Gilberto Ramirez on why Benavidez is different

Ramírez contrasted this style with Opetaia’s in an unusually forthright manner. While acknowledging Opetaia’s abilities, he described him as a fighter who seizes opportunities rather than someone who forces constant work. “Opetaia, he took some chances,” Ramirez said. “David Benavidez, he keeps pushing forward.”

This distinction is important because Oppetaya is widely considered the decisive opponent in the division, and the fighter champions will look to prove themselves in the chase. Ramirez didn’t fire him, but he separated danger from reputation. In his mind, pressure wears down a champion faster than the risk of a single moment, and Benavidez didn’t hesitate to apply that.

Ramirez also dismissed the idea that weight would be an inherent advantage for him. He repeatedly described Benavidez as too big for the light heavyweight division. “He’s big,” Ramirez said. “I don’t know how he makes it to 175 pounds. He has the size to be a lightweight and maybe even a heavyweight one day.”

There’s no sign that Benavidez’s promotion will diminish his output or slow down his pace. If anything, Ramirez spoke as if the change removed restrictions rather than introducing them.

This perspective helps explain why the fight came together so quickly. Ramirez said the matchup didn’t surprise him and that discussions moved quickly once the two sides joined. “The discussions and transactions were quick,” he said. “We’re working hard to make that happen.”

Notably, Ramirez made no attempt to point out technical flaws or past moments of vulnerability in Benavidez’s resume. When asked what gives him the edge, his answer is simple. “I’m a champion,” he said. “I train the right way. I’m smart and I’m a fighter.”

Champion’s Risk Reading

He also admits he doesn’t obsess over studying his opponents. “To be honest, I don’t watch a lot of boxing,” said Ramirez, whose confidence is based on experience rather than analysis.

All in all, Ramirez’s comments draw a clear line. He doesn’t view Benavidez as a novelty challenger or a temporary stop while waiting for his next name. He sees him as the kind of opponent who creates real difficulties in the lightweight division, the kind of opponent who forces his opponent to keep working and refuses to let the fight slow down.

The way Ramirez tells it, the toughest battle in the division wasn’t necessarily the one everyone was waiting for. This is a man who persists until the end.