TLDR
- David Benavidez defended his WBC light heavyweight title by stopping Anthony Yarde in round 7 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- The referee called the fight at 1:59 of the seventh round after Benavidez landed a left hook and rapid combinations
- Benavidez improved his undefeated record to 31-0 with 25 knockouts, ending a two-year stretch without a stoppage win
- Yarde dropped to 27-4 in his third unsuccessful world title attempt
- Benavidez announced he will move up to cruiserweight to fight Gilberto Ramirez for WBA and WBO titles on May 2
David Benavidez defended his WBC light heavyweight title with a seventh-round stoppage of Anthony Yarde on Saturday night. The fight took place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Ring IV: Night of the Champions event.
The referee stopped the contest at 1:59 of round seven. Benavidez landed a precise left hook followed by rapid combinations that forced the official to wave off the fight.
The victory improved Benavidez’s record to 31-0 with 25 knockouts. This marked his first stoppage win in two years, dating back to his sixth-round knockout of Demetrius Andrade in November 2023.
Yarde entered the fight with a 27-3 record. The Englishman started strong with solid jabs and heavy shots in the early rounds.
Benavidez controlled the distance from the opening bell. He landed sharp combinations to the head and body while gradually increasing his pressure.
By the second round, Benavidez had backed Yarde into the ropes multiple times. The champion wore down his opponent with sustained body shots and quick jabs.
Benavidez Takes Control
The middle rounds saw Benavidez maintain dominance through careful positioning. Yarde’s attempts to respond were limited as the champion’s relentless flurries kept him in control.
Round six proved crucial for the fight’s direction. Yarde landed some good shots early, including a right hand that cut Benavidez.
The champion responded by continuing to apply pressure. A nosebleed and swelling around Yarde’s eye became visible signs of accumulated damage.
Benavidez was deducted two points in the seventh round for hitting Yarde after scoring a knockdown. The penalty didn’t matter as the follow-up assault ended the fight.
Third Title Shot Ends in Defeat
This marked Yarde’s third unsuccessful attempt at world title glory. His first title bid came against Sergey Kovalev in 2019, where he was knocked out in round 11.
Four years later, Yarde challenged Artur Beterbiev for multiple light heavyweight titles. He was ahead on two scorecards when Beterbiev stopped him in round eight.
After the fight, Benavidez acknowledged his opponent’s toughness. “We expected a war, and we went to war,” Benavidez said.
“He cut me around the sixth round, and then you saw what I did. He stepped into the Monster’s world and got KO’d.”
Benavidez immediately announced his next move after the victory. The 28-year-old champion revealed plans to jump two weight classes.
“I got news for everyone. May 2, me versus ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. I’m going up to cruiserweight,” Benavidez said.
The fight will see Benavidez challenge Gilberto Ramirez for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. The bout is scheduled for May 2, 2025.
