Anthony Yarde will have another opportunity to challenge for a world title, as he is set to face David Benavidez for the WBC light heavyweight championship. This fight marks Benavidez’s first title defense and will take place during the Riyadh Season in November, with specific details on the date and venue to be announced soon.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh confirmed the matchup on social media after a period of speculation regarding Benavidez’s next opponent. Yarde, with a record of 27 wins and 3 losses, recently reestablished his standing by edging out Lyndon Arthur in their trilogy bout on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Benavidez arrives unscathed, boasting an undefeated record of 30 wins, following a thrilling victory against David Morrell.
Previously, there had been discussions about Benavidez facing WBO interim light heavyweight champion Callum Smith, with talks ongoing since April. Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated that there had been potential grounds for a deal, contingent on financial agreements and suitable timing for all parties.
Yarde’s journey has seen him face significant challenges, including a defeat by Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and a tough match against Artur Beterbiev, where he lost via eighth-round stoppage. Nonetheless, he has made a comeback with four fights in the last two and a half years and is currently ranked No. 4 by The Ring, while Benavidez holds the No. 2 spot.
This upcoming bout presents both fighters with a significant opportunity to solidify their legacies in the light heavyweight division. Fans are eager to see how Yarde leverages his recent momentum against the formidable reigning champion Benavidez, making this a much-anticipated matchup in the boxing world. The excitement surrounding the Riyadh Season event adds an extra layer of intrigue, promising a thrilling atmosphere for both competitors and spectators alike.