Turki Alalshikh Announces Explosive World Title Fight for November in Riyadh

Turki Alalshikh has recently announced Chris Eubank vs Conor Benn 2, and Devin Haney vs Brian Norman Jr for later this year. His Excellency has now revealed another intriguing fight for November, with David Benavidez defending his WBC light heavyweight crown against Anthony Yarde.

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde Set for November Showdown in Riyadh

WBC Light Heavyweight Title Fight Confirmed for Upcoming Riyadh Season Card

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde will mark a third world title opportunity for the Brit, who faces the heavy-handed Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) in his first defence of the WBC title since being elevated after Dmitry Bivol decided to vacate the title. This will also be a Riyadh Season debut for “The Monster.”

There has been much speculation regarding the next fight for Benavidez, who wanted the winner of Bivol-Artur Beterbiev 2, but now, as the full WBC champ, he will face the dangerous Yarde. Eddie Hearn had recently confirmed that negotiations were ongoing for Benavidez to face Liverpudlian Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs), but “The Monster” will now duke it out with Yarde in Riyadh.

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde

Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) has impressed in both of his world title challenges, troubling Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev before ultimately being stopped. He showcased his bravery and power in both fights, but against Benavidez, he’ll need to pick his moments and pace himself more effectively, especially as Benavidez carries power deep into fights. The Brit has been underwhelming in his last two bouts, beating Ralfs Vilcans and Lyndon Arthur.

Benavidez has adapted well since moving to the light heavyweight division. He cruised past Oleksandr Gvozdyk before producing a commanding performance to defeat the dangerous Cuban David Morrell.

Yarde will need to pick his punches right and make Benavidez second-guess his own work. The American fighter has good hand speed and throws everything with vicious intent, and Yarde will need to be wary of these front-foot pressure tactics.