Tim Bradley claims David Benavidez will never return to 175 after moving to cruiserweight to face Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on May 2, 2026. He argues that Benavidez, now 31-0 with 25 knockouts, cannot cut enough weight after bulking up to 200 pounds for Ramirez, who holds a 48-1 record with 30 knockouts. Bradley insists Benavidez won’t chase Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight after that fight. He believes the physical strain will block any return to the division.
Bradley fails to acknowledge why Benavidez bolted from 175. Benavidez wanted to avoid Jai Opetaia, the most dangerous force in the division. Opetaia carries destructive power and punishes fighters who rely on pressure without defense. Benavidez pushes forward with little regard for incoming punches, which leaves him exposed. David Morrell proved that in February when he battered Benavidez and left his face badly swollen.
Benavidez looked uneasy when asked recently about facing Opetaia after Ramirez. His reaction showed clear fear. That fear could push him to force a return to 175 if he refuses to fight Opetaia after meeting Ramirez in 2026. Benavidez also claimed in 2024 that he couldn’t return to 168 when reporters asked him about fighting Terence Crawford after Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez. Bradley remains firm in his stance. He says Benavidez won’t move back down once he reaches 190 and calls the Ramirez matchup extremely difficult.
Light Heavyweight Could Become His Only Exit
Even if Benavidez wants a return to 175, he might lack motivation. Beterbiev and Bivol still haven’t finished their trilogy. Both deal with injuries and age. If those fights fail to materialize, Benavidez loses any meaningful reason to return. Another year of delays would make cutting weight nearly impossible after campaigning at cruiserweight.
Bradley warns that Zurdo brings his own challenges. Ramirez once fought at 168 like Benavidez. He throws high volume, owns real hand speed, and uses solid boxing skills. He fights as a southpaw and matches Benavidez in size. He has also adapted to cruiserweight and can absorb heavy shots. Bradley predicts a tough fight for Benavidez and rejects the idea of an easy win.
Ramirez Presents a Serious Threat to Benavidez
Ramirez won’t resemble Benavidez’s last opponent, Anthony Yarde, whom Benavidez knocked out in round seven on November 22 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. Ramirez offers power, size, mobility, and a relentless work rate. He blends these strengths without obvious weaknesses. He enters the cruiserweight clash with full confidence and experience in the division. Benavidez must handle all of those tools if he wants to remain unbeaten.
