David Benavidez Overwhelms Anthony Yarde in Dominant Decision to Retain WBC Light Heavyweight Title at Riyadh’s Ring IV
The ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, crackled with high-stakes energy on November 22, 2025, as David Benavidez retained his WBC light heavyweight title via unanimous decision (117-111, 118-110, 119-109) over Anthony Yarde in the main event of the Ring IV card. Benavidez’s relentless pressure and volume punching dismantled Yarde’s power shots, marking a commanding first full defense of his unified belts. Aired live on DAZN PPV starting at 10:00 p.m. ET after prelims on DAZN, the 12-round war drew massive X buzz, with @BadLeftHook calling it “Benavidez’s masterclass in Riyadh dominance.” Riyadh’s opulent fight-week spectacle, featuring a 15,000-strong crowd amid Turki Alalshikh’s lavish production and a fan zone at Kingdom Arena, elevated this to a pivotal night for the 175-pound division, blending Benavidez’s aggression with Yarde’s resilience.
Fight Overview
Benavidez vs. Yarde headlined the Ring IV main card at ANB Arena, kicking off at 10:00 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV after undercard action at 7:00 p.m. ET. Slated for around 12:00 a.m. ET, the stakes were enormous: Benavidez, 28, aimed to build on his promotion to full champion after Dmitry Bivol’s vacating, while 34-year-old Yarde sought a third title shot. DraftKings odds favored Benavidez at -500, reflecting his undefeated streak, with Yarde at +350 as the power-punching underdog. X hype painted it as a “shootout,” with @BoxingNews24 posting, “Yarde vows to put Benavidez to sleep—Riyadh fireworks!” The 15,000 fans, buzzing from Alalshikh’s pressers and desert fan expos, fueled a global atmosphere. X polls leaned 72% toward Benavidez’s volume, per @SIBoxing.
David Benavidez
The 28-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona, entered with a 30-0 record (24 KOs), orthodox at 6’2″ with a 74″ reach. The “Mexican Monster” averages 8.5 punches per round at 55% accuracy (Compubox), fresh off a February 2025 UD over David Morrell for interim gold. Now with Riyadh Season, X clips show him drilling pressure under Eddy Reynoso. His 80% KO rate and stamina make him a force, with @BadLeftHook tweeting, “Benavidez’s pressure is nightmare fuel.”
Anthony Yarde
The 34-year-old from London, UK, sported a 27-3 record (24 KOs), orthodox at 5’11” with 71″ reach. Ranked WBC #4, he lands 6.2 power shots per round at 52% accuracy (Compubox), rebounding from losses to Beterbiev and Kovalev via April 2025 UD over Lyndon Arthur. Training at City Box Club, X footage shows hook drills with Tunde Ajayi. @Queensberry noted, “Yarde’s +350 screams upset potential.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Riyadh roars as Benavidez advances with jabs, using his reach to tag Yarde early. Yarde slips inside at 1:45, landing a hook, but Benavidez counters with a body shot at 2:30, swelling Yarde’s cheek. Compubox: Benavidez 32/55 to Yarde’s 15/35. @DAZNBoxing scores 10-9 Benavidez.
Round 2-3: Yarde aggresses in Round 2, ripping a right at 0:50 that tests Benavidez’s chin. Benavidez responds with volume, landing 35/60 in Round 3. Yarde’s cut opens at 2:15. Scores 20-18 Benavidez.
Round 4-6: Yarde traps Benavidez in Round 4, landing shorts that redden his ribs. Benavidez outlands 90-65 over 5-6 with flurries; Round 6 uppercut wobbles Yarde. 10-9 Benavidez each.
Round 7-9: Yarde rallies Round 7, staggering Benavidez with a cross at 1:30 (28 landed). Benavidez reclaims in 8-9, jabbing 45/70. Cut worsens. 10-9 Yarde Round 7, Benavidez 8-9.
Round 10-12: Benavidez dominates 10-11 (55/85), body work slowing Yarde. Final round: Yarde swings, but Benavidez’s 32 landed seal it. Compubox: Benavidez 245/450 (54%) to Yarde’s 165/380 (43%). UD for Benavidez.
Key Moments and Impact
Benavidez’s Volume: 245/450 punches (54% accuracy) overwhelmed Yarde, jabs controlling pace. @BoxingScene: “Monster mode activated.”
Yarde’s Power: Round 7 stagger and 50 body shots kept it alive, 43% accuracy gritty.
Fan Reaction: Crowd erupted for rallies; X polls 75% Benavidez.
Cut Impact: Yarde’s cheek cut impaired vision but showed heart.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Benavidez, now 31-0, called out Beterbiev: “Unify now!” His defense nets $100,000 bonuses, 80% KO rate strong; chin untested vs. elites.
Yarde, 27-4, gracious: “David’s the real deal; I’ll rebound.” Power intact for contenders. Light heavyweight simmers with Bivol, Ramirez lurking.
Event Context and Riyadh Atmosphere
Ring IV featured Haney vs. Norman Jr. UD co-main, Bam vs. Martinez TKO; 55% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by Alalshikh’s galas; @RingMag: “Riyadh’s boxing empire grows.” DAZN’s stream marked a 2025 PPV peak.
What’s Next?
Benavidez eyes Beterbiev unification in 2026 Riyadh. Yarde targets Arthur rematch. This ANB thriller reaffirms Benavidez’s reign.
On November 22, 2025, David Benavidez outworked Anthony Yarde via UD, volume securing his WBC strap amid Riyadh roars. Precision paths to unification, as 175-pound intrigue builds.
