David Benavidez Secures Convincing Win Over Anthony Yarde to Retain WBC Light-heavyweight Title

In a thrilling championship clash held in Riyadh, David Benavidez extended his unbeaten record to 31-0 by overpowering Anthony Yarde in the seventh round. The British contender, aged 34, suffered his third defeat in a world title fight after enduring significant punishment that forced the referee to halt the bout. Yarde’s previous setbacks against top-tier opponents like Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev foreshadowed the tough challenge he faced against Benavidez.

‘The Mexican Monster’ Sets Sights on Cruiserweight Titles after Dominant Defence

Following this commanding victory, Benavidez-nicknamed ‘The Mexican monster’-revealed plans to ascend into the cruiserweight division.His goal is to challenge Gilberto Ramirez for both WBA and WBO championships at that weight class, signaling his ambition to expand his legacy beyond light-heavyweight dominance.

The Road Ahead: Challenges Loom for Anthony Yarde After Fourth Career Loss

The outcome leaves uncertainty surrounding Yarde’s future prospects after recording his fourth professional defeat.Trainer Tunde Ajayi expressed disappointment but acknowledged facing an elite adversary like Benavidez was an immense test.

“It’s clear why many fighters hesitate when matched with him,” Ajayi commented. “Though we’re disheartened, boxing demands resilience. Our plan was to gain momentum later in the fight.”

Yarde maintained a fighting spirit despite the setback: “I anticipated his attack style; he landed a powerful shot on my nose near the end,” he reflected post-fight. “It was competitive-I stayed strong because I’m built for battles like this.”

Devin Haney Clinches Third World Title with Win Over Brian Norman Jr.

The event’s co-feature showcased Devin Haney capturing the WBO welterweight belt via unanimous decision against American contender Brian Norman Jr., marking Haney’s rise as a three-division world champion.

The 27-year-old star floored Norman early in round two and dominated much of their contest through sharp jabs and strategic footwork. Judges scored it decisively at 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111 favoring Haney (33-0), who previously held titles at lightweight and super lightweight levels.

This victory follows Haney’s earlier success over Jose Carlos Ramirez at Times Square where he also secured welterweight honors by unanimous decision earlier this year.

Kent Fighter Sam Noakes Impresses Despite Narrow Defeat for Vacant Lightweight Championship

Kent-based boxer Sam Noakes earned widespread respect despite falling short on points during an intense battle for the vacant WBO lightweight title won by Abdullah Mason. A head clash caused Noakes to sustain a deep cut above his left eye in round three; nevertheless, both fighters exchanged heavy body shots throughout their fierce encounter.

• Mason triumphed with judges’ scores of 115-113, 117-111, and 115-113 securing victory by decision.
• Noakes displayed exceptional grit under pressure despite adversity from mid-fight injury complications.
• This bout underscored emerging talent within Britain’s boxing ranks amid intensifying global competition across weight classes.