David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde | DAZN - 22 November 2025

[Ruthless-RKO]

YARDE’S TRAINER BELIEVES BENAVIDEZ IS OVERLOOKING ‘THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE’

David Benavidez has been accused of overlooking the challenge of Anthony Yarde by the Londoner’s trainer, Tunde Ajayi.

Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) makes the first defence of his WBC light heavyweight title against Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) on November 22 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Yarde, who will challenge for a 175-pound title for the third time, has been made a wide outsider by the oddsmakers ahead of the clash, which tops “The Ring IV: Night of Champions” event. Ajayi believes there is a chance that Benavidez is simply not taking them seriously.

“I just think whenever somebody is already talking about another fight in the future, then they are overlooking the one in front of them,” Ajayi told The Ring. “So, yeah, keep overlooking us. He’s talking about [Dmitry] Bivol and [Artur] Beterbiev and I’m like, “Are you having a laugh mate?’ Do you think we are coming here to mess about? We are coming here to fight, and David Benavidez is going to be in the fight of his life.”

Benavidez, a two-time WBC super middleweight champion, decided to move up to light heavyweight in June 2024 in order to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the interim version of the WBC’s title.

After beating the Ukrainian on points, he then did the same against David Morrell in February, but he had to get up off the floor in the 11th round to win. He was elevated to full champion in April after Bivol decided to vacate his belt.

Yarde, meanwhile, is a career light heavyweight and far more established at the weight. He has been stopped in his previous two world title challenges, albeit against two 175 pound greats in Sergey Kovalev and Beterbiev.

“I think Anthony just needs to be himself in this fight,” Ajayi added. “We all heard him tell Benavidez that he wants to have a shootout. Let’s get it right, this kid has had two fights at light heavyweight – Gvozdyk, who he gassed out against and then he got dropped by Morrell, an 11-fight novice. I’m just keeping it real, he’d had 11 professional fights.

“Yes, he had amateur experience, but he’s not Beterbiev or Kovalev, a two-time Ring magazine ‘Fighter of the Year.’ He’s not that level. But Ant has got that experience against those guys and he’s still fresh as a daisy. I’m aware of Benavidez’s achievements, I’m aware that he’s very feared, I’ve heard the sparring stories and heard David said everyone turned down the fight. But we are not everyone.”

Ajayi, a mainstay of the London boxing scene for nearly 30 years, has been Yarde’s one and only trainer since he embarked on his professional career back in 2015. An upset victory over Benavidez would represent Ajayi’s first world title as a coach – so has he dared to dream about that moment?

“Every single day,” he says. “I think about it every single day. That’s why this is a big fight. There’s a lot on the line. From my own personal perspective, I feel like it’s my reputation on the line. All I can say is if there was one man I’d want to do this with, it’s Anthony Yarde.”

[MightyWarrior]

Tends to annoy most people listening, but I like what Tunde is saying here, and he’s right, the monster believes he’s preordained to win this ( he might be right ) and his mind is probably not really on it, and if the Londoner has a great training camp, he has still not had a lot of wears n tear fights, despite those two bruising defeats. If he starts landing the big punches the champions gonna feel it, and it might get very interesting.

[CaptainSpacerod]

The article refers to Tunde being a "mainstay" of the London boxing scene. Has he trained anyone apart from Yarde ?

[skanksta]

Tends to annoy most people listening, but I like what Tunde is saying here, and he’s right, the monster believes he’s preordained to win this ( he might be right ) and his mind is probably not really on it, and if the Londoner has a great training camp, he has still not had a lot of wears n tear fights, despite those two bruising defeats. If he starts landing the big punches the champions gonna feel it, and it might get very interesting.

Agree.
Benitez is a clear favourite - and obviously so - but IF he looks at it and thinks - "he gets stopped everytime he steps up" and some complacency seeps in..? It could indeed get much more interesting.
Nobody can take Yarde lightly.

[Ruthless-RKO]

‘I just know this is it’: Anthony Yarde looks to vindicate himself against David Benavidez

Anthony Yarde will take his shot at a dangerous David Benavidez next weekend in Saudi Arabia.



With Anthony Yarde getting ready for his next upcoming title opportunity when he takes on David Benavidez on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, DAZN takes us behind the scenes of Yarde’s training camp as he aims to get over the hump to become a world champion after having twice fallen short.

“If you look at my fights — going into the Kovalev fight, confident. Going into the Beterbiev fight, confident. If you’re not confident in boxing, you’re in the wrong sport,” Yarde would say. “What I can genuinely take confidence from is I’ve seen my performance get better each time even though the opponent on paper has got better…I started boxing late, both of them fights came down to inexperience. I feel like I’m more experienced now so it’s exciting.

“People are going to have their opinion. They’re going to say ‘he’s had two world title fights, he’s lost’ or whatever. There’s just something in my mind, I just know this is it…I’m a realist, I like to say things that I believe is true.

“I feel like him coming forward is going to be good, it’s going to suit my style. I will only know how hard he hits once I get in there with him. I feel like it’s going to be an exciting fight.”

Watch the full video segment of Yarde in camp in the video link at the top!

[Ruthless-RKO]

ANTHONY YARDE DOESN’T THINK DAVID BENAVIDEZ HAS BEEN HIT BY ANYONE LIKE HIM

David Benavidez’s chin has been one of his most reliable attributes as he evolved into one of the best boxers in the world.

He was officially knocked down by David Morrell Jr. in the 11th round of their fight February 1, but their legs clearly got tangled before Benavidez briefly fell to the canvas. Anthony Yarde is nonetheless looking forward to testing Benavidez’s durability during their 12-round fight for Benavidez’s WBC light heavyweight title November 22 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“I don’t think he’s been hit by anybody who hits like me yet,” Yarde told The Ring. “But we’ve just got to wait and see on fight night. One thing I’m very sure of is styles make fights. Styles make fights, so it’s gonna be an exciting one.”

The heavy-handed Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) hurt former light heavyweight champions Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev in each of his first two defeats. Kovalev and Beterbiev, both punishing punchers themselves, recovered and eventually defeated Yarde by technical knockout.

The London native is certain he can buzz Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) as well, particularly after what Yarde noticed when Benavidez beat Cuba’s Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) unanimously on points nine months ago at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“The highlight I saw was I think Morrell landed a left hook and Benavidez’s legs dipped a little bit,” Yarde said. “But again, I think that’s a credit to how good Benavidez has been. So, if he gets caught with anything, people are like, ‘ha, ha,’ even though he dominated the fight.”

Yarde is unfazed by Benavidez being listed by most sportsbooks as at least a 10-1 favorite to beat him in the 12-round main event of “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” card.

“I’m the kind of person where when someone’s in front of me and I’m the underdog,” Yarde said, “you will see the best of me, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The 34-year-old challenger recognizes, however, why Benavidez is so heavily favored to win the last of four fights DAZN will distribute on pay-per-view in the United States ($59.99) and the UK (£24.99).

Benavidez, 28, has won world titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight. The Phoenix native is also No. 9 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list.

“I’m not silly,” Yarde said. “The guy’s still undefeated. You know, he’s moved up to my weight and he’s fought some of the best at my weight already and beat them. He dominated super middleweight and he’s been world champion. I ain’t yet. I’m a realist, so when you get someone that’s real, I know what I’m in for, and that’s when you get the best version of me.”

[Taansend]

The article refers to Tunde being a "mainstay" of the London boxing scene. Has he trained anyone apart from Yarde ?

Lions in the Zoo?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Not a single person giving Yarde a chance here.

[Taansend]

There's a reason for that....

Yarde's opponents calibre personified as women.

Beterbiev = Salma Hayek
Kovalev = Halle Berry


Arthur = Ulrika Jonsson




All the others = Pauline Fowler. The older version not the Are You Being Served one.

[MightyWarrior]

Gotta love Anthony Yarde after watching that video, he’s such a nice kid. Giving himself the absolute best chance to spring the upset Saturday night

I think he’s really gonna crack Benavidez on the chin -,best chance of the upset on the card?
Maybe, despite the fact he’s facing a monster, just because of the sheer weight of punch he carries and the self belief. Huge heart too.

Overall, I don’t really see any upsets on this card, even Norman, who I like a lot. Maybe he’s got the best chance, because haney might be damaged goods after the Garcia debacle.

[1749666]

Gotta love Anthony Yarde after watching that video, he’s such a nice kid. Giving himself the absolute best chance to spring the upset Saturday night

I think he’s really gonna crack Benavidez on the chin -,best chance of the upset on the card?
Maybe, despite the fact he’s facing a monster, just because of the sheer weight of punch he carries and the self belief. Huge heart too.

Overall, I don’t really see any upsets on this card, even Norman, who I like a lot. Maybe he’s got the best chance, because haney might be damaged goods after the Garcia debacle.

Norman is the favorite (marginally) at the moment.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[Kilburn]

Not a single person giving Yarde a chance here.

Don’t worry mate once I’ve had a couple of cans on Saturday night I’ll be leading the charge.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anthony Yarde Prepares To Open The Fourth File In His Strange 10-Year Career

After 10 years and 30 fights as a professional, Anthony Yarde's previous opponents can be safely filed into three specific categories.

File one; fighters nowhere near his level. File two; Russian killers. File three: Lyndon Arthur. It is really that simple.

On Saturday night in Riyadh, in the main event of The Ring IV card at ANB Arena, Yarde will take his first step outside those options when he faces David Benavidez, who is the firm favourite, and is neither Russian nor Lyndon Arthur.

In many ways, Yarde has had a strange career. He turned over with very limited amateur experience and boxed nine times in his first 18 months as a professional, winning all but one inside the first two rounds.

By then it was clear he was emerging as one of the most marketable figures in allegedly’s stable at the time. He had the looks, personality and ability to knock people out which would guarantee him high billing from there on in.

Another five fights would follow in 2017 with Yarde crushing the quintet of overmatched opponents inside the distance once again. It was clear he needed stepping up and in 2018 he was finally taken some rounds, although Tony Averlant and Dariusz Sek were both sent packing in the seventh.

Another two stoppages would follow, against Walter Sequeira and Travis Reeves, neither of whom could really land on Yarde. In fact, across his first 18 fights you could probably count the number of times anyone had landed anything of note on him on just one hand.

Not the ideal preparation, you could argue, for a showdown with Sergey Kovalev, one of the generation’s most devastating punchers but that is what followed for Yarde, who had to travel to Chelyabinsk, Russia for the opportunity.

He came close to stopping the Russian all-time-great in a famous eighth-round siege but was eventually taken out himself in the 11th of his first world title fight.

It had not gone his way but Yarde returned home with plenty of credit in the bank.

Now was the time, it seemed, for him to press on with his career and push towards another world title fight with experience banked. Covid, however, would be a devastating time for the east Londoner, who lost four family members in the first six months of the pandemic, including his father and grandmother.

He boxed three times in 2020, with two routine stoppage wins before his first fight with Arthur, which he lost on points in Westminster. It was a hammer blow to his climb back towards the top. He destroyed Alex Theran inside a round six months later before he had revenge against Arthur, winning the rematch inside four brutal rounds.


But then followed an 11-month break, which was only ended when he faced little-known Bulgarian Stefani Koykov, who was vanquished in the third. Once again, not the ideal preparation, you could argue, for a showdown with Artur Beterbiev, the second Russian killer on this list.

It was a similar story to Chelyabinsk, with Yarde having his moments but ultimately lacking the requisite seasoning to overcome a champion like Beterbiev, who won in the eighth.

By now it was 2023 and there would be three more names added to the first file in the form of Jorge Silva, Marko Nikolic and Ralfs Vilcans. Then, another entry for the third, with Arthur and Yarde completing their trilogy at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.

Now the question is, at 34 years of age and 10 years in this game, does Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) finally have what it takes to hit the road and overcome an established world champion?

Since stepping up to light-heavyweight, Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) has beaten both Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell and the oddsmakers are expecting him to add Yarde’s name to that list.

They would point to his career so far, with a string of expected wins, a 2-1 series victory over Arthur and two stoppage defeats in world title fights, and hypothesise that an undefeated puncher like Benavidez will be too much to him.

But if the Beast from the East can make it third time lucky in world title attempts and become the WBC light-heavyweight champion, you can safely file his victory among the best away wins in British boxing history.

The Ring IV: Night of the Champions takes place on Saturday, November 22 and will stream live on DAZN PPV from 3pm ET/8pm GMT.

[Ruthless-RKO]

David Benavidez aims to jump into deeper ends after drowning Anthony Yarde

David Benavidez led the charge Tuesday as participants from “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” made their grand arrivals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Benavidez is set to defend his WBC light heavyweight title Saturday when he takes on Anthony Yarde in the main event of a card that will stream live on DAZN PPV beginning at 3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. GMT (UK: £24.99; US: $59.99).

Benavidez will be making his ring walk in the wee hours of the morning for his first fight outside of North American soil, and he’s adamant that he’s properly prepared for the foreign occasion and environment.

“I changed my sleeping schedule and have been going to sleep around 7 to 8 a.m. I feel like I should be good. This is why we are world champions. We have to adapt to anything that comes my way,” Benavidez said during an interview with The Ring’s senior insider Mike Coppinger and DAZN commentators Todd Grisham and Sergio Mora.

“[My weight cut] feels good. This is probably the easiest weight cut I’ve had. I have three pounds left to lose. Right now, I’m at 178 pounds. It’s been the easiest weight cut of my career. It’s been one of the best camps of my career. I’m excited. I know Anthony Yarde is coming in prepared, and I’m prepared myself.”

The bout between Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) features two of the world’s top-five light heavyweights. Benavidez is ranked No. 2 by The Ring, Yarde is rated No. 4.

Benavidez, a former two-time super middleweight beltholder, hasn’t scored a stoppage against Oleksandr Gvozdyk or David Morrell in either of his light heavyweight matchups. But “The Mexican Monster” believes he has the power and skills to knock out Yarde, just like former 175-pound kingpins Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev have as the Brit faded in fights after strong starts.

“I know it’s not true [that my power hasn’t carried up to light heavyweight]. I know for a fact that I can hurt these guys,” said Benavidez. “I hurt Gvozdyk and Morrell in my fights. I’ve gotten back to the basics for this camp using footwork, distance and head movement. We’re going to have to set up traps. These are bigger guys. Me walking them down is not going to work like I did at 168. Now I need to follow the game plan and work behind the jab.

“I’m not really too worried about the knockout. What I will say is that I will dominate like I do in every fight. I see a lot of opportunities hurting Yarde. I just have to follow the game plan.”

Benavidez also envisions beating Yarde in such a fierce fashion like he did against the likes of Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade that fans will start calling for him to headline traditional boxing weekends around Cinco De Mayo and Mexican Independence Day, dates that have been dominated by his elusive archrival Canelo Alvarez for more than a decade.

“I am not shying away from any hard fights,” said Benavidez. “I want Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, Gilberto Ramirez, and Jai Opetaia. This is the only way to make a name for myself, and that’s the only way to take the dates. I want to be the person that takes all the biggest fights that fans want to see, and it’s exactly what we are going to do.”

Saturday's card will also feature:

Brian Norman (28-0, 22 KOs, 1 NC) defending his WBO welterweight title against Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs)

Jesse Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs), The Ring, WBC and WBO junior bantamweight champion taking on WBA beltholder Fernando Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) in a unification bout

Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) and Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) duking it out for the vacant WBO lightweight title.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. (21-1, 12 KOs) vs. Samuel Nmomah (21-0, 5 KOs); 10 rounds; middleweights

Mohammed Alakel (6-0, 1 KOs) vs. Jiaming Li (7-5, 4 KOs); 6 rounds; junior lightweights

Julio Porras Ruiz (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Pius Mpenda (11-4-1, 5 KOs); 6 rounds; super middleweights

Sultan Almohammed (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Umesh Chavan (3-1-1, 0 KOs); 4 rounds; lightweights

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Old bones Ian]

Quite an odd career is Yarde's , 27 wins with no real stand out big win seems to get world title shots on reputation rather than success in the ring.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[gregregegg]

Benividez hasn’t stopped an 175er, and Interestingly it’s been over 5 years since benividez stopped someone that was a big solid proper 168.

Yarde is a big solid lad, will benividez still be effective without a big weight advantage?

[forcefraser]

Benividez hasn’t stopped an 175er, and Interestingly it’s been over 5 years since benividez stopped someone that was a big solid proper 168.

Yarde is a big solid lad, will benividez still be effective without a big weight advantage?

He should have way too much for Yarde

[gregregegg]

Benividez hasn’t stopped an 175er, and Interestingly it’s been over 5 years since benividez stopped someone that was a big solid proper 168.

Yarde is a big solid lad, will benividez still be effective without a big weight advantage?

He should have way too much for Yarde

That’s what I instinctively thought. But then I rewatched yarde vs beterbieve… yarde did great in that.

Benividez is a bully pressure fighter… but yarde is probably heavier and stronger with a sharp counter left hook…

Benividez favorite sure, because I think if it’s still going after 9 then yarde is probably fucked… , but for me odds are not as wide as the bookies I have it I I think.

I hope tundi lets yarde go out swinging if it comes to that point, I think the beterbieve corner stop was ok, but this is yardes last chance, let him swing it out unless he is fuckkked…

[MightyWarrior]

Wow, I hadn’t looked at it from that angle before, I hope Anthony doesn’t feel singled out here

Funny thing is, the only guy with losses on this card could spring the upset, maybe because of those losses. Battle hardened and experience forged in fire. Those two world champions he lost two, both mission impossible assignments, hit harder than Benvenidez….

He’s got big heart, a good chin and heavy heavy hands. Plus there’s rumours the monster is struggling to make weight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

weigh-in

[Ruthless-RKO]

Weigh-in Report - Anthony Yarde Lighter Than David Benavidez - Plus undercard

Light heavyweight for Benavidez's WBC world title, 12 rounds
David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), 174.3 pounds, Miami, Florida
Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), 173.9 pounds, Ilford, London

Welterweight for Norman's WBO belt, 12 rounds
Brian Norman Jr (28-0, 22 KOs, 2 NC), 146 pounds, Conyers, Georgia
Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC), 146.6 pounds, Las Vegas, Nevada

Ring, IBF, WBC, WBA junior bantamweight unification, 12 rounds
Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs), 114.6lbs, San Antonio, Texas
Fernando Daniel Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs), 113.2lbs, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Vacant WBO lightweight title, 12 rounds
Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs), 134 pounds, Cleveland, Ohio
Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs), 134.9 pounds, Maidstone, Kent

[JamesPhilips]

Weigh-in Report - Anthony Yarde Lighter Than David Benavidez - Plus undercard

Light heavyweight for Benavidez's WBC world title, 12 rounds
David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), 174.3 pounds, Miami, Florida
Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), 173.9 pounds, Ilford, London

Welterweight for Norman's WBO belt, 12 rounds
Brian Norman Jr (28-0, 22 KOs, 2 NC), 146 pounds, Conyers, Georgia
Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC), 146.6 pounds, Las Vegas, Nevada

Ring, IBF, WBC, WBA junior bantamweight unification, 12 rounds
Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs), 114.6lbs, San Antonio, Texas
Fernando Daniel Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs), 113.2lbs, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Vacant WBO lightweight title, 12 rounds
Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs), 134 pounds, Cleveland, Ohio
Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs), 134.9 pounds, Maidstone, Kent

Scales weighing light???? Martinez and especially seems very light.