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A dominant showing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday has positioned David Benavidez to potentially succeed Canelo Alvarez as the face of Mexican boxing, and perhaps the sport itself.
The Riyadh Season card delivered a series of compelling performances, but it was Benavidez’s ruthless dismantling of Anthony Yarde that resonated most profoundly. In the co-main event, devin Haney secured a three-division title, while rising stars Jesse “Bam” rodriguez and Abdullah Mason further cemented their positions as fighters to watch. Combat sports analyst Andreas Hale shared his insights on these pivotal bouts, forecasting a significant shift in the boxing landscape.
David Benavidez, 27, continued his impressive trajectory, stopping Anthony Yarde in the sixth round. the victory solidified his status as the mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez’s super middleweight title, though Alvarez has other plans. He announced his next move,stating,”May 2nd [it will be] me versus [Gilberto] Zurdo Ramirez. I’m going up to cruiserweight to challenge for his titles.”
A clash with Ramirez on Cinco de Mayo weekend represents a strategic move, pitting Benavidez against a fellow Mexican champion in a compelling stylistic matchup. Benavidez embodies a different brand of “Mexican Style” boxing, combining forward pressure with a devastating knockout power that resonates with fans. At 29 in December, he possesses the youth and stamina to dominate the sport as current stars begin to age. His star power, one observer noted, is “an avalanche that cannot be stopped once it gets rolling.”
Haney’s Title, and Lingering Questions
Devin Haney added another chapter to his burgeoning career, securing a unanimous decision victory over Brian norman Jr. to claim the WBO welterweight title. This win makes Haney a three-division champion, silencing some of his critics.
However, questions remain regarding Haney’s finishing ability. Despite dropping Norman in the second round, he failed to capitalize and secure a knockout, a pattern that has plagued his recent performances. He hasn’t achieved a KO victory in six years. “Haney routinely shows just enough vulnerability for people to question his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters,” Hale observed.
Haney’s calculated, risk-averse style, frequently enough compared to Floyd Mayweather, has drawn criticism. Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn stated, “You’ve got to give Devin Haney credit and respect…but no one’s going to want to watch him fight. I mean, he’s fighting scared.” Despite the criticism, Haney remains confident, declaring, “In 2024, I lost everything…In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m coming for everything.” Potential unification bouts against Mario Barrios, Ryan Garcia, Lewis Crocker, or Rolando romero loom on the horizon, each presenting a unique challenge.
Rodriguez’s Brilliance and Mason’s Grit
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez delivered a masterclass performance, unifying three junior bantamweight world titles with a tenth-round knockout of Fernando martinez. Despite fighting in a lower weight class, Rodriguez’s talent is undeniable. Hale emphasized that Rodriguez is “just too good not to become a massive star,” noting his exciting fights and relentless pursuit of the knockout. He is currently targeting the winner of the Willibaldo Garcia Perez and kenshiro Teraji clash to become undisputed.
Abdullah Mason, 21, became the youngest current champion in boxing, winning the vacant WBO lightweight title in a hard-fought unanimous decision over Sam Noakes. while displaying considerable skill, Mason’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed during the 12-round battle. This experience, Hale suggests, will be crucial for his development, forcing him to adapt as he transitions from hunter to hunted. “Don’t be surprised if five years from now this fight with Noakes is what helped him turn the corner from good to great.”
The Riyadh card showcased not only established stars but also the emergence of future champions, signaling a dynamic and evolving era for the sport of boxing.
