David Benavidez has added WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts to his collection, defeating compatriot Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez via knockout on Saturday in Las Vegas. This victory marks Benavidez's achievement of world titles in a third weight division.
Benavidez, now 32-0 with 26 knockouts, previously held belts at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight. He has been vocal about his aspirations to become the leading figure in boxing, a status often associated with fighters like Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Following his win, Benavidez reiterated his challenge to Alvarez, a sentiment that has been a recurring theme in his career narrative.
The boxer, born in Phoenix, Arizona, and of Mexican heritage, has navigated a career marked by both significant triumphs and controversies. His professional journey began in 2013, and he secured his first WBC super-middleweight title relatively early. His record, meticulously tracked by platforms like BoxRec, details numerous victories, including a notable undefeated streak.
Read More: Benavidez Wins Third World Title by Stopping Ramirez in Round 6
Benavidez's path has not been without its complications. Records indicate past instances of relinquishing titles due to weight issues and a suspension following a positive test for cocaine. These events punctuate a career that also saw his brother, Jose Benavidez, also become a professional boxer. The fighter's personal history, including his father's upbringing and his own experiences as a young father, has also been part of the public discourse surrounding his career.
On the same night, Jaime Munguia, another Mexican contender, secured the WBA super-middleweight championship by decision against Jose Armando Resendiz. This adds another layer to the narrative of Mexican dominance in boxing, with both Benavidez and Munguia making significant statements on the same card. Benavidez's previous bout involved a seventh-round TKO victory over Anthony Yarde.
