So after endeavoring to no avail, Benavidez is hitting Alvarez where it hurts — on the calendar. Benavidez challenges for Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez’ WBA and WBO unified cruiserweight world titles at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and live on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier , on Saturday night of Cinco de Mayo weekend.

It’s the same weekend Canelo has owned through the years, having fought the likes of ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley, Amir Khan, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Daniel Jacobs, Billy Joe Saunders, Dmitry Bivol and Jaime Munguia to name a few.

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DAZN FACE OFF: Wardley vs. Dubois

Watch explosive encounter here

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Altogether, Alvarez has fought during Cinco de Mayo weekend 11 times, so his absence during the weekend this year and Benavidez’ presence is the latter’s counterpunch to being rejected or as some critics believe, ducked. That Benavidez is occupying the space in the form of what promises to be an all-Mexican war makes the Cinco de Mayo weekend booking all the more glaring.

It’s a strategic move — no doubt — as Alvarez works his way back from an elbow surgery in the fall. Pending the success of this weekend, Benavidez should look to make his next fight in September during the weekend of Mexican Independence Day (September 16). Consider that phase two of his takeover.

Alvarez has occupied that weekend as well, having his fought against Floyd Mayweather Jr., his complete trilogy with heated rival Gennadiy Golovkin, as well as his most recent mega fight with Terence Crawford. Altogether, Alvarez has fought during Mexican Independence Day weekend 12 times.

Benavidez seizing this space as well — or at least forcing Canelo to share it — would work long ways toward ‘The Mexican Monster’ supplanting the two-time undisputed super middleweight ruler, four-division champion and all-around sweet science legend as the new face of boxing. The mantle might be up for grabs with Crawford retired. At 29, Benavidez could stake his claim, along with Shakur Stevenson, who already has , after defeating Teofimo Lopez this past January.

Plus, locking down Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day weekends is Benavidez’ way of offering payback to Alvarez for never seeing a fight between them to fruition. It's almost Benavidez saying 'You don't want to fight me? Fine. Watch this.'

Becoming the new dominating host of the prestigious calendar slots for years to come puts Benavidez in position to spurn Alvarez back — moves befitting of ‘El Bandera Roja.’

Benavidez vs. Zurdo on DAZN PPV

Watch David Benavidez versus Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on DAZN PPV this Saturday, May 2. Buy as a one-off PPV or get it included with the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which also includes the Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), Usyk vs. Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13) and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs without any extra one-off costs.

For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here