Gilberto Ramirez Responds to David Benavidez Loss, Elbow Debate

Ramirez says Benavidez was the better fighter despite debate over elbow shot during cruiserweight title fight

Gilberto Ramirez says he will not discredit David Benavidez despite ongoing debate about an apparent elbow shot during their cruiserweight title fight earlier this month. Ramirez said Benavidez was the better fighter after losing his WBA and WBO titles by sixth-round stoppage.

Ramirez lost his WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles after Benavidez overwhelmed him with pressure and hand speed before forcing a stoppage in the sixth round. Benavidez also scored a knockdown in the fourth and became a three-division world champion with the victory.

After the fight, slow-motion clips spread online showing Benavidez landing what appeared to be an elbow during one exchange. Some fans accused Benavidez of dirty tactics, while others argued the contact was accidental during close-range action.

Ramirez addressed both the loss and the controversy in a statement posted to social media.

“Saturday didn’t go the way I planned. The loss is painful, and the hurt is real. But I’ll sit with it, learn from it, and come back stronger. This is not the end,” Ramirez posted on Instagram, discussing his defeat against Benavidez.

“I tip my hat to David. His success didn’t come overnight, and that only motivates me more.”

“Don’t discredit what he brought. He was the better man that night and I have nothing but respect for him and his team for the preparation they put in. Elbow or no elbow, it’s a fight at the end of the night.”

Ramirez also left open the possibility of another fight against Benavidez in the future.

“If we ever share that ring again, I’ll be better prepared, and I will get my revenge,” said Gilberto.

“For now, I’m taking time with my family and enjoying the summer.”

The defeat was the first at cruiserweight for Ramirez and left questions about where he goes next at age 34. A rematch with Benavidez does not appear close at the moment, with Benavidez already connected to possible fights against Dmitry Bivol and other major names.

Benavidez’s team has reportedly already held early discussions for a fight against Bivol later this year, although Bivol must first defend his titles against Michael Eifert on May 30.

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