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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Alex Pattle

Yarde vs Benavidez live: Fight updates and undercard results as American stops Briton in dominant showing

World champion David Benavidez simply proved too much for Anthony Yarde on Saturday, overwhelming the Briton in their WBC light-heavyweight title clash.

Benavidez’s forward pressure and volume of output, combined with his power, had Yarde relying on bravery and sporadic counter-punching as the fight went on, with a finish beginning to feel like an inevitability in the middle rounds. And it came in the seventh, a chaotic frame in which Benavidez dropped Yarde in one corner but was docked two points for landing an extra punch.

While that moment could have proved controversial, it will be nothing but a footnote on Saturday’s result in Riyadh, as Benavidez froze Yarde with a brutal left hook when the action resumed, leading the referee to save the challenger on his feet.

Benavidez’s victory kept the American unbeaten, as the former super-middleweight champion retained his light-heavyweight belt and turned attention to cruiserweight.

Re-live updates and see all results from the main event and undercard, below. You can purchase the fight on DAZN here, now.

Benavidez vs Yarde live

  • David Benavidez retains WBC light-heavyweight title with stoppage of Anthony Yarde
  • Devin Haney gains world title in third division as he drops and outpoints Brian Norman Jr
  • Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez dominates and stops Fernando Martinez in unification clash
  • Sam Noakes narrowly outfought by Abdullah Mason, who claims vacant lightweight title

Report: Benavidez, Haney and ‘Bam’ seal big wins

03:32 , Alex Pattle

David Benavidez overwhelms Anthony Yarde en route to seventh-round stoppage

Rewind: Haney speaks after beating Norman Jr

06:00 , Alex Pattle

Did Haney silence critics from previous win over Ramirez?

05:30 , Alex Pattle

Fans saw main-event result coming

05:00 , Alex Pattle

Re-live Benavidez’s ring walk before victory over Yarde

04:30 , Alex Pattle

From the undercard: Bill Haney on son Devin’s win

04:00 , Alex Pattle

Benavidez turns attention to cruiserweight title clash with Zurdo

03:45 , Alex Pattle

David Benavidez too much for brave Anthony Yarde in WBC title clash

03:30 , Alex Pattle

(Getty Images)

David Benavidez too much for brave Anthony Yarde in WBC title clash

03:23 , Alex Pattle

(Getty Images)

David Benavidez too much for brave Anthony Yarde in WBC title clash

03:16 , Alex Pattle

Benavidez reveals that he’s moving up to cruiserweight next, where he wants to face Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in May!

He speaks as if it’s a foregone conclusion, and he wants it in Las Vegas on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Is that because Bivol and Beterbiev are set for a trilogy bout at light-heavyweight?

David Benavidez too much for brave Anthony Yarde in WBC title clash

03:11 , Alex Pattle

Benavidez: “It’s definitely what I expected. When I got the contract, I said, ‘Oh, man, this is gonna be a war, this is what I dreamt about.’

“He cut me like in round six, I said: ‘You want a shootout, then?’ He stepped in the ‘Monster’’s world and got KOed.

“I grade [my performance] B+, there’s always room for improvement, but people said I couldn’t stop this guy, and I made it look easier than Kovalev and Beterbiev.”

David Benavidez too much for brave Anthony Yarde in WBC title clash

03:07 , Alex Pattle

David Benavidez def. Anthony Yarde via seventh-round TKO (1:59)

It’s all respect between Benavidez and Yarde here.

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

03:03 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Into the second half of this fight. Yarde is given an extra moment to have his nose inspected. He’s deemed okay to continue.

Yarde is fighting back still, but he’s getting overwhelmed by the pressure of Benavidez, who drops Yarde in the corner!

Yarde is back up and complaining to the ref that Benavidez landed an extra punch.

Oh, he did; two points are taken from Benavidez!!

But is it going to be too late for Yarde? The action resumes, and Yarde has some success actually, as Benavidez momentarily slows...

But now he gets a second wind, again cornering Yarde and throwing prolonged flurries.

Wow, big left hook – a huge shot – and Yarde freezes... and the ref steps in! He saves Yarde!

It’s all over.

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:59 , Alex Pattle

Round six

Big right hand from Yarde, and Benavidez backs up to the ropes! Yarde pours on offence, but Benavidez holds him.

Now Benavidez gets some space to let go quickfire bursts of punches!

Again Yarde is warned for aiming low. Jab and hard left hook by Benavidez. Uppercut from Yarde, who is beckoned on by Benavidez.

Curling left hook lands for Benavidez, then a right!! He swarms Yarde now, and Yarde is bleeding from the nose. He paws at it to check.

Yarde with sporadic punches to try to slow down Benavidez, who is really increasing the pressure now.

Volume and power from Benavidez, and Yarde is just trying to make it to the bell without dropping! He does, just...

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:55 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Yarde has been in all of these rounds, but Benavidez has been doing the work to actually take them.

Benavidez with the much-more accurate work so far in round five.

Fizzing jab by Benavidez, and Yarde’s double-pump reply is deemed low by the ref.

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:51 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Benavidez again backs up Yarde and throws with volume, but Yarde again lands a nice counter to put off the champion.

Good jabs from Benavidez, though, and he feels comfortable to increase his output here.

Some really fun exchanges here, with both men landing.

Late in the round, Benavidez uses one hand to hold Yarde by his shoulder, and he uses the other to pummel Yarde repeatedly!!

Benavidez’s pressure, speed and volume are winning him these rounds.

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:47 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Firm cross to the belt line by Yarde. Now a busy jab. Both men try swiping left hooks.

Benavidez crashes forward, but he’s smothering his work a bit. Still, a left hook lands for him in the mix.

Clubbing right hook by Yarde, who adds more shots in a confident phase. It follows another flurry by Benavidez.

And again Benavidez corners his challenger and lets his hands go. So far, though, Benavidez isn’t landing anything that’s going to worry Yarde.

Oh! But Benavidez responds to a good uppercut with a trio of straight punches, and Yarde does blink repeatedly – perhaps a tad fazed now?

Yarde rolls with a cross, but this is eye catching work from Benavidez, who ends the round with another chopping right!

David Benavidez (left) attacking Anthony Yarde (Getty Images)

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:43 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Good combination punching from Benavidez, who again has Yarde cornered, but the English challenger comes back with a sturdy left hook!

Lots of jabs from Yarde now, who seems content to keep Benavidez thinking.

Nice uppercut to the body by Yarde, but that spurs on Benavidez to pour on offence!

Yarde is dealing with those shots okay so far. Clean cross by Benavidez then a powerful jab.

Yarde shoves the American away to get off the ropes. Volume punching from Yarde late in the round.

Benavidez overshoots with a cross and falls to a knee as the bell sounds.

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:38 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Both men stand orthodox. Benavidez applies some measured pressure.

Yarde, who looks MASSIVE in there, is content to feint for the most part.

He just about eats an overhand right from Benavidez, turning with the punch.

Yarde with a couple of jabs to the body. He times one upstairs as Benavidez corners him and throws to the body.

Great counter cross by Yarde, landing upstairs!

Benavidez jabs to the body next. Another one, up top. Both men have tried check hooks a few times.

Nice flurry from Benavidez late in the round.

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:31 , Alex Pattle

Both men are in the ring!

Last time out, in April, Yarde outpointed domestic rival Lyndon Arthur to win their trilogy.

Meanwhile, Benavidez enters this fight on the back of a decision win over David Morrell in February.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

David Benavidez defends WBC light-heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde

02:20 , Alex Pattle

Main-event time!

For the third and surely final time, Britain’s Anthony Yarde aims to become a world champion, but he faces a tough test against one of the most-fearsome fighters in boxing’s upper divisions: WBC light-heavyweight champ David Benavidez.

At 28, the best may still be ahead of Benavidez, who dreams of match-ups with the likes of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, while Yarde, 34, makes his last roll of the dice.

Benavidez – a former super-middleweight champion – carries a pro record of 30-0 (24 KOs) into this fight, while Yarde is 27-3 (24 KOs).

David Benavidez (left) and Anthony Yarde (Getty Images)

Conor Benn plays down Devin Haney as potential opponent

02:15 , Alex Pattle

Conor Benn is on the mic now, with his promoter Eddie Hearn – both of them playing down Haney’s performance.

“He’s scared of his own shadow,” Benn says of Haney.

I think they’d rather Ryan Garcia as an opponent for Benn. They want entertainment, is what they’re saying.

Rolly Romero and Mario Barrios are also mentioned now – not for the first time.

Devin Haney wins title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

02:09 , Alex Pattle

Devin Haney def. Brian Norman Jr via unanimous decision (114-113, 117-110, 116-111)

And new! Haney picks up the WBO welterweight title, becoming a three-division world champion!

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

02:05 , Alex Pattle

Round 12

Final round! Norman’s dad tells him to go for broke!

He lands some good body shots on the inside, as Haney grapples.

Decent right hook from Haney after they separate.

A lot of grappling as the final bell nears.

And it sounds, surely heralding a Haney victory.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

02:01 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Norman with a step-in left hook. He misses with a winging right, but Haney’s counter looks off-target as well.

Scrappy exchanges ensue. Haney cleans it up with a couple of nice jabs.

Norman with one of his own. Now Haney.

More messy coming-togethers.

Norman gives him a bit of a shoulder barge after the bell, not for the first time tonight.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:57 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Clubbing right hook from Norman at close range, half-blocked by Haney.

Haney is still managing the range pretty well, but his output has slowed.

He’s missing with crosses right now – loading up and failing to find the target.

Norman with a popping jab, then a heavy one as Haney rushes in!

Norman might be pulling back rounds here.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:53 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Norman finds his timing between Haney’s shots, landing a couple of promising punches now!

A better round for the champ.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:49 , Alex Pattle

Round eight

Norman closes range and fires off a combination. Is Haney slowing slightly?

Nice counter left hook, though – a long, teasing one – by Haney.

Both men land jabs. Haney again. He overshoots a cross and is lifted by Norman.

Devin Haney (left) in action against Brian Norman Jr (Getty Images)

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:45 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Big cross from Haney, following a jab! Now a firmer jab. Norman’s nose is busted up.

Norman catches Haney on the end of a long left hook, then corners him and hurls a body shot.

Now a snapping jab upstairs, in a good phase for Norman.

By the way, it’s Norman’s birthday today!

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:41 , Alex Pattle

Round six

Lots of feinting from both fighters, before Norman lands a left hook.

Now he burrows a pair of hooks into the body of Haney.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:37 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Norman crashes into Haney in a brief wrestling exchange by the ropes.

Clean one-two from Haney, textbook stuff.

Norman jabs to the body after pawing at his own nose.

Another one-two from Haney, but the cross is just below the chin of Norman. Still, there’s a smacking sound that gets the attention of the crowd.

A note that each fighter has his father in his corner!

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:32 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a look at that knockdown:

(Getty Images)

Round four

Haney with another stinging jab. It’s carrying real power at this weight.

Norman chases after Haney but still struggles to land clean.

But both men eventually land simultaneous jabs. Now Haney adds more. One of them is timed so nicely after a step-back by the “Dream”.

More spearing jabs, and Norman’s nose appears to be bleeding.

Conor Benn is sat ringside; could he be next for the winner of this bout?

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:28 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Stiff jab from Haney, but back comes Norman with a left hook. He then corners Haney but smothers his own work.

Back in the open, Norman walks onto an overhand right!

Clean jab by Haney now. And another.

Norman is throwing with intent but not a ton of accuracy.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:24 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Haney with a firm check hook, nice.

Another left hook, and Norman is on wobbly legs, oh! And a swift follow-up floors Norman, this time a right hand!!

Haney leans over the kneeling Norman, taunting him, and after Norman beats the count, Haney goes into seek-and-destroy mode!

Norman slowly recovers and throws back; could he catch Haney out of nowhere?!

Norman survives to the bell, but what a moment for Haney.

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:22 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Both men stand orthodox. Haney was criticised for not engaging enough in his win over Ramirez, but he has to be careful not to overcompensate and engage TOO much tonight.

Norman fails to find Haney with his jab but steps in with a decent left hook, closing range swiftly.

Haney misses with his own left hook but lands a jab; the reverse of Norman’s offence, then!

Norman comes forward with a pair of body hooks.

Brian Norman Jr (left) stares down Devin Haney (Getty Images)

Devin Haney eyes title at third weight in Brian Norman Jr grudge match

01:16 , Alex Pattle

Up to welterweight now, where WBO champion Brian Norman Jr defends his title against Devin Haney!

Haney was previously undisputed at lightweight and held a world title at super-lightweight; can he add a major belt in a third division?

We’ll find out as the 27-year-old American (32-0, 15 KOs) takes on compatriot Norman Jr.

Norman Jr, 25 years old with a 28-0 record (22 KOs) is deemed one of the hardest hitters at welterweight. Can he test the chin of Haney, who failed to impress in his divisional debut against Jose Ramirez in May?

This one’s a grudge match, that’s for sure.

‘Bam’ Rodriguez dominates and stops Martinez in unification tilt

01:07 , Alex Pattle

When did Bam know he had Martinez? “Honestly, after round one,” he says.

How comes 10 rounds needed, then?

“He’s a tough fighter, nothing but respect to Martinez. He’s tougher than I expected. Look at my hands.” They’re bloody, through the white wraps!”

Bam missed the birth of his son this week and says: “It’s hard for me, but it paid off. He’ll understand when he’s a little bit older.”

He also dedicates the win to his daughter and girlfriend.

‘Bam’ Rodriguez dominates and stops Martinez in unification tilt

01:02 , Alex Pattle

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez def. Fernando Martinez via 10th-round KO (1:25)

A special fighter is Bam. Some of the best footwork out there.

'Bam’ Rodriguez dominates and stops Martinez in unification tilt

00:59 , Alex Pattle

It was a perfectly-timed counter southpaw cross that floored Martinez. With that, the Argentine’s resistance was finally broken.

(Getty Images)

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:58 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Before this round, Martinez was asked by his corner how he feels.

Honestly, you wouldn’t blame them for pulling him from this fight.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s been game and stubborn, but he’s lost almost every round.

OH! And down he goes at last! A left hand floors him badly, and he’s never beating the count!

No decision for his corner to make in the end!!

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:55 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Wow, a counter left hook from Rodriguez lands with a THUD. He lands it after stepping back, too, in a very slick moment.

Late in the round, Bam leaves his head hanging out over his feet, baiting Martinez.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:51 , Alex Pattle

Round eight

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:47 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

It’s now pretty much just a question of how durable Martinez is. It’s almost one-way traffic, and if Bam doesn’t get a stoppage, he may yet get a clean sweep through 12 rounds.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:43 , Alex Pattle

Round six

Teasing right hook upstairs, left cross to the body, then two jabs upstairs. Yep, from Bam of course.

Another extended combination ends in a right hook to the head of Martinez, who looks weary now. He covers up and retreats.

Bam thuds in a couple more left hooks to the body. Martinez’s face is purple under the eyes, swelling as well.

Bam skims a southpaw cross off Martinez’s head, steps to the right, then curls in a left hook to the body.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:39 , Alex Pattle

Round five

A brief moment of wrestling sees Martinez leaning on the back of Bam’s head.

Well-timed one-two from Bam, who stalks Martinez, who is wiping his nose still.

Now a swift cross to the body from Rodriguez. Then an extended combination, testing Martinez’s guard.

Bam steps in and buries a cross into the midriff of Martinez, then eats a hook.

Credit to Martinez: he’s under constant pressure and his face is increasingly getting marked up, but he’s still game.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:34 , Alex Pattle

Round four

More wiping of the nose from Martinez.

Bam continues to apply pressure and eat the best of what Martinez has to offer.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:31 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Bam is blocking and avoiding most of what Martinez is throwing.

Bam slips an uppercut through the guard of Martinez. Lovely changes of angle from Rodriguez.

Now he’s starting to eat a few more shots, but they don’t seem to be bothering him.

Martinez wipes his nose with his glove, I believe in reaction to some trickling blood.

A heavy left hook has Martinez wobbling, and now Bam goes to the body, drawing a big reaction from the Argentine!

(Getty Images)

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:26 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Some stern right hands from Martinez early in this round, then a left hook.

But Bam replies with a swift left hook to the head. Martinez with a whipping one of his own.

Martinez is really loading up on his shots. Bam is much more refined and controlled.

That trademark footwork from Bam sets up a well-timed right hook upstairs.

Mean body shot from Bam. Then another. Left, then right.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:22 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Martinez stands orthodox, while Rodriguez is southpaw.

Martinez steps in on a jab, and Bam comes back with a rapid one.

Heavy hook attempt from Martinez, but Rodriguez’s guard holds up, and he wings a left hook to the body.

Grazing overhand by Martinez. Forward comes Rodriguez with jabs.

Oh! Rodriguez’s glove hits the canvas, but it’s not a knockdown; I think he was just off balance... Shortly thereafter, Martinez slips.

Left hook to the body by Bam, then a right hook upstairs after a clever step to his right. He moves SO well, wow.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez clash in unification bout

00:11 , Alex Pattle

Okay, next it’s Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez against Fernando Martinez!

American Rodriguez, 25, puts the WBC and WBO super-flyweight belts on the line, as well as his unbeaten record (22-0, 15 KOs).

Argentina’s Martinez, 34, carries the WBA title into this one, along with an undefeated record of 18-0 (9 KOs).

(Getty Images)

Mason wins war with Noakes to claim vacant WBO lightweight belt

00:06 , Alex Pattle

Abdullah Mason def. Sam Noakes via unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 115-113)

Noakes applauds Mason before the result is even confirmed! The 115-113 scorecards are fair, the other feels harsh on Noakes, who is beaten for the first time.

BUT the right man won! Still undefeated, Mason wins his first world title and is boxing’s youngest-active world champ aged 21!

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

00:01 , Alex Pattle

Round 12

Mason with the cleaner offence early in the round, but a stirring retort from Noakes.

Clever combination from Mason, then a pair of hammers from Noakes!

Spiteful body cross from Mason. Noakes with one of his own.

Mason puts a dent in Noakes with a body shot late in the round – late in the fight!

We’ll go to the scorecards. Credit to both fighters! Immense credit.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:58 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

The Ring’s Mike Coppinger has it 98-92 in Mason’s favour. That’s a poor scorecard, while the viewers’ collective scorecard of 96-94 is what we have at Indy Sport.

It’s tit-for-tat throughout the 11th. Noakes has Mason on the back foot and breathing heavily after a body shot, but Noakes isn’t pouncing! Perhaps the energy isn’t quite there...

Clean right hook by Noakes, to the temple! Back comes Mason with a variety of shots.

Fun round indeed, with a great end for Noakes! He might be able to draw this fight if he wins this round, but don’t be surprised if the scorecards actually favour Mason by a greater margin.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:54 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Into the business end of this fight. Mason is surely ahead, but maybe not by much. In fact, it could be very close.

Both men land hooks at close range. Mason batters the body and Noakes retreats. But great footwork from the Englishman to step to his left and throw a straight shot on the angle.

Mason closes range with a mean uppercut to the body, but his hands are low and he’s cracked with an overhand.

OH! But the biggest body shot of the fight has Noakes almost wilting against the ropes! Mason is pouring on head shots late in the round!

Noakes is somehow still standing, somehow still throwing... How?!

What a tough man he is. He survives the round; can he survive the final two frames??

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:49 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Clean one-two from Noakes, snapping back the head of Mason. Back comes Mason with a hook and straight.

Mason goes back to the body. Noakes with a well-timed counter jab up top.

Another nice jab from Noakes. He can’t be counted out of this one!

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:45 , Alex Pattle

Round eight

Fizzing jab from Mason. Noakes’s cut is giving him grief again.

Oh, and a body shot has Noakes breathing heavily! He still throws, though, landing two consecutive jabs.

It’s back-and-forth stuff, contrary to what the commentary team might have you believe.

But Mason throws two heavy uppercuts to the body, and Noakes backs into the corner... Now he skips to his right.

Mason smells blood, perhaps literally, and attacks the head as well as the body! He’s turning the screw.

Mason (left) and Noakes in an increasingly-gritty affair (Getty Images)

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:41 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Into the second half of this fight. Noakes attacks the body well then tags the head with a trio of short punches!

That body shot seems to have really slowed Mason! He’s ever-more vulnerable to the head...

Noakes might actually have nicked these middle rounds after a tough run near the start of the bout.

Good uppercut from Mason, who then throws BIG HOOKS to the body and head, wow! This is brutal stuff.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:37 , Alex Pattle

Round six

A scrappy first minute in this round, with more grappling.

Noakes with bigger, wider shots; Mason with cleaner, more-direct ones.

Double-jab from Noakes but he misplaces the cross afterwards.

Left hook from Mason, then a combination from Noakes.

Noakes is a bit sloppy here and there, but he’s switching up his targets well.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:34 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Jab up top from Mason, cross to the body from Noakes – and another.

Great uppercut by Mason, then a skimming cross! A bit of wrestling ensues, until the ref steps in.

Hard body cross from Noakes, then a big overhand! Still, Mason seems unfazed.

Another big right from Noakes, who looks a bit more bothered this time!! Now Noakes steps in with a right hook to the body.

Mason has been dropped before; can Noakes put him down tonight?

Great volume from Mason late in the frame! He mixes up his shots very nicely now, variety on display.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:29 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Mason is feeling himself now, extending his combinations and punctuating them with grunts.

Clean overhand from Noakes at point-blank range, but again Mason eats it. Swift cross from Mason, the southpaw.

Noakes’s team did good work on that cut. It doesn’t look amazing BUT the bleeding has certainly slowed.

Both men land two punches in quick succession. Mason goes to the body after Noakes lands by stepping onto shots.

Mason is cut now! Noakes is making this gritty, just as he needs to do!

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:26 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Great cross by Noakes! He steps in off a double-jab and skims it off the young American’s head.

Lovely speed by Mason, but Noakes comes back well.

Oh! The Kent boxer is wobbled again by a well-timed Mason counter!!

Still, Noakes shows how game he is, throwing back and trudging forward. But his left eye looks awful, smeared with blood...

He throws a hard cross, but he’s in a bad spot right now. The action is paused for the cut to be inspected. A replay shows it was caused by a clash of heads.

Back under way. Great combination from Mason upstairs, then a dig to the body. Noakes with his own body shot and some mean punches at close range,

Mason with another fine combo, but Noakes’s single-shot reply is harder! This is FUN stuff, people. Wonderful step-in jab from Mason.

He’s fighting so well and is eating Noakes’s more-spiteful offence. The writing may be on the wall for Noakes, only three rounds in.

Sam Noakes (left) and Abdullah Mason in action (Getty Images)

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:21 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Piston jabs from Mason, as Noakes edges forward with a tight guard.

Now Noakes backs up Mason and tries to assert himself. Good volume, but Mason’s counter uppercut is lovely as well.

Oh! A counter southpaw cross by Mason, and Noakes looks a little bit unsteady!!

He’s still coming forward, headfirst and throwing, but his balance seems a bit off...

He’s seemingly recovered now, and he lands a left hook at close range.

Impressive of Noakes to recover, and he’s fought well in spurts. But Mason has landed the more eye-catching punches across two competitive rounds.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes vie for vacant WBO lightweight belt

Saturday 22 November 2025 23:17 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Mason stands southpaw; Noakes is orthodox and slings a cross to the body of his opponent early on.

And another. Back comes Mason with one of his own. Noakes goes to the well with that shot again! So, both boxers favouring crosses to the body so far, from their opposite stances.

Oh! Noakes attacks upstairs now, eliciting an excited reaction from the crowd as Mason covers up.

Nice left hand by Mason as he closes range in smart fashion, set up by a teasing lead hook.

Noakes steps forward and tries a short left hook. Wow, slickness and speed from Mason, who lands a rear uppercut after a right hand.

Noakes lands to the head now! Both men connecting well in this first round.

Benavidez vs Yarde live: How to watch fights tonight

Saturday 22 November 2025 22:20 , Alex Pattle

The fights are airing live exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV) in the UK, US, and most countries worldwide.

The PPV costs £24.99 in the UK / $59.99 in the US and Canada / $24.99 or the equivalent for the rest of the world.

Viewers do not need a DAZN subscription to buy the PPV.

You can purchase the fight on DAZN here, now.

David Benavidez (left) at the open workouts earlier this week (Getty)

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