Another world title dream shattered. Anthony Yarde's quest for championship glory was brutally halted by David Benavidez in Riyadh, marking his third defeat on the world stage. Was this fight a step too far, or just a case of facing a superior opponent?
Yarde, 34, had previously tasted defeat against the formidable Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. Sadly, the fight against Benavidez followed a similar pattern. After a hard-fought battle, Benavidez inflicted a bloody nose upon the Ilford fighter in the sixth round, foreshadowing the conclusive stoppage in the seventh. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue Yarde showed incredible heart and resilience, while others believe he lacked the necessary adjustments to overcome Benavidez's relentless pressure.
Benavidez, 'The Mexican Monster,' who only recently transitioned to the light-heavyweight division last year, successfully defended his WBC title and maintained his unblemished record, now standing at an impressive 31-0. This victory further cements his position as one of boxing's most feared competitors. He has proven that he can dominate any fighter in the division.
Speaking after the fight, Yarde displayed remarkable sportsmanship: "I'm fantastic - he's a hell of a fighter. I knew how he was going to come, at the end there he just caught me with a good shot on my nose. I thought it was competitive. He's got quick hands, he caught me first, hit me with a good shot on my nose. I stuck in there, I'm a fighter." Despite the loss, Yarde's determination shines through, reinforcing his warrior spirit.
Following his victory, Benavidez hinted at a potential move up to cruiserweight, setting his sights on Gilberto Ramirez's WBA and WBO titles. This ambition signals his intent to conquer multiple weight divisions and further solidify his legacy. And this is the part most people miss... Could Benavidez's aggressive style be less effective against the naturally bigger cruiserweights? It's a question that adds intrigue to his future.
However, Yarde's future in the sport is less certain. This marks his fourth professional loss, leaving his team understandably disheartened. Trainer Tunde Ajayi acknowledged the challenges Benavidez presents, stating: "You saw why so many people don't want to fight him [Benavidez]. We're all upset but it is what it is. The plan was to come on strong later in the fight." The question now is, will Yarde be able to rebuild and contend for a world title again, or is this the beginning of the end for his championship aspirations?
Co-Main Event: Haney Makes History
In the co-main event, Devin Haney secured a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr., claiming the WBO welterweight title. This triumph crowns Haney as a three-division world champion, a testament to his skill and adaptability. The judges scored the bout 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111 in favor of Haney.
The 27-year-old Haney dominated the fight after knocking down Norman (28-1, 22 KOs) in the second round. Haney's sharp jab proved to be a key weapon, allowing him to control the distance and dictate the pace. Haney, now 33-0 with 15 KOs, boasts an impressive resume, having previously held world titles at lightweight and super lightweight. He demonstrated his welterweight credentials earlier this year with a unanimous decision win over Jose Carlos Ramirez.
So, what do you think? Did Yarde have a chance against Benavidez, or was the outcome inevitable? And who should Benavidez fight next if he moves up to Cruiserweight? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
