Ramirez vs Benavidez: Gabe Rosado has sparred both, and he is backing one

Ramirez vs Benavidez headlines the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on PBC PPV via Prime Video, with David Benavidez jumping up twenty-five pounds from light heavyweight to challenge Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles. Cinco de Mayo weekend. Mexico vs Mexico. The kind of fight boxing needs.

One voice with first-hand experience of sharing the ring with both is Philadelphia’s Gabe Rosado. He has shared rounds in the gym with both. Ahead of Ramirez vs Benavidez, Rosado spoke to Boxing News Online, revealing his pick for the bout.

Rosado’s read on Ramirez vs Benavidez

Speaking to Boxing News Online in the run-up, Rosado picked David Benavidez and explained: “I think that it is a tough fight, but I think you have got to favour Benavidez, just because of the volume,” he said.

“I think that Zurdo is going to have to be on his A-game, he is going to have to be the best Zurdo, in order to beat Benavidez,” added Rosado.

Breaking down Rosado’s pick, Benavidez is known for his exceptional pressure and volume punching style. Ramirez will need to produce a career-best defensive performance to deal with Benavidez’s aggressive style. Ramirez will need to use his jab and control the distance and frustrate “The Monster.” Rosado is not discounting Ramirez, but he’s rightfully hinting that a career-best performance may be needed to retain his titles.

Why Ramirez vs Benavidez is a stylistic puzzle

Benavidez is moving up a full division and change, giving away reach and natural weight. Zurdo is the champion at 200lb, undefeated at cruiserweight, and a southpaw with a jab that has pushed the bigger men back every time.

But volume in boxing beats most things over twelve rounds if the chin holds. Benavidez has a chin. Ramirez has the cleaner jab and the lower miles. If Benavidez can bypass the jab of “Zurdo,” it’s imperative that he works the body of Ramirez.

If Ramirez can handle the pressure from Benavidez, this could be a long night for both fighters.

Ramirez vs Benavidez full fight card

• Gilberto Ramirez vs David Benavidez, 12 rounds, for Ramirez’s WBO/WBA cruiserweight title
• Armando Resendiz vs Jaime Munguia, 12 rounds, for Resendiz’s WBA super middleweight title
• Oscar Duarte vs Angel Fierro, 10 rounds, super lightweights
• Isaac Lucero vs Alan Sandoval, 10 rounds, super welterweights
• Jorge Chavez vs. Jose Sanchez, 10 rounds, super bantamweights

Ramirez vs Benavidez is a fascinating fight, with Benavidez’s volume vs Ramirez’s jab. Rosado has made his pick, but all will be revealed on May 2.