Mexican Monster David Benavidez adds new crown

LAS VEGAS – After a captivating performance Saturday night, David Benavidez wants to own Cinco de Mayo weekend moving forward. The Mexican American from Phoenix also wants Mexican Independence weekend, and a bout with Canelo Alvarez.

After earning another title, the so-called Mexican Monster hopes to be seen as a marquee star like Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar de la Hoya and Canelo Alvarez.

Already the WBC light heavyweight title holder, Benavidez secured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles by knocking out Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-2) in the sixth round.

Benavidez dominated Ramirez from start to finish. He knocked Ramirez down in the fourth round and again in the sixth. The referee stopped the fight after the second knockdown as Ramirez’s right eye appeared swollen shut. 

Next, Benavidez wants Canelo.

Stalking Canelo

“I just want to give the fans what they want to see,” Benavidez (32-0) said. “I see Canelo is in the building. Let me just ask the fans this. Do you guys want to see Canelo versus David Benavidez?

“Enough said. That means we can’t leave that fight on the table. I have respect for Canelo. He’s a great champion. I’m a great champion, too. Let’s do it.”

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Alvarez (63-3-2) was among the sellout crowd at T Mobile Arena. The pro-Benavidez crowd booed every time Canelo was shown on the arena video board. They want him to take the Benavidez fight.

Canelo was there to support Jaime Munguia, who won the WBA super middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Armando “Toro” Resendiz in the co-main event.

“It feels great to have this championship belt with me,” Munguia said. “But this is just the beginning. I’m excited for what comes next. We are ready for big challenges and great fights.”

Munguia (46-2, 35 KOs) and Resendiz (16-3, 11 KOs) delivered an impressive bout. Benavidez was the headliner who carried the card, though.

Canelo did not stay to watch. He left the arena after Munguia’s victory. Canelo typically fights on Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16) weekends.  And after years of declining a fight to Benavidez, Canelo was called out yet again. 

Regardless of whether he lands Canelo, Benavidez has already made history. He’s now the first boxer to win world titles at 168, 175 and 200 pounds.

Monster showcase wanted

As he said at the end of the night, “there’s only one monstro.”

“I think it’s in the best interest for my career to keep trying to fight on Cinco de Mayo,” Benavidez said. “In terms of Sept. 14, Canelo will be in Saudi Arabia, which leaves it wide open for me here in the US. Cinco de Mayo is a great date, and we put on a great show for the people tonight. 

“I’ve earned it. I’ve been a professional fighter for 13 years, since I was 16 years old. I started from the bottom and went all the way to the top. Calling out the best of the best. I did it the hard way. Nothing was ever given to me. So now that I’m here, I think I deserve to fight on this date.  And I’m going to keep giving the fans what they want to see.”