Ramírez Thought ‘Inferior’ Opetaia Was Next, Then Came the Benavidez Offer

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Ramírez Thought ‘Inferior’ Opetaia Was Next, Then Came the Benavidez Offer

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Esther Lin

Gilberto Ramírez exclusively told World Boxing News that he did not anticipate a May 2 fight with David Benavidez as his next assignment, believing a lesser-known opponent was under consideration.

“I was honestly surprised when my team first brought this to my attention,” Ramírez told World Boxing News. “I initially thought the opponent might have been an inferior fighter, and unknown in the US, from Australia.”

[Ramírez was referring to Australia-based cruiserweight Jai Opetaia, the reigning IBF titleholder.]

Once the full scope of the matchup became clear, Ramírez said the opportunity quickly shifted into something he views as legacy-defining.

“I’m always pursuing the biggest fights possible, and when it’s all said and done, a Mexican vs. Mexican-American matchup at this weight class is historic—something that’s never been done before,” he said.

“I’m always thinking about my legacy in the sport, and this is the kind of fight that allows me to cement that legacy while continuing to make history.”

Sparring history, but no shortcuts

The two fighters are set to meet at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, landing on Cinco de Mayo weekend in front of a large Mexican fan base on the Strip.

With Saul “Canelo” Alvarez long associated with marquee May and September dates in Nevada, the bout has naturally drawn discussion about which fighter could emerge as the division’s next major attraction in the state.

From a competitive standpoint, the matchup carries a degree of familiarity.

Gilberto Ramírez and David Benavidez featured on poster ahead of May 2 fight

Ramírez has sparred with Benavidez since he was young, but he is not treating that past experience as an advantage heading into May 2.

“David is a great fighter with a true warrior mentality,” the WBA and WBO champion said. “He’s clearly not the same fighter he was before—he’s improved since the times we sparred.

“I’m preparing for the best version of him on May 2.”

Benavidez-Yarde reaction

Asked what he made of Benavidez’s stoppage win over Anthony Yarde in November on a Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia, Ramírez kept his assessment brief.

“He did what he was supposed to do,” Ramírez said. “Win.”

The May 2 bout places two of boxing’s most prominent Mexican flagbearers on a Las Vegas stage closely associated with Alvarez, ensuring the outcome will be closely watched within the region.

Before the Benavidez fight, Ramírez will appear in a promoter role on January 31 in Corpus Christi. The ‘Gulf Coast Glory’ event features hometown fighters Julian Delgado and Jerry Belmontes in co-main events.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

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