LAS VEGAS – David Benavidez arrived at Friday's weigh-in ceremony as if the fight were about to begin: white boxing trunks, specially designed boots, and, above all, the energy of someone who can't wait for his big moment.

Then, the 29-year-old, who remains undefeated in professional boxing (31-0), urged the crowd gathered at the MGM Grand arena to chant together as the three-count began: “Moooonstruoooo…”.

The so-called “Mexican Monster” is ready to go for the biggest victory of his career. After years of being eluded by Canelo Alvarez, Benavidez is moving up 25 pounds to try to become the cruiserweight world champion.

His opponent is someone he has sparred with, and in fact, they have a good friendship.

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, 34, will be making the second defense of his world title. The man from Mazatlan boasts an impressive 48-1 record, his only loss coming in 2022 against Dmitry Bivol, the formidable Russian fighter who also defeated Saul Alvarez. The fight is considered a must-see, even though the usual Cinco de Mayo headliners—Mayweather, Pacquiao, and more recently Canelo—are absent this weekend. In a rare sight in boxing, “Zurdo” Ramirez and David Benavidez arrived practically side-by-side at the weigh-in ceremony. Fighters typically avoid each other. There was no interaction between them, but there was after they stepped on the scales. "Zurdo" weighed in at exactly 200 pounds and then sat down with an exhausted expression while a ranchera band played. Benavidez, for his part, weighed in at 196.8 pounds and looked fresh, not having to cut weight in this training camp like he did when he was in lower weight classes. The Phoenix native won titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight. After completing the formalities, they faced each other one last time before the fight and hugged. There is total respect between them.The desire to make history and add to their respective legacies is overwhelming. And the responsibility to deliver for the fans Saturday night at the packed T-Mobile Arena is undeniable.

De la Hoya expects a knockout, for one or the other

The fight between Benavidez and Ramirez has all the ingredients to be spectacular. From a tactical point of view, it's fascinating: a bigger and more powerful man, albeit with less mobility, against a punching machine. Power versus speed.

Both have been a guarantee of entertainment in the ring throughout their careers.

“Zurdo calculates his punches, doesn't throw many, hits hard, and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native's promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.And the responsibility of delivering for the fans Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, which will be packed to capacity, is undeniable.

De la Hoya expects a knockout, for one or the other

The fight between Benavidez and Ramirez has all the ingredients to be spectacular. From a tactical point of view, it's fascinating: a bigger and more powerful man, albeit with less mobility, against a punching machine. Power versus speed.

Both have been a guarantee of entertainment in the ring throughout their careers.

“Zurdo calculates his punches, doesn't throw many, hits hard, and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native's promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.And the responsibility of delivering for the fans Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, which will be packed to capacity, is undeniable.

De la Hoya expects a knockout, for one or the other

The fight between Benavidez and Ramirez has all the ingredients to be spectacular. From a tactical point of view, it's fascinating: a bigger and more powerful man, albeit with less mobility, against a punching machine. Power versus speed.

Both have been a guarantee of entertainment in the ring throughout their careers.

“Zurdo calculates his punches, doesn't throw many, hits hard, and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native's promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.For one or the other

The fight between Benavidez and Ramirez has all the ingredients to be spectacular. From a tactical point of view, it's fascinating: a bigger and more powerful man, albeit with less mobility, against a punching machine. Power versus speed.

Both have been a guarantee of entertainment in the ring throughout their careers.

“Zurdo calculates his punches, doesn't throw many, hits hard, and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native's promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.For one or the other

The fight between Benavidez and Ramirez has all the ingredients to be spectacular. From a tactical point of view, it's fascinating: a bigger and more powerful man, albeit with less mobility, against a punching machine. Power versus speed.

Both have been a guarantee of entertainment in the ring throughout their careers.

“Zurdo calculates his punches, doesn't throw many, hits hard, and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native's promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.

“Left-handed, he calculates his punches, doesn’t throw many punches, hits hard and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native’s promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.

“Left-handed, he calculates his punches, doesn’t throw many punches, hits hard and has a good chin,” summarized Oscar de la Hoya, the Mazatlan native’s promoter. “Benavidez throws a lot of punches, but he gets a little tired.” In a conversation with La Opinion, the “Golden Boy” pointed out how Ramirez can win the biggest fight of his life. “I think that if 'Zurdo' (Fury) calculates it well when Benavidez is throwing his punches, because Benavidez is very aggressive, he can overwhelm him and knock him out.” De La Hoya, the man who made Cinco de Mayo weekend the greatest in boxing history with his numerous mega-fights against some of the best fighters ever, asserted that Benavidez can knock Ramirez out with barrages of punches that force the referee to intervene, or that “Zurdo” can take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow.

“This fight won't go to a decision,” was his declaration.

In the betting, David Benavidez is marked as the heavy favorite to take the victory with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 for every 1).

Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready

In the co-main event, Armando “Toro” Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.He asserted that Benavidez could knock out Ramirez with a barrage of punches that would force the referee to intervene, or that "Zurdo" could take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow. "This fight won't go to a decision," he declared. In the betting odds, David Benavidez is the heavy favorite to win with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 to 1). Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready. In the co-main event, Armando "Toro" Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.He asserted that Benavidez could knock out Ramirez with a barrage of punches that would force the referee to intervene, or that "Zurdo" could take away the aggressive Mexican-American's undefeated record with a knockout blow. "This fight won't go to a decision," he declared. In the betting odds, David Benavidez is the heavy favorite to win with odds as high as -390, meaning that to win 1, you must risk 3.9. Ramirez is the underdog at around +300 (3 to 1). Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia are ready. In the co-main event, Armando "Toro" Resendiz, from Guayabitos, Nayarit, will defend his WBA super middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, from Tijuana. Analysts believe this all-Mexican fight could be as good as the main event. Resendiz (16-2) weighed in at 167 pounds (one pound under the limit), while Munguia (45-2) came in at 167.4. Both looked to be in tremendous physical condition this Friday, with Munguia—who trains under Eddy Reynoso—energetic and challenging, while Resendiz provoked the fans by pawing the ground with his foot like a bull charging. And that's what's expected in the ring. This is a great opportunity for Munguia to return to the title, two years after losing it in the same venue this Saturday against Saul Alvarez.