Benavidez vs Yarde LIVE!
Riyadh hosted another packed and stacked evening of boxing as David Benavidez put his WBC light-heavyweight title on the line against Anthony Yarde, the headline act on the ‘Night of Champions’. In total, four belts were up for grabs and the main event provided a bloody and brutal affair.
Brian Norman Jr lost his WBO welterweight belt to Devin Haney, after Sam Noakes fell short against Abdullah Mason in a thrilling fight for the vacant WBO lightweight title. Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez produced a masterclass to knock out Fernando Martinez to win the super-flyweight WBC, WBA and IBF belts.
London-born Yarde will hope tonight is a case of third time lucky in title bouts after previous defeats to Sergey Kovalev in 2019 Artur Beterbiev in 2023, and faces a daunting challenge against the 30-0 Benavidez. Both boast 24 career knockouts, in the same number of fights, setting up a bruising encounter that could go the distance. Follow David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde LIVE!
Benavidez vs Yarde latest news
- Benavidez demolishes Yarde in one-sided main event
- Mielnicki Jr knocks out Nmomah
- Mason beats Noakes by unanimous decision
- Rodriguez knocks out Martinez
- AND NEW! Haney beats Norman Jr to win WBO welterweight belt
Thanks for following along tonight!
What next for Anthony Yarde after a third title fight defeat? We will cover all the fallout on Standard Sport.
You can read our recap of tonight here.
That was brutal.
A demolition job, an old-fashioned beatdown.
IT'S OVER!
03:04 , Alex YoungRound 7
Blood is pouring out of Yarde’s nose, cheek and mouth and the end looks to be near.
Benavidez senses as much and batters Yarde in the corner until the Briton is left in a heap in the corner. His face smeared with blood, Yarde battles on but will he see out the round?
He’s back in the corner and eats more punches... and one final left sees the referee intervene! It’s over!
A demolition job from Benavidez!
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:59 , Alex YoungRound 6
Yarde starts the round with a great right hand, which pushes Benavidez onto the ropes - better from the Londoner!
It doesn’t last long. Benavidez regains his composure, and for the first time Yarde takes a big gulp of air. Two big lefts to the side of his face don’t help matters either.
Yarde is getting beaten up. He’s busted open as Benavidez gets him in the corner and starts that pummelling again.
We’re halfway through, and Yarde needs a lifeline.
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:55 , Alex YoungRound 5
The scorecards are not looking good for Yarde, who needs to start using those mammoth shoulders of his more. Yarde just doesn’t look to be hurting Benavidez at all, and the opposite is true in reverse.
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:52 , Alex YoungRound 4
Benavidez and Yarde have thrown a similar number of punches heading into the round, but the Mexican Monster has landed more than double his opponent.
Yarde is almost moving backwards, which is playing into Benavidez’s hands - or gloves - as he soon gets pelted next to the ropes.
A remarkable end to the fight sees Benavidez quite literally pummel Yarde with what must have been double-digit left hooks as Yarde couldn’t escape. What damage did that do?
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:47 , Alex YoungRound 3
The fight is opening up as Benavidez connects with a nice combo to each side of the head, but Yarde hits back with a jab to his left side.
Yarde is doing well in these early stages, but Benavidez is such a threat on the front foot that the Briton needs to be more aggressive at some stage.
Benavidez finishes the round with two, three and then a fourth right hook upstairs.
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:43 , Alex YoungRound 2
A big right hand just about gets through Yarde’s defence, prompting cheers from his corner. He follows up with a left, but the Briton gets his hands up.
Yarde is making Benavidez look small which is, quite frankly, absurd. He’s amped, and connects with a near body shot before Benavidez rolls into the corner and away.
A little stumble from Benavidez at the bell, but nothing doing.
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:39 , Alex YoungRound 1
A cagey opening round but one which sees Yarde land a couple of decent hits before Benavidez shuffles him back into the ropes with a quick combo.
Even start.
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:34 , Alex YoungLet’s do this.
...and now the undefeated champion.
Here comes ‘The Beast from the East’!
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:27 , Alex YoungBoth have 30 fights to their name, both have 24 knockouts to their name. Yarde has three defeats, while Benavidez is unbeaten.
Here’s Michael Buffer.
Benavidez vs Yarde
02:24 , Alex YoungRight then.
David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde.
The odds are against London-born Yarde, who takes on a title fight for the third time and still looking for his first triumph.
Time for the main event? I think so.
Speaking to DAZN, both Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn say Haney is “fighting scared” and “doesn’t want to engage”.
He is no finisher, basically. Fair? Perhaps. But he is now a three-division world champion.
Benn says he is not interested in fighting Haney next. He wants Ryan Garcia, but he fights in February.
...and NEW!
02:09 , Alex YoungHaney wins Norman Jr’s WBO welterweight belt! Unanimous decision.
Is Conor Benn next?
Norman Jr vs Haney
02:06 , Alex YoungRound 12
Norman needs the knockout to win, but Haney is keeping his distance well and just not giving his opponent a chance.
He has produced a superb performance to be crowned a three-division world champion!
Confirmation to come.
Norman Jr vs Haney
02:02 , Alex YoungRound 11
Conor Benn feigns falling alseep on Eddie Hearn’s shoulder during the break. To be fair, it’s just turning 5am local time, with the main event still to come.
In the ring, it’s edging towards now-or-never time for Norman, who should be commended for how he has fought back after the knockdown.
Haney continues to dart around the ring and connecting with body shots. One round to go.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:58 , Alex YoungRound 10
Haney connects with a left hook, finding his rhythm again after a round or two in favour of the Norman. Closing in on a big win.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:54 , Alex YoungRound 9
Norman with two decent combos to Haney’s face, which rocks the latter a tad. A glimmer of hope? Not much more than that at this stage.
His best round so far, for me, but he needs more and is running out of time.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:49 , Alex YoungRound 8
Better from Norman when he gets Haney against the ropes, looking for that big right of his. Haney is aware of the threat, and is simply out-boxing his opponent at the moment.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:45 , Alex YoungRound 7
Yet more big hits from Haney which Norman has no reply to. This is not quite as one-sided as the last fight, but it’s not too far off. Haney is cruising to victory.
Norman looks shell-shocked still, and a little desperate.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:41 , Alex YoungRound 6
Norman has thrown almost twice as many punches as Haney, but landed around half his opponent’s tally.
Haney is showing patience, whereas Norman knows he needs to produce some magic. Nothing coming in a straightforward sixth.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:37 , Alex YoungRound 5
Haney is dominating here. Norman surely still shaken from that second-round blow to the nose.
A superb combo sends Norman stumbling back again before he immediately launches a counter which only catches fresh air. Norman lacking composure.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:34 , Alex YoungRound 4
If Haney was a bigger hitter, you feel this would be over already. Norman walks into another stiff left after an equally mean jab.
Norman tries to mount an offence to little avail. Nose pouring with blood.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:29 , Alex YoungRound 3
Impressive recovery from Norman Jr against a confident Haney, who is going time and again at his opponent’s bloodied - and surely broken - nose.
Haney last stopped an opponent six years ago, tonight could be the night... but he needs more killer instinct.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:25 , Alex YoungRound 2
First big punch of the fight lands on Norman Jr's right cheek, but he shakes it off well... but not the next! Norman Jr is sent to the mat with a big right. He gets up but is struggling big time, the referee interferes, but Haney is desperate for a second-round knockout!
Norman Jr is bloody and bruised but reaches the bell. Who saw this coming?!
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:21 , Alex YoungRound 1
A cagey opening round, both fighters hesitant to engage too much. Conor Benn watching from ringside and could potentially face one of these two next year.
Norman Jr vs Haney
01:17 , Alex YoungThis one could go the distance. Here we go.
It’s the co-main event and the WBO welterweight world title is on the line.
Haney looking to become a three-weight champion, and takes on Norman Jr - who boasts one hell of a punch.
It’s the co-main event next, and the return of Devin Haney.
Rodriguez knocks out Martinez!
01:01 , Alex YoungThe fight was entirely one-sided and predictable after the second round, but it brings the best punch of the night.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:59 , Alex YoungRound 10
Bam gets the knockout! A masterclass against an unbeaten foe to clinch all three belts on the line after a one-punch blow.
Martinez gets counted out and that was a long time coming!
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:56 , Alex YoungRound 9
As the clock ticks towards 4am in Riyadh, those in attendance must be suffering quite the comeback after the Mason/Noakes fight.
This has been entirely one-sided and, quite frankly, a surprise to be heading into a 10th round.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:51 , Alex YoungRound 8
Bam with a couple more sharp uppercuts. You wonder how long Martinez can hold on as his defence starts to weaken and his attacks dry up.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:47 , Alex YoungRound 7
“My nose is hurting, my nose is hurting,” Martinez tells his corner before the start of the seventh. It looks like it’s broken, to be fair.
Martinez swings and misses with a big left, Bam responds with a sharp right jab to the body. Martinez is throwing plenty, just not landing much.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:44 , Alex YoungRound 6
Bam has another gear to go here, and you feel Martinez is reaching his red zone.
Rodriguez is measured and lands a couple more body shots before a left cross. Surely this won’t go the distance.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:42 , Alex YoungRound 5
The writing is on the wall for Martinez, but he’s still giving it his all.
Bam connects with a body shot and then a left, but Martinez hit back with a stiff right.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:36 , Alex YoungRound 4
Lots of huff and puff from Martinez, but not a whole lot landing. Bam, meanwhile, connects with an uppercut which opens up his opponent.
Plenty of blood, which Martinez keeps having to wipe away. He’s in a battle.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:31 , Alex YoungRound 3
Rodriguez moves like a ghost at times, if that makes sense! Swirls around the ring like it’s a ballroom.
A flurry of left and right knocks Martinez’s head back. Martinez tries to hit back but Bam is like a blur. Remarkable.
Martinez eats a body shot and looks hurt. He’s unbeaten heading into this fight but is getting completely out-boxed.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:28 , Alex YoungRound 2
Martinez comes back with some stiff right hands but he’s not doing much to rock Bam so far, who just glides around the ring.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:25 , Alex YoungRound 1
A curious first round which sees Rodriguez’s glove hits the canvas after throwing a punch, and then Martinez slipping onto all fours. Neither a knockdown.
Bam shows some superb footwork to land a right hook to Martinez’s face.
Rodriguez vs Martinez
00:20 , Alex YoungThree belts on the line, two undefeated records... here we go.
Straight into our next bout as Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in an unification fight.
Mason wins by unanimous decision!
00:06 , Alex YoungMason wins it by unanimous decision! He is the youngest world champion in the sport!
That will take some beating for fight of the night.
First instinct is that Mason will take this on points, but it’s going to be close.
Mason vs Noakes
00:02 , Alex YoungRound 12
Into the final round and it’s a grandstand finish to a fantastic fight! Blood is pouring out of Noakes eye, cheek, nose and mouth as he tries to mount a fightback.
Mason is hurt by an uppercut but stands tall against his rival, lands a smart jab and a body shot... and there’s the bell!
What. A. Fight!
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:58 , Alex YoungRound 11
Into the penultimate round. Mason has never been past the sixth before, but looks full of energy still.
You feel Noakes now needs a knockout to win this, but both fighters can hit big and take big hits.
A nice body shot from Noakes which forces Mason to skip away from him. Another body shot and then a left hook! Mason responds with an uppercut before eating a right, left combo as the bell goes!
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:54 , Alex YoungRound 10
Mason is targeting the body and Noakes has to be really hurting, not that he’s showing it... and then a big uppercut and Noakes is on the ropes!
Somehow he recovers, still on his feet as Mason pummels him in the corner. What heart!
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:50 , Alex YoungRound 9
Mason back with the momentum, landing some smart jabs and those trust uppercuts. Noakes keeps coming back, but how much more has he got left?
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:46 , Alex YoungRound 8
The momentum in this fight has shifted, with Noakes stepping up a gear when it looked like it was his opponent who had the wind behind him.
But hold on, Mason connects with a stiff body shot and suddenly it’s Noakes who is being the more defensive.
A few uppercuts sends Noakes into the corner. Mason needed that.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:42 , Alex YoungRound 7
Is Mason hurt? Another body shot from Noakes rocks the American, and another sends him back a few steps and the Brit’s corner cheers.
Huge round for Noakes, who lands a big uppercut before surviving a volley of punches from Mason.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:38 , Alex YoungRound 6
Noakes’ eye is leaking all down his face again but he’s not giving Mason an inch.
We’re beyond halfway through now and it’s already been a thrill.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:34 , Alex YoungRound 5
Noakes has a lot of heart. A few body shots from the Brit and then a big left lands on Mason’s nose!
You feel Mason may have another gear, but Noakes is turning this into a slugfest!
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:30 , Alex YoungRound 4
Noakes is patched up, but for how long?
A more even round but Mason has really stamped his authority on the bout.
Two misses uppercuts from Mason gives Noakes a reprieve before the bell as the blood begins to pour again.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:26 , Alex YoungRound 3
Mason starts the third with another great body shot and then busts Noakes open with a brilliant right.
Blood is pouring from Noakes’ left eye, and the referee halts the fight briefly.
Replays show it was a clash of heads, but Mason appears to have come away largely unscathed.
Noakes seemingly knows he could be fighting a losing battle and tries to land a few slugs, but the bell halts his charge.
What a round.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:21 , Alex YoungRound 2
Mason’s corner tell him to move quicker, and he heeds their advice immediately. A blistering opening to the round sees Mason land a few great rights to Noakes’ face... but ‘Midge’ is relishing the challenge and roars back with a stiff right and uppercut of his own.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:17 , Alex YoungRound 1
Nice early body shot from Noakes sees Mason bend over double near the ropes. He recovers, then soon after shakes off a right hand.
Mason responds with a neat uppercut but has to eat one from Noakes and then a great right before the bell.
We have a fight on our hands.
Mason vs Noakes
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:14 , Alex YoungHere we go.
We’re set for 12 rounds, and Noakes has it all to do against his fellow undefeated opponent.
British hope Sam Noakes takes on Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title next.
‘White Magic’ Mielnicki remains WBO global middleweight champion.
Nmomah kept being let off the hook but was hurting, and then finally Mielnicki lands the follow-up, connecting to the side of his head as Nmomah ducked for cover.
Nmomah wasn’t happy, as you’d expect, but the right decision. His head had just bounced off the canvas!
Mielnicki Jr knocks out Nmomah!
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:54 , Alex YoungRound 9
Penultimate round and the momentum is back with Mielnicki, making all the positive moves.
Nmomah almost lands a nice right hand, but Mielnicki ducks out of the way smartly as his opponent spits blood out of his mouth.
Suddently two quick right hands sends Nmomah to the mat... and the referee calls it out!
Mielnicki wins, recording the 13th knockout of his career!
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:50 , Alex YoungRound 8
A big right hand from Mielnicki, which has been a long time coming. Nmomah slightly steps back but does not seem too fazed.
Mielnicki is buoyed by the big hit and comes back at his opponent, but is then on the wrong end of a heavy forearm from Nmomah.
Blood is visible on Nmomah’s face and Mielnicki lands a big left seconds before the bell. Much better!
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:45 , Alex YoungRound 7
A far more even and measured contest between the pair, and Mielnicki looks more assured on that hurt right hand of his. Adrenaline no doubt helping.
Nmomah lands a nice left hook again before the bell.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:41 , Alex YoungRound 6
Mielnicki tells his corner that he’s hurt his right hand, so he’s told to lead with the left. This is a real chance for Nmomah.
The American just does not have the power, as you’d imagine, and while Nmomah doesn’t know about his opponent’s hand, he may suspect something.
A big left hook from Nmomah staggers Mielnicki, but he is able to see out the round.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:37 , Alex YoungRound 5
Oh! A right hand from Nmomah to Mielnicki’s head sees the American take a knee, but the referee does not deem it a knockdown.
Hold on, do we have a fight on our hands? Suddenly, it’s Nmomah who is commanding the ring and pushing his opponent back. Mielnicki is hurt and is on the back foot. He needs to steady the ship after losing his first round of the fight.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:33 , Alex YoungRound 4
Mielnicki has been looking for the right hand in the first three rounds and finally lands it, and then again, with only the ropes keeping Nmomah on his feet!
Nmomah tenses up and survives two assaults from his opponent. So close to the knockout, but the unbeaten Nmomah survives for now.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:29 , Alex YoungRound 3
Mielnicki is the far more aggressive, landing plenty. A nice right followed by a body shot sees Nmomah rock back onto his heels, but he’s made of stern stuff.
The American will cruise to victory unless something changes.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:25 , Alex YoungRound 2
Mielnicki is already building some momentum with a few big overhand combos, but Nmomah has plenty of power behind him.
These two have quite similar styles and both almost connect with hooks at the same time, which would have been something. Mielnicki gets another by my count.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:22 , Alex YoungRound 1
Both fighters are sussing each other out in the opening round, with Mielnicki edging it with some smart jabs. Early doors, we may have to wait until this fight opens up.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:17 , Alex YoungRight, let’s get this night started.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:13 , Alex YoungSo, American middleweight prospect Mienlicki Jr and the unbeaten Nigerian-born Italian Samuel Nmomah kicks off the card with a 10-rounder.
Mielnicki, nicknamed ‘White Magic’ is the favourite to come out on top here.
Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:10 , Alex YoungWe are fast approaching the first fight of the undercard as Eminem blasts out of the PA system.
Conor Benn is talking to DAZN, and he’s a huge fan of Benavidez.
“He's an unbreakable man, he's a monster. I rate him highly, he's dangerous."
Undercard set to begin
Saturday 22 November 2025 21:54 , Alex YoungThat’s the prelims done, the undercard is next. We start with Vito Mielnicki Jr vs Samuel Nmomah.
As expected, Alakel wins by unanimous decision!
The young prospect will be delighted that Turki Alalshikh arrived just in time to see him crowned the winner.
After six rounds, hometown hero Alakel looks set for a unanimous points victory over Li, who almost hit the canvas at the end of the fifth before rallying.
Alakel looking to extend his unbeaten start to his career to seven, but will be disappointed not to get the knockout.
British star Sam Noakes is getting strapped up under the watchful eye of Frank Warren.
Benavidez: This one is going to live up to the moment
Saturday 22 November 2025 21:29 , Alex YoungThe ‘Mexican Monster’ expects a classic tonight. As my colleague George Flood noted in his fight prediction, this could be a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender.
"I've had my eye on Anthony Yarde for a long time. He has power and heart. No matter who he faces, it's a good fight,” Benavidez said.
"I want to give people action-packed fights. This one is going to live up to the moment.
"Anthony Yarde wants to capture a world title and I want to unify the division. This is a big moment.
"The boxing fans win on Saturday."
The final prelim bout sees hometown hero Mohammed Alakel take on Jiaming Li.
Wild cheers as Alakel makes his way to the ring.
Draw!
Saturday 22 November 2025 21:19 , Alex YoungAlmost! The sole judge scores it 57-57 after six rounds, and it’s a unanimous draw!
That’s (nearly) as good as a victory for Mpenda.
We’ve gone the distance in the third prelim bout.
Julio Porras went in as the clear favourite but Pius Mpenda has impressed and ends with all the momentum.
Could we have a shock result on our hands?
Yarde: 'This is the best version of me'
Saturday 22 November 2025 21:07 , Alex YoungAnthony Yarde says he is a "better fighter now" ahead of his third title fight compared to the previous two.
Yarde lost to Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and then Artur Beterbiev in 2023. This could be his final chance for glory.
Yarde said: "I keep hearing 'three times a charm' or 'third time lucky'. I don't really believe in luck. I feel like I'm a better fighter now.”
He added: "I feel this is the best version of me. I always said I didn't want an easy route.
"I don't want to win vacant titles. That's why I went to Russia to face Kovalev. People told me not to fight Beterbiev - I don't care.
"The better the fighter, the bigger the reward. This occasion feels right."
How about Benavidez?
Saturday 22 November 2025 20:55 , Alex YoungBenavidez became Bivol’s mandatory challenger with the WBC, but the belt was relinquished as the latter instead chose to try and secure a decisive trilogy contest with Beterbiev, which has been put on hold for now with Beterbiev also pulling out of a meeting with Deon Nicholson scheduled for this card.
Bivol, meanwhile, is aiming to return to the ring in early 2026 after undergoing back surgery in the summer.
Benavidez had initially become the interim WBC champion by easing to a comfortable points win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk on his light-heavyweight debut last summer, retaining that title and also picking up the WBA ‘regular’ belt by withstanding a late knockdown to beat David Morrell in Las Vegas in February.
The American moved up to light-heavyweight after his unsuccessful and protracted attempts to secure a huge showdown with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, having previously spent three years as WBC super-middleweight champion after breaking records in the division by winning the belt aged just 20.
A blistering flurry from Sultan Almohammed earns a first-round win over Umesh Chavan!
Second fight, second win for the 17-year-old from Saudi Arabia.
Yarde's road to Riyadh
Saturday 22 November 2025 20:37 , Alex YoungTonight is a massive opportunity for Anthony Yarde, who will hope to make it third time lucky in terms of world title challenges after previous spirited defeats by Russian duo Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev.
‘The Beast from the East’ has had something of an underwhelming run since his epic clash with Beterbiev in January 2023 in which he hurt the former undisputed champion in a thrilling encounter at Wembley Arena as he tried to claim the WBC, IBF and WBO belts at 175lbs before being pulled out by his corner following a heavy knockdown in the eighth round.
Yarde returned with early knockout triumphs over little-known opponents in Jorge Silva and Marko Nikolic before labouring to an unimpressive points win over Ralfs Vilcans. He then claimed a decision against Lyndon Arthur in the lacklustre third instalment of their long-running rivalry on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in April.
He now faces another enormous test against Benavidez, one of the sport’s most explosive fighters who remains undefeated at 30-0 with 24 knockouts having reigned as WBC light-heavyweight champion since being elevated following Dmitry Bivol’s decision to vacate one of his belts in April having won a rematch with Beterbiev to become undisputed.
One fight down as 16-year-old Juan El Guerito de Tepito has beaten Barker Ssewaanyana on his pro debut.
Sixteen years old!
Benavidez vs Yarde prediction
Saturday 22 November 2025 20:24 , Alex YoungTonight’s fiery main event in Riyadh has the potential to be a late Fight of the Year contender, make no mistake.
The hard-hitting and undefeated Benavidez is one of boxing’s most destructive punchers and, having tried and failed for so long to secure a showdown with Canelo, will be eager to make a statement as he now chases the likes of former sparring partner Bivol and Beterbiev, or potentially another move up to cruiserweight for a shot at WBA and WBO champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, or even Jai Opetaia.
‘The Mexican Monster’ is a clear favourite here against Yarde, whose four fights since that classic encounter with Beterbiev have all been either very low-key or very underwhelming.
However, the man from Hackney has form for stepping up and making these big occasions riveting, close and memorable, as his previous world title challenges against Kovalev and Beterbiev both show.
While he may not have enough in the end to shock Benavidez in what could well be his last chance at world level aged 34, you can be sure that he will give it a damn good go with fireworks hopefully guaranteed.
Benavidez to win by late stoppage.
Conor Benn, who this time last week was wiping the floor with Chris Eubank Jr, is here with promoter Eddie Hearn.
The prelims are due to start shortly.
- Mohammed Alakel vs Jiaming Li
- Julio Porras Ruiz vs Pius Mpenda
- Sultan Almohammed vs Umesh Chavan
It is due to be a long night in Riyadh as it’s just ticking beyond 11pm in Saudi Arabia.
Fight times and running order
Saturday 22 November 2025 20:07 , Alex YoungUndercard times for UK fans.
10:15pm: Vito Mielnicki Jr vs Samuel Nmomah
11:06pm: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez
12:03am: Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes
1:01am: Brian Norman Jr vs Devin Haney
2:04am: David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde
How to watch tonight
Saturday 22 November 2025 20:03 , Alex YoungTV channel and live stream: The Ring IV is being shown live and exclusively worldwide on DAZN via their pay-per-view service.
It will cost £24.99 in the UK and $59.99 in the US.
Those who have bought the event via DAZN can watch it live online via their website and app.
Benavidez vs Yarde
Saturday 22 November 2025 19:59 , Alex YoungGood evening and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the ‘Night of Champions’, headlined by a WBC light-heavyweight title fight between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde.
Four title fights make up a stacked card in Riyadh, with the action taking us into the early hours both in the Gulf and back in Yarde’s hometown of London.
Buckle up, this should be a cracker.
