Anthony Yarde’s title hopes dashed again by David Benavidez
British light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde’s pursuit of world championship glory ended in bitter disappointment once more as David Benavidez halted him in round seven in Riyadh, reports BritPanorama.
The 34-year-old Londoner’s third attempt at capturing a world title concluded with a seventh-round stoppage, marking his fourth professional defeat in 31 contests. The WBC champion systematically dismantled Yarde, delivering a punishing performance that left the challenger bloodied and beaten.
This latest setback follows previous world title defeats to Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev in 2022, raising serious questions about whether elite honours will forever remain beyond Yarde’s grasp. Benavidez, known as the “Mexican Monster”, took command after a cautious opening, unleashing devastating combinations that left blood pouring from Yarde’s nose by round six.
The decisive moment arrived in the seventh when a ferocious assault sent Yarde to the canvas. Benavidez continued his attack after Yarde had taken a knee, earning a two-point penalty for striking a downed opponent. Despite this deduction, the champion’s relentless pressure proved overwhelming, culminating in a crushing left hook that compelled the referee to intervene with sixty seconds remaining in the round.
Defiant in defeat, Yarde stated, “I stuck in there. I’m a fighter,” adding that he felt the match was competitive. He reflected on the turning point, saying, “He has quick hands, caught me first and hit me with a good shot on the nose. When I took a knee and he hit me when I was down, I was dizzy after that.”
The American fighter maintained his flawless professional record, advancing to 31 victories with 25 stoppages. Following his dominant display, Benavidez announced plans to ascend to cruiserweight, targeting Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez for the WBA and WBO belts on 2 May. This ambitious move would see Benavidez attempt to capture world honours in a third weight division.
Meanwhile, Yarde faces an uncertain path forward after falling short at elite level once again. His trainer, Tunde Ajayi, acknowledged the camp’s disappointment, stating, “You saw why so many people don’t want to fight him [Benavidez]. We’re all upset but it is what it is.”
In the complex world of boxing, each defeat serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins between glory and despair, with both fighters standing at pivotal crossroads in their careers. Yarde’s journey continues, shaped not just by setbacks but by the resilience that defines him, while Benavidez inches closer to a new chapter, ever focused on his quest for greatness.
