Headlining Ring IV in Riyadh, Benavidez will make the first defence of the green and gold belt against Anthony Yarde, a regular challenger for the world titles at 175lbs.

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Following Riyadh Season’s foray into boxing and the upsurge in big ticket events which have taken place as a result, Benavidez has watched from the sidelines.

Now the time has come for the ‘Mexican Monster’ to show why he is indeed a major force in the sweet science and make up for lost time after a frustrating couple of years.

Benavidez does not need Canelo to be a big star

To those who may be outside the hardcore boxing circles, they may have only head the name Benavidez mentioned in the same breath as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

This was because for what felt like an eternity, Benavidez was in prime position to challenge the Mexican. Unfortunately for Benavidez his chance never came, with Canelo suggesting that a huge pay day would be needed if this fight was to become a reality.

Benavidez could not wait any longer to continue campaigning at super middleweight and finally made the move in June 2024 when he faced Oleksandr Gvozdyk. A fight with David Morrell followed eight months later, both entertaining affairs, proving that Benavidez likes to bring a war mentality to the ring, but these performances did not get the interest of the wider sporting world.

With the next moves of Artur Beterbiev and unified champion Dmitry Bivol unknown, there is a void which needs to be filled when it comes to the ‘man’ at 175lbs and Benavidez could be that guy.

Yarde may not be a ‘big name’ dance partner, but Benavidez can still use this fight to deliver a performance which, in this day and age, can be shared across social media, dominate discussions and make him a must-watch fighter whenever he steps into the ring.

Benavidez must deliver ‘painful KO’ promise

In the build-up to Saturday’s fight with Yarde, Benavidez has not been afraid to declare that he will be letting his hands go in an attempt to produce an entertaining contest.

Speaking to the media, Benavidez vowed to ‘hurt’ his British foe who is attempting to win a world title for a third time.

“I'm trying to knock him out and hurt him. It's going to be a great fight,” Benavidez said.

“Once I establish the jab, everything else is going to open up on its own. My opponents don't block my body shots too well, so that is one of my keys.

“It's going to be my job to mix it in there. I feel like my body shots are what's going to cause the most damage.”

Hearing comments like the above can’t help but get you fired up, hearing a fighter make menacing comments about the punishment he is about to inflict piques interest, but Benavidez must deliver in what is a make-or-break moment in his career.

Benavidez has been given the platform in the form of a Ring Magazine card to showcase his ability to a mass audience. If he excels, it will open doors to some exciting fights at 175lbs, and possibly an attempt to become undisputed with Bivol, who will want the WBC belt back around his waist.

Once upon a time, it looked like Benavidez needed Canelo to become a major star in the US and across the world. A lot has changed, and now it’s Benavidez who controls his own destiny.

A win on points in my eyes for Benavidez would be disappointing, he needs to win in destructive fashion, and by doing that he will have his much desired breakthrough moment and become the ‘man’ at light heavyweight, and a major force in world boxing.

Watch Ring IV Benavidez vs. Yarde live only on DAZN

David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde headline a star-studded Ring IV fight card in Riyadh this Saturday, November 22. Watch it exclusively on DAZN PPV for £24.99 / $59.99.

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