The former, the current WBC light-heavyweight champion, will step up a division in pursuit of three-weight status against the latter at T-Mobile Arena.

Widely considered among the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, Benavidez has long stoked suggestions he could challenge Ramirez in 2026.

Now, the former WBC super-middleweight kingpin will have his chance to dethrone 'Zurdo' as the pair represent their Mexican heritage in the super-fight.

The pair have shared the ring across multiple sparring sessions before, and have often praised each other across their respective careers as modern favourites.

However, neither man will let any friendship get in the way of their dreams when they face off in Nevada, for what many will tip as a fight-of-the-year contender.

"This is something I've been working toward for a very long time," Benavidez said in a statement on their clash. "We've had so many great sparring sessions.

"Now we're going for two titles on May 2. I'm very grateful. I'm going to go in and leave everything in the ring. I want to make my own lane and achieve greatness."

Ramirez echoed his rival's sentiments, adding, "I'm so glad to make a huge fight. I know Team Benavidez. They actually helped me a lot for my first world title fight.

"At the end of the day, the titles are staying with Zurdo. I want to fight the best, and he’s one of the best. I just want to give the fans who love this sport the best fights."

Mexican magic latest addition to a stacked DAZN slate

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

Here it is then - amid a season of special fights already set for the next few months, what might be the best of the bunch is coming to the world from the home of boxing.

Seventy-nine wins and one loss between two of the finest fighters of the modern era tells you all you need to know about how special Benavidez-Zurdo will be.

'The Mexican Monster' has long talked up his dreams of a crack at cruiserweight. With his power and precision, few have backed against his prospects before.

But, with no offence to the last opponent, Anthony Yarde, Ramirez is a different proposition entirely. Even the most sturdy of foes have ultimately been outfoxed by him.

With the division currently in the midst of confusion amid Jai Opetaia's IBF status, a new challenger has now entered the ring - and only one can leave a winner. 

Sign up for DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPVs included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), and Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), on top of another 185 fight nights and Serie A football. 

Sign up for £22.99 / $44.99 per month. More details here.