On November 22, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, David Benavidez didn’t just defend his title—he redefined dominance. The 28-year-old Mexican-American powerhouse, undefeated at 30-0, stopped British challenger Anthony Yarde at 1:59 of the seventh round, retaining his WBC light heavyweight title in a performance that left fans breathless and critics speechless. Referee Hector Afu stepped in after Yarde, bloodied and battered, refused to quit despite being pinned against the ropes, absorbing a torrent of clean, brutal shots. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
The Whitewash No One Saw Coming
Yarde entered the ring with a 27-3 record and a reputation for toughness—he’d gone the distance with Sergey Kovalev and Badou Jack. But this wasn’t those nights. From the opening bell, Benavidez controlled the pace, using his six-foot-two frame to outstretch and outmaneuver the shorter, more aggressive Brit. Early rounds saw Yarde press forward, landing the occasional hook, but Benavidez’s jab was a metronome, keeping him at bay. The turning point came in the fifth. After failing to land a knockout in rounds four and five, Benavidez dialed back his aggression, switched to a disciplined, rhythmic jab-and-counter pattern, and watched Yarde’s defense crumble. By the sixth, Yarde’s face was a roadmap of swelling and cuts. By the seventh, he was just trying to survive.
"The Monster’s Back"
Commentators on Fight Night on the Zone didn’t hold back: "If we were questioning his power at 175 pounds, we’re not anymore. The monster’s back." Benavidez’s fists weren’t just fast—they were punishing. He landed 117 power shots in the final three rounds alone, per CompuBox data cited by BadLeftHook.com. Yarde, ever the warrior, kept throwing back, even as his legs wobbled and his vision blurred. He protested when Benavidez landed a right hand after he’d gone down—something the referee deemed incidental, not intentional. But the damage was done. When Yarde finally went down for the third time in the round, he didn’t rise quickly enough. Afu stepped in without hesitation.
Benavidez’s Vision: Double Champion
Post-fight, Benavidez was calm, almost amused by the spectacle he’d created. "I told everybody I was gonna steal the show," he said, grinning. "And I think I did that." He acknowledged Yarde’s grit—"He took a lot of punishment tonight"—but made it clear this was no fluke. "I knew he was top five. I knew it was gonna be hard." But the real buzz came when he mentioned his next targets. First up: a May 2, 2026, showdown with Ramirez, a rising contender in the division. But then came the bombshell: "Yeah, that’s exactly what I want to do. I want to be double champ."
Benavidez is eyeing the super middleweight title at 168 pounds. The belt currently held by Jai Opetaia, the Australian cruiserweight-turned-super middleweight star, is on his radar. "I’m here to prove myself," he said. "Everybody always says I can’t do this, I can’t do that." The implication? He’s not just chasing belts—he’s chasing legacy. Moving down two weight classes is a rare feat, especially for a puncher of his size. But Benavidez has spent his career defying expectations.
Why This Matters Beyond the Ring
This wasn’t just another title defense in a crowded division. It was a reckoning. Benavidez had faced criticism after his last fight—a narrow decision win over Caleb Plant—for looking sluggish. Some wondered if his power had faded. Saturday silenced them. At 175 pounds, he’s now the most feared man in the division. And with his eyes on Opetaia and the super middleweight throne, he’s setting up a potential superfight that could redefine the weight classes.
Meanwhile, Yarde’s future is uncertain. At 32, he showed heart, but the toll is visible. His team will need to decide: does he rebuild at 175, or drop to cruiserweight? Either way, his run as a top-tier light heavyweight contender may be over.
The Road Ahead
Benavidez’s team is already in talks with promoters about the May 2, 2026, bout with Ramirez. But if Opetaia wins his next fight—scheduled for February 2026—Benavidez could move down to 168 pounds as early as July. The boxing world is watching. A double champion at 168 and 175 hasn’t been seen since Roy Jones Jr. in the 1990s. Benavidez isn’t just chasing history—he’s chasing immortality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Benavidez change his strategy during the fight?
Benavidez initially tried to finish Yarde early with power, but after failing to secure a knockout in rounds four and five, he shifted to a disciplined jab-and-counter approach in rounds six and seven. This allowed him to control distance, wear down Yarde’s defense, and open up opportunities for devastating body shots and hooks—leading to the seventh-round stoppage.
Why was Anthony Yarde still standing despite being badly hurt?
Yarde has built his career on toughness, having survived three brutal fights with world champions, including Kovalev and Jack. His mental resilience is legendary in the division. Even when bloodied and unsteady, he kept trying to counter, refusing to quit—until the referee intervened to protect him from further damage.
What does "double champion" mean for Benavidez’s career?
Becoming a double champion means holding world titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. Benavidez already holds the 175-pound WBC belt. Moving down to 168 pounds to challenge Jai Opetaia for the super middleweight title would make him the first unified champion across those divisions since Roy Jones Jr. in 1994—a rare and historic achievement.
Is Jai Opetaia the next logical opponent for Benavidez?
Yes. Opetaia, the Australian, is the reigning IBF and WBO super middleweight champion and has shown elite defense and power. A fight between him and Benavidez would pit two of the most exciting punchers in the division against each other. If Opetaia wins his February 2026 bout, the match becomes a likely blockbuster for summer 2026.
Why was this fight held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has aggressively invested in global boxing since 2022, hosting major events like the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul fight. The country offers lucrative paydays and tax incentives for promoters. This bout was part of a larger push to position Riyadh as a hub for elite combat sports, attracting top talent and global audiences.
What’s next for Anthony Yarde after this loss?
Yarde’s team faces a critical decision. At 32, with visible wear from 30 pro fights, dropping to cruiserweight (200 lbs) might extend his career. A move down would avoid elite 175-pounders like Benavidez and Canelo’s rival, but it’s uncertain if he can still compete at the top level. A retirement or interim title shot could be his next steps.
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *