Benavidez Defeats Yarde in Saudi Arabia, Eyes Cruiserweight Title
A dominant performance by WBC light-heavyweight champion David Benavidez ended Anthony Yarde’s world title aspirations for the third time, as the American secured a stoppage victory in Saudi Arabia. The fight concluded in the seventh round after a relentless assault left Yarde bloodied and unable to continue, raising questions about the future of the London fighter’s pursuit of a championship belt.
A Slow Start Gives Way to Benavidez’s Control
The bout began cautiously, but David Benavidez quickly asserted his dominance. After a measured opening, the 28-year-old American seized control of the fight, systematically breaking down his opponent. The turning point came in the seventh round, where a sustained barrage of punches sent Anthony Yarde to the canvas.
“I stuck in there. I’m a fighter,” Yarde told BBC Radio 5 Live after the fight. “I felt like it was competitive. I know how he comes with good pressure. I was boxing, boxing, thinking middle rounds, the dog rounds, we would exchange.”
Despite Yarde’s resilience, the damage was evident. Blood streamed from his nose, staining the canvas as Benavidez continued his attack. With just a minute remaining in the round, the referee intervened, halting the contest to protect Yarde from further punishment.
Controversial Deductions and a Familiar Outcome
The fight wasn’t without controversy, as Benavidez was penalized two points for striking Yarde while he was down. However, the deduction proved inconsequential, as the outcome was already firmly decided. This defeat marks Yarde’s third loss in a world championship bout, following previous setbacks against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev in 2022.
“He has quick hands, caught me first and hit me with a good shot on the nose,” Yarde explained. “When I took a knee and he hit me when I was down, I was dizzy after that.”
For Yarde, the possibility of finally capturing a world title may now be slipping away.
Benavidez’s Unbeaten Run and Future Plans
Benavidez extends his impressive record to 31 wins with 25 knockouts, remaining undefeated and solidifying his position as a force in the light-heavyweight division. Following the victory, the Mexican-American fighter announced his intention to move up in weight.
Benavidez revealed plans to challenge Gilberto Ramirez for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles on May 2nd, aiming to become a three-weight world champion. This move signals a bold ambition to conquer another division and further cement his legacy in the sport.
