May 2, 2026
1 min read
Standing and banging with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez wasn’t fun for Jesse Hart.
That's because Ramirez punches harder than some people might realize, according to Hart, who lost two decisions and a considerable amount of blood against the Mexican at 168 pounds in 2017 and 2018.
Hart believes David Benavidez will beat Ramirez when they meet for the latter's WBA and WBO 200-pound titles Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on DAZN and Prime Video. However, he sees Ramirez as a live underdog in good part because of his ability to hurt opponents.
Ramirez is 4-0 since moving from light heavyweight to cruiserweight, but has no knockouts.
“It’s gonna come down to who wants it more,” Hart told Sean Zittel on his YouTube channel. “I think Benavidez has the edge in hand speed and letting his hands go but power? Don’t sleep on Gilberto Ramirez’s power. I’m not saying Benavidez can’t take it, but [Ramirez] can punch, and that’s something to look out for.
"That kid fractured my rib, and I was pissing blood the next morning. Zurdo Ramirez punches hard.”
Of course, Ramirez also is aware of Ramirez’s power. The WBC light heavyweight champ, who is making his cruiserweight debut, has sparred many rounds with his rival.
Benavidez is known for his relentless pressure and fast combinations, which worked beautifully in his seventh-round knockout of Anthony Yarde at 175 pounds last November. However, Hart isn't certain the challenger will be as explosive as a 200-pounder.
“I want to see if Benavidez is gonna get those five and sixes off,” Hart said. “You’re gonna be stronger, but I wanna see if he can get those [punches] off carrying that extra weight around.”
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