Noel Mikaelian, World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight champion, chose Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez as his favorite to win the super fight he will headline against David Benavidez in May 2026.

Speaking to the press after his victory over Badou Jack, Mikaelian expressed that Zurdo Ramirez is a very strong fighter who has been underestimated, which is why he sees him as having the advantage against the Mexican Monster.

“I know many see Benavidez beating Zurdo, but this time I'm going with Zurdo. Zurdo has really surprised me lately. Ramirez is a strong, tough, and underrated fighter. He has beaten some good opponents lately,” he said.

After his dominant knockout victory over Anthony Yarde where he defended his WBC 175-pound belt World Boxing Council (WBC) champion David Benavidez announced that he will fight the unified cruiserweight champion in 2026 to seek a title in that division as well. Both Mexican fighters had expressed interest in facing each other in recent months, and if everything goes as planned, the two champions could soon step into the ring. It's worth noting that "Zurdo" Ramirez is coming off a successful defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) 200-pound titles against Yuniel Dorticos in his last fight, and will now have a tune-up bout against Robin Safar on January 16 to assess his shoulder after undergoing surgery. Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez, 34, retained his WBO and WBA titles after defeating Yuniel Dorticos. As a professional, the Sinaloa boxer has a record of 47 wins, 30 of them by knockout, and one loss in his career. David Benavidez, 29, successfully defended his WBC light heavyweight championship and now plans to fight Zurdo Ramirez. The Mexican Monster boasts a record of 31 wins, 25 of them by knockout, and no losses in his professional career.