David Benavidez Says No Weight Cut Has Made Him More Dangerous

Move to cruiserweight removes weight cut as Benavidez prepares to challenge unified champion in Las Vegas

David Benavidez says the move up in weight has taken the strain out of camp ahead of his May 2 fight with Gilberto Ramirez in Las Vegas. He expects to enter the ring with more energy after reaching weight early for his first bout at cruiserweight.

The unbeaten two-division champion is moving up to cruiserweight for the first time after title runs at 168 and 175 pounds. Benavidez said arriving at weight early has changed the feel of camp and left him with more energy for the fight.

“My training camp hasn’t really changed, but this is the most stress-free I’ve ever been,” Benavidez said in a PBC release. “Training is always gonna be hard, but I got to the weight a week ago already. I’ve never been in a position where I don’t have to worry about the weight, and that’s gonna make me more dangerous.”

Benavidez said that previous camps often required long daily runs just to make the limit, something he said has not been necessary this time.

“When you cut weight, you’re running like seven miles every single day,” Benavidez said. “Right now, I don’t have to run at all. I don’t have to deplete myself, and I can use that extra energy in the fight.”

If he’s on the level about those daily seven-mile runs actually burning away his muscle and explosiveness, we might see the most terrifying version of him yet.

Ramirez brings size, experience at the weight, and two world titles into the main event, making this a major test for Benavidez in his first night at cruiserweight. If the extra strength and fresher legs carry over into the ring, Benavidez may be arriving at the right time.

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