a heavyweight title. However, that time is not now as his intent is still to go back to 175-pounds and unify all the titles.
“A heavyweight title would be great for my legacy, but I’m not interested in that right now,” said Benavidez. “If I go up to heavyweight, that will be later in my career. I want to go back down to 175 and win all the rest of the belts and reign there for a little bit. I definitely think heavyweight is in my future, but not right now.”
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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. ZURDO
Benavidez vs. Zurdo will see a first of its kind Mexico vs. Mexico duel between undefeated two-division world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, May 2 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Watch “Gloves Off: Benavidez vs Zurdo” ahead of fight night: Gloves Off: Full episode
The Cinco de Mayo Weekend lineup begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with more Mexico vs. Mexico attractions including WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía meeting in an explosive co-main event clash.
The action will also include top contenders going toe-to-toe as Oscar Duarte takes on Angel Fierro in a 10-round super lightweight bout, plus undefeated rising Mexican star Isaac “Puro México” Lucero meets hard-hitting Ismael Flores in an eight-round super welterweight tilt and unbeaten Mexican contenders Jorge Chavez and Jose “Tito” Sanchez face off in a 10-round super bantamweight opening attraction.
The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Boxing in association with TGB Promotions. Reséndiz vs. Munguia is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Zanfer Boxing Promotions. Duarte vs. Fierro is promoted in association with Cancun Boxing and BXSTRS.
In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com.
For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezZurdo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @GoldenBoyBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @GoldenBoy, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy
