David Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) says that his move to the 200-pound division has benefited him due to the absence of a weight cut ahead of his fight with WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (48-1-0, 30 KOs).
Benavidez revealed that reaching the weight limit a full week early has left him with a surplus of energy he usually loses during a brutal weight cut. Benavidez struggled to make the 168-pound limit to shed the final pounds. At cruiserweight, that struggle has vanished. Benavidez confirmed he was already at fighting weight seven days before the opening bell.
While Ramirez brings the experience of a natural cruiserweight and two world titles, Benavidez is betting on his signature combination punching and speed to bridge the size gap. Benavidez has promised a “ferocious” version of himself, claiming that without the drain of a weight cut, he can maintain his high-volume pressure for all twelve rounds.
“My training camp hasnāt really changed, but this is the most stress-free Iāve ever been. Training is always gonna be hard, but I got to the weight a week ago already. Iāve never been in a position where I donāt have to worry about the weight, and thatās gonna make me more dangerous,” Benavidez saidĀ
“Thereās a lot of opportunity to hit him with a lot of combinations because heās slower,ā Benavidez said to Double3 Coverage. āMy speed, my movement, my defense is going to be too much for him, and Iām definitely going to overwhelm him and drown him with pressure and volume,” Benavidez added
Where To Watch Info
Pan-Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan, China, Australia, NZ)
India + Sub-Continent
Spain
Portugal
Netherlands
Kazakhstan
Ex-Yugoslavia
Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde
The fight is available on FIGHT SPORTS MAX in select countries outside the U.S. Go to fightsportsmax.tvĀ for more info.