David Benavidez successfully defended his WBC light heavyweight title with a decisive seventh-round stoppage of Anthony Yarde in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight was one-sided from the start, with Benavidez’s relentless aggression and precise striking gradually overwhelming Yarde.
Fight Overview
The bout took place at the ANB Arena on Saturday night as part of a star-studded boxing card featuring four title fights. Benavidez entered the ring looking to solidify his position in the light heavyweight division, and he did just that with a dominant performance.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
MMA Fighting provided live round-by-round updates for the highly anticipated fight. From the opening bell, Benavidez showcased his superior boxing skills and relentless pressure tactics, which left Yarde struggling to find an answer.
The Knockout Blow
After six rounds of consistent dominance, Benavidez delivered a series of powerful punches in the seventh round that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight. This victory marked Benavidez’s first knockout win in two years.
Post-Fight Announcement
In the post-fight interview, Benavidez announced his intention to face Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez next, a cruiserweight champion who is also moving up to light heavyweight. This upcoming fight promises to be another significant challenge for Benavidez as he continues to establish himself in the division.
Reaction and Implications
The victory not only solidified Benavidez’s grip on the WBC title but also positioned him as a formidable contender against other top light heavyweights like Dmitry Bivol. With this win, Benavidez has proven his mettle in one of boxing’s most competitive weight classes.