David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramirez and Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani: Preview, picks for weekend's super fights

While Inoue has captured all of the belts at super bantamweight and been in the division for eight fights, Nakatani has fought just once at 122 pounds — a 12-round brawl with Sebastian Hernandez in December.

Against Hernandez, Nakatani controlled the first five rounds. But in the later stages of the bout, Nakatani struggled to move as much. The contest began to be fought at close range, where it was clear the pressure and volume punching by the Mexican were proving troublesome for Nakatani. Two judges scored the fight 115-113, seven rounds to five for Nakatani, which was an accurate reflection of the fight.

Inoue’s sublime jab and body shots are two central parts of his arsenal. With Nakatani having a long torso and fatiguing in the second half against Hernandez, body shots could be vital for Inoue on Saturday. It is, however, difficult to have much success with the jab to the head against a tall southpaw because of the difference in reach and the fact that a southpaw’s lead hand can often negate an orthodox fighter’s lead left. Inoue’s jab is no ordinary jab, though. It is a power shot, and if it can land with speed and accuracy, it can prove effective. Additionally, Inoue’s body jab is a weapon in itself and could be crucial to slow down Nakatani, but it may also present Nakatani with chances to counter Inoue coming in.

For Nakatani, the goal will be to control proceedings with the jab, make Inoue miss closing the gap and make him pay with left-hand counters. Nakatani has had plenty of success in the past with stepping back and landing lefts, whether it is a straight shot or an uppercut. Well aware of Inoue suffering early knockdowns in recent fights, Nakatani may look to deliver one of his own, even if his power at super bantamweight is still unproven. It will be interesting to see how both men react to the other’s punching power once they land their first significant punches.

Inoue suffered knockdowns against Nery and Cardenas because he wasn’t fearful of the threat posed by the two Mexican fighters and fought carelessly — something he won’t be doing against Nakatani. I expect Nakatani to pose problems for Inoue in the first half of the bout, but for Inoue to figure out Nakatani and win a competitive decision.

Pick: Inoue

Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez speaks during a press conference at T-Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026, in Las Vegas.

(Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images)

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez: Unified cruiserweight championship

After winning WBC titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight, Benavidez jumps up 25 pounds to cruiserweight in a quest to become a three-division champion.

Since falling short against Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight in 2022, Ramirez has enjoyed a strong run at cruiserweight, which has included comfortable decision wins over Chris Billam-Smith, Arsen Goulamirian and Yuniel Dorticos. Zurdo will be looking to certify his position as the No. 1 cruiserweight in the world with a win over Benavidez.

Light heavyweight to cruiserweight is no ordinary jump. Outside of the move from cruiserweight to heavyweight, 175 pounds to 200 pounds is the biggest ascendancy in weight in the sport, and one that can be difficult to do successfully. Ramirez managed to impress in his maiden title fight at cruiserweight, but only after bridging the gap in a 193-pound catchweight contest against Joe Smith Jr. Benavidez’s lack of a similar kind of fight to acclimate to carrying the extra weight will surely work in Ramirez’s favor on Saturday.

Benavidez was last in action in November, when he stopped Anthony Yarde in Round 7. The cruiserweight champ hasn’t fought in 10 months due to a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. Saturday will be the first time Zurdo has fought since the injury.

Benavidez is known for his relentless pressure, volume and combination punching. But with the added weight, will the punches be as fast and effective, and can he produce the same kind of output? Ramirez has respectable power at cruiserweight and has carried over his speed from light heavyweight. He has shown he can come through in a brawl, landing the cleaner, harder shots, but Zurdo has never beaten a fighter as good as Benavidez.

It wouldn’t be wrong to question whether Benavidez’s power does carry over in this matchup, particularly because when Benavidez moved up to 175 pounds against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, his performance wasn’t overly impressive, and Ramirez is known for having a sturdy chin.

Benavidez’s gas tank at the higher weight will also be a key factor Saturday.

Perhaps Ramirez’s strongest advantage in this matchup is his footwork. Benavidez’s feet aren’t particularly impressive, and David Morrell has already shown how a clever southpaw can have success against Benavidez. Zurdo’s ability to keep moving and keep Benavidez thinking and turning — and not allowing him to plant his feet — could be pivotal

Benavidez has plenty of holes in his game defensively. Ramirez will have the opportunity to catch Benavidez coming in, but it is key that Ramirez doesn’t get too greedy. He need to settle for a few scoring shots and not risk getting into a war with a brawler.

I think the experience of Ramirez at cruiserweight, alongside his superior footwork, will pose plenty of problems for Benavidez and help him edge a hard-fought decision.

Pick: Ramirez