Jai Opetaia says David Benavidez and WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez are “ducking” him by fighting on May 2, 2026. He states that they don’t want to fight.
Opetaia Calls It a Duck
Jai doesn’t understand why Zurdo (48-1, 30 KOs) is facing Benavidez, who only recently moved up to 168 in 2024. He says he should be fighting him in a three-belt unification contest.
IBF cruiserweight champion Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) says he wants to fight the winner of the Benavidez vs. Zurdo fight, not because he wants either of them. His focus is on capturing the WBA and WBO titles to become undisputed at cruiserweight.
‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) had a look of surprise on his face when he was asked at his post-fight press conference last Saturday night if he would stay at cruiserweight and face Opetaia if he were victorious against Zurdo Ramirez. He didn’t seem to expect to be questioned about why he didn’t choose Jai.
Fans Spot Benavidez’s Hesitation
Although Benavidez said he would, he didn’t show the same energy that he had when he was speaking about the Ramirez fight. His behavior was noticed by fans on social media, who saw it as a sign that he’s not eager to tangle with Opetaia.
It’s one thing moving up to cruiserweight to face the 34-year-old Ramirez, but a much different situation facing Jai with his one-punch power and lightning hand speed. If Benavidez chooses not to fight Opetaia, it’s understandable, and one can’t fault him for not taking that risk.
Benaivdez has a good thing going right now, beating fighters at 175 with his volume punching, speed, and size. Going up to cruiserweight to fight the King of the division, in Opetaia, it could derail his career.
Cruiserweight King Speaks
“They’re obviously ducking. It’s very obvious that they don’t want to fight,” said Jai Opetaia to Jai McAllister, reacting to being told that David Benavidez will be facing WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez next on May 2, 2026.
It would say a lot about Benavidez’s career if he moved up to cruiserweight to face Opetaia for his IBF belt in his first fight. He’d show his courage by battling him right away rather than easing into the cruiserweight division first against an aging 34-year-old Zuro Ramirez, who is coming off back-to-back close 12-round decisions against Yuniel Dorticos and Chris Billiam-Smith.
“In my eyes, you want to keep getting better, and you want to keep leveling up and prove you’re the best,” said Opetaia, “But these guys see it in other ways. Who knows what they’re chasing? What’s he proving? What’s Zurdo trying to prove? Does that prove he’s the best in the cruiserweight division? I don’t think so.”
Ramirez would be fighting Benavidez because he believes he can win, obviously. Also, with Benavidez now fighting on Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season cards, it makes sense financially for Gilberto to be fighting him. Not only does he have a shot at winning, but the money will make it well worth it.
Zurdo Takes the Easier Road
“He’s fighting a guy [Benavidez] who is coming up two weight categories,” said Opetaia about Zurdo. “What does this mean? You tell me. What am I to say to this? If he wants to be the best, he has to beat the best. He’s definitely not doing that.”
Benavidez moved up to the 175-lb division three fights ago against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15, 2024. He didn’t look good until last Saturday night, when he fought 34-year-old Anthony Yarde, a fighter tailor-made for Benavidez.
“Yeah, of course. That’s obviously something we want to do,” said Opetaia when asked if he wants to fight the winner of the Benavidez vs. Zurdo Ramirez fight. “We’re not chasing fighters. We’re chasing the belts.”
