David Benavidez has entered the pound-for-pound discussion and is no longer on the sidelines after dominating Gilberto Ramirez in Las Vegas.

The T-Mobile Arena crowd witnessed a fierce battle as Benavidez set the tone from the opening bell, immediately setting the pace for Ramirez. Edged jabs and devastating power shots kept the cruiserweight champion on the back foot.

In the second round, both fighters traded in the middle of the ring, ready to take counterattacks and land punches of their own. Benavidez excelled at speed, with his hands throwing punch combinations almost too quickly to be tracked. Ramirez showed heart by throwing weighty hooks and uppercuts, but Benavidez’s timing and movement remained near perfect.

Benavidez is gaining momentum

Round three turned into non-stop action. Zurdo began to find his range, landing harder punches that forced Benavidez to circle and reset. Even under pressure, Benavidez maintained control, landing precise combinations that kept both judges and fans engaged.

Round four became the turning point. With less than thirty seconds left, Benavidez triggered a flurry that visibly shook Ramirez, forcing the champion to scramble behind schedule in the round. The crowd erupted as Benavidez showed why he is considered elite, leaving Ramirez in a precarious position.

Unwilling to back down, Ramirez left in the fifth round. Both fighters traded difficult, but Benavidez’s speed and accuracy gave him the advantage over the round and he landed cleaner, sharper shots. The momentum continued for the challenger as WBN scored in each round for Benavidez.

A highlight finish and statement

Round six ended with the final. Ramirez, visibly weakened by swelling in his right eye, tried to fight back but was unable to withstand the attack. Benavidez landed a series of precise punches that stunned Ramirez. The champion took a knee and the referee’s count-out ended the fight.

Benavidez’s performance was clear: his speed, precision and composure under pressure make him a force in the league. Ramirez showed courage and heart, but the Mexican Monster proved to be too swift, too edged and too consistent, leaving fans screaming for his rise to the top level of pound-for-pound contenders.

During the post-fight interview, Benavidez called on Canelo Alvarez to finally agree to the fight while his nemesis sat ringside.

WBN has full results and live coverage of the Las Vegas event.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has been interviewing world champions, breaking down international titles exclusively and reporting from the ring. His work is distributed on major platforms including Apple News. Read the full biography.

Speaking at the ring, Benavidez directly asked the audience if they wanted to see him fight Canelo Alvarez, indicating that Canelo was in attendance. The reaction was clamorous and Benavidez leaned into it, saying this fight shouldn’t be left on the table.

“I have respect for Canelo. He is a great champion, but I am also a great champion. Let’s do it,” Benavidez said.

The explanation was not constrained to one name. When asked about what comes next, Benavidez also took aim at Dmitry Bivol, calling him the best opponent he wants.

“Bivol is number one on my hit list,” he said. “He’s a great fighter, a great champion, but I’m also a great champion. I just want to prove myself in every fight.”

Benavidez said he is open to fighting in different weight classes, noting he still holds the airy heavyweight title after his first cruiserweight fight. This flexibility leaves multiple paths open, depending on which opponent is willing.

Benavidez delivered on Cinco de Mayo weekend, traditionally one of boxing’s biggest stages, and he did so immediately after a high-profile victory.

It is unclear whether either fight will take place. Benavidez has been linked to Canelo in the past without any progress, while Bivol remains one of the top fighters at 175 pounds.

Still, Benavidez made his position clear. He wants the biggest fights available and immediately after winning he notified two of the sport’s top champions.

The distance between Canelo and Benavidez has never been greater. Benavidez just unified the cruiserweight titles, while Canelo Alvarez prepares to fight Christian Mbilli at super middleweight. That’s a 32-pound difference, which is an ocean in boxing.

Canelo is 35 years senior and going through a challenging period. The loss to Terence Crawford, elbow surgery and a year off mean we are no longer looking at the top-flight Canelo.

If Benavidez wants to be a “monster” at 200 pounds, calling out Jai Opetaia is a true alpha move. Opetaia is the king of the division and just secured the Zuffa Boxing title against Brandon Glanton. Benavidez vs. Opetaia would be a pure “Best vs. Best” fight without the drama of losing 30 pounds and the “chasing a paycheck” optics.

Benavidez, however, knows that Canelo’s name is the only one that guarantees a specific type of immortality and powerful control. Calling him on Cinco de Mayo weekend, with Canelo in the front row, was intended to keep his name attached to the sport’s biggest star, even if logistics made it nearly impossible.

Jaime Munguia defeated Armando Resendiz to win the WBA super middleweight world title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as former opponent turned training partner Saul “Canelo” Alvarez shouted encouragement from ringside.

Alvarez had held the WBA belt since 2020, but lost that and three other major titles to Terence Crawford last September. When Crawford retired, the belts were separated and Resendiz – who received the WBA interim belt after an upset victory over Caleb Plant – was promoted to full champion.

He made his first defense tonight against former super welterweight champion Munguia, who previously fought for the 168 title, losing to Canelo in 2024. After the defeat, the 29-year-old Mexican joined forces with coach Eddy Reynoso and took advantage of his former rival’s advice during the camp.

This continued in the ring tonight as Canelo shouted instructions to Munguia as the challenger comprehensively outplayed Resendiz, whose defense was ineffective and despite his valiant shot-making, he was thoroughly outworked throughout. Ultimately, Munguia won the title with scores of 117-111, 119-109 and 120-108.

It’s the latest twist in a division that was left wide open following Crawford’s retirement and the dispersal of the titles. The IBF belt was received by Cuban boxer Osleys Iglesiaswhile the WBO title fight will take place at the end of this month between Hamzah Sheeraz and Al Begic.

The WBC is held by former interim champion Christian Mbilli, who will defend against the returning Canelo in Saudi Arabia in September. If the Mexican icon picks up the belt again, there is now an awkward obstacle to regaining undisputed prominence. status