Sanctioning bodies have yet to comment on the elbow shots identified in David Benavidez’s stoppage of Gilberto Ramirez, despite replay footage raising questions about the finish.
World Boxing News identified the incidents on review after viewers flagged the closing exchange, with slow-motion replays appearing to show multiple elbow follow-throughs during the barrage that ended the fight.
Sanctioning Body Silence
The footage has already raised concerns about whether it should have been addressed. Why the finishing moments passed without review remains unclear, and there has been no official acknowledgment from the sport’s governing bodies.
In its official report on the fight, the World Boxing Association focused on Benavidez’s “devastating display of power” in capturing the cruiserweight title, detailing the sixth-round stoppage without referencing the elbow contact visible on replay.
That omission stands out. Despite the clips circulating, neither the World Boxing Association nor the World Boxing Organization has indicated any review or clarification.
Under boxing rules, elbow contact can result in a point deduction or disqualification, depending on severity and intent. No such action was taken during the fight, and no follow-up explanation has been provided since.
Elbow Footage Draws Scrutiny
The footage and still images remain clear enough to warrant scrutiny. Nobody is taking anything away from David Benavidez, who likely would have secured the stoppage regardless. However, it’s the lack of acknowledgment that raises the issue — especially when the contact is visible on replay.
At minimum, the incidents should be noted. Even a brief acknowledgment that elbow contact occurred would bring clarity. Instead, neither governing body has indicated any review, leaving the situation to stand without explanation after a night where Benavidez dominated Gilberto Ramirez and later set terms for cruiserweight rivals.
The issue is no longer what happened — it’s why it hasn’t been addressed.
With the evidence in the public domain and no official position offered, the problems raised by the finish remain unresolved.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
