According to Eric Gomez from Golded Boy Promotions, discussions are currently underway for a potential match between David Benavidez and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. A critical condition for this fight to materialize is that both competitors must emerge victorious in their upcoming bouts.
Gomez Acknowledges the Deliberations
Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) is slated to defend his WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) on November 22, 2025, featured as The Ring IV on DAZN PPV, hosted at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. Benavidez is widely favored to secure a win in this particular contest.
Gomez indicates that ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) is set to clash with IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in a unification bout. The outcome of this contest for Ramirez is far from certain, given that Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) is regarded by many as a leading figure in the cruiserweight category.
“Indeed, we’re actively pursuing it. Presently, negotiations are in progress for a significant showdown in 2026 involving Zurdo and Benavidez,” stated Golden Boy president Eric Gomez to Salvador Rodriguez on X, referring to a prospective fight between David Benavidez and WBA and WBO cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
The Risk Zurdo Faces Against Opetaia
It might be a more prudent strategy for Golden Boy to await the result of the Ramirez vs. Opetaia encounter before initiating discussions with Benavidez. The fight carries considerable risk for Gilberto, especially with his promoters beginning to outline his next challenge against Benavidez. A loss for Ramirez against Opetaia could lead to disappointment among fans who were optimistic about Gilberto’s chances of winning.
The Stakes: Win or the Opportunity is Lost
“Naturally, it all rests on their ability to win their next respective matches. Zurdo is preparing for his [unification] against [IBF champion Jai] Opetaia in the cruiserweight division, while Benavidez needs to overcome [Anthony] Yarde in the light heavyweight division,” Gomez noted. “But assuming they both succeed, this match will definitely take place.”
If Golden Boy had prioritized a fight between Ramirez and Benavidez, it would have pleased many followers of the sport. However, it would have introduced a great deal of uncertainty into the equation regarding the Opetaia bout, as Benavidez has an excellent chance of defeating Ramirez.
“There is a great deal of interest from both parties. David [Benavidez] is very enthusiastic—he has expressed to me, ‘I really want to take on Zurdo; it would be a huge Mexican face-off.’ We have had productive discussions with Sampson Lewkowicz, who is Zurdo’s promoter. The conditions are ideal. This is not focused on a potential rematch with Canelo—rather, it is centered around unifying divisions, establishing a high-stakes competition between two powerful fighters. This fight would be massive for boxing.”
“It is quite real. We are taking action to realize it—we are leading the way,” Gomez explained. “And, certainly, Benavidez is very excited about the concept. This is a viable option, and it promises to be an intense confrontation.”
