Mora Says Zurdo Doesn’t Want Tune-Up For Benavidez

That time span has created debate over whether Ramirez should reappear in a warm up fight before taking on one of the most physically demanding opponents of his career.

Those questions grew louder earlier this winter when discussions briefly emerged about a January bout against Robin Safar, a fight that was ultimately abandoned. The episode only added urgency to the tune-up conversation as Ramirez continued to recover while the Benavidez date remained fixed.

Mora does not see the layoff as a reason for hesitation. Speaking on the YouTube channel of Chris Mannix, Mora said Ramirez’s size and experience at cruiserweight give him an edge, even coming off surgery. He also pointed to the adjustments Ramirez has made since his loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2022.

Since that defeat, Ramirez has fought with more movement and patience, relying less on sustained pressure and more on footwork and spacing. That shift has been visible across his four fights since, and Mora believes it leaves him better suited to deal with Benavidez’s aggression and volume punching style.

Mora also mentioned the importance of timing. A Cinco de Mayo weekend fight in Las Vegas brings visibility that is difficult to replace. From his view, delaying the bout or easing back with a tune-up risks missing out. on that date.

Benavidez has already expressed interest in pursuing Artur Beterbiev after May. Mora suggested that a loss elsewhere could cool the appeal of a future meeting with Ramirez.

Mora ultimately sided with Ramirez, citing his natural size at cruiserweight and questioning how Benavidez will carry the added 25 pounds.  The real question is, will Ramirez’s surgically repaired shoulder hold out?