This Saturday, a major boxing event will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring four world title fights that promise to deliver thrilling action for fight fans around the globe. The card is headlined by the WBC light heavyweight title defense of David Benavidez against the formidable challenger Anthony Yarde. Alongside this marquee bout, three other world championship fights will highlight the evening: WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. will face Devin Haney, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez will defend his WBC and WBO junior bantamweight titles against WBA champion Fernando Martinez in a three-belt unification clash, and the vacant WBO lightweight championship will be contested between Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes.
### Main Event: David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde
David Benavidez, the undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion (30-0, 24 KOs), moved up from super middleweight after his efforts to secure a high-profile showdown with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez fell through. Since moving up to 175 pounds, Benavidez has shown he belongs in the division, winning two fights—first a decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and then a dominant 12-round victory against David Morrell earlier this year. His win over Gvozdyk, though sometimes criticized for lack of punch output, showcased his resilience and ability to outlast a top contender. The victory over Morrell was more emphatic, signaling his growing comfort and power at light heavyweight.
Benavidez has expressed high respect for Anthony Yarde, emphasizing his opponent’s heart, power, and willingness to engage in an exciting fight. “I like to make every fight like I’m in a war,” Benavidez said during the final press conference. “Anthony Yarde is trying to capture a world title. I’m trying to capture all the titles and unify all the titles in the light heavyweight division. There’s a lot at stake here.”
Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) is a proven contender who has twice challenged for world titles in the division but came up short against top-tier opponents Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev in 2023. His losses have raised questions about his ability to dig deep when under pressure, but his recent fight with Beterbiev showed a renewed toughness and capacity to stand toe-to-toe with one of the division’s best. Yarde’s aggressive style and power make him a dangerous opponent who could potentially pull off an upset if he capitalizes on his strengths.
While Benavidez is favored due to his undefeated record and technical skills, the fight is expected to be a fan-friendly, action-packed battle. Both fighters have promised a shootout, with Benavidez stating, “It’s going to be both egos going at each other—who’s going to back up? It’s not going to be me, probably not him either. When we go to war, the people are going to see a great war.” The bout is likely to be a test of heart and power, with unification ambitions adding extra significance.
### Lightweight Title Fight: Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes
One of the more intriguing matchups on the card is the vacant WBO lightweight championship fight between Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes. Both fighters are undefeated prospects, but their careers have taken slightly different paths. Mason, just 21 years old with a record of 19-0 (17 KOs), turned professional in 2021 and has steadily climbed the ranks by defeating increasingly challenging opponents. His most recent fight saw him comfortably outbox Jeremia Nakathila, who was unable to continue after the fourth round.
Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs), seven years Mason’s senior, has followed a similar progression. Like Mason, Noakes has faced a mix of lower-tier fighters and seasoned veterans, with notable wins over Yvan Mendy and Ryan Walsh. Both fighters have a high knockout ratio and are known for their power, but neither has yet been truly tested in a grueling, high-level bout.
The fight is expected to be a close, technical matchup that could reveal which prospect has the potential to become a future star. Mason is viewed as having the makings of a special fighter, while Noakes is considered a very good, solid competitor who may have a ceiling slightly below Mason’s. With neither fighter