Benavidez Blasts Yarde, Confirms May Cruiserweight Title Clash in Las Vegas
David Benavidez delivered a commanding and emphatic performance to stop Anthony Yarde in seven rounds, retaining his position as one of the most formidable forces in the light-heavyweight division.
From the opening bell, Benavidez imposed his physicality and dictated the terms of the fight, taking control before Yarde could settle as WBN scored the fight live.
Early Rounds
Benavidez opened sharply, establishing his range and quickly reading Yarde’s rhythm to secure the first round. The second followed the same pattern, with Benavidez pinning Yarde in a corner and unleashing heavy shots that forced the challenger into defensive survival.
By the third, Benavidez’s authority was unmistakable. He repeatedly trapped Yarde along the ropes and landed a thudding right hand to close the session.
While Yarde tried to disrupt the champion’s momentum in the fourth, Benavidez punctuated the round with a late flurry as Yarde held onto his glove under pressure.
Middle Rounds
The fifth round saw Benavidez stalking Yarde relentlessly, maintaining constant foot pressure and firing combinations in the closing seconds to widen his lead. Yarde’s punches remained spirited but had little effect on slowing the champion’s advance.
In the sixth, Benavidez’s pressure broke through decisively. Yarde, now bleeding from the nose, was forced backward as the champion intensified his assault.
Fatigue and damage were evident as Benavidez hammered home power shots that left Yarde fading.
Seventh Round & Finish
The seventh brought the inevitable conclusion. Yarde’s face was marked, his nose streaming, and his defense unraveling. A barrage sent Yarde to the canvas, though one knockdown was waved off due to a late shot.
Moments later, Benavidez launched an identical assault, overwhelming Yarde until the referee halted the contest.
Winner: David Benavidez TKO7 — a dominant statement from a champion who continues to showcase control, composure, and devastating power at light-heavyweight.
Benavidez improves to 31-0 with a 25th knockout and immediately announced his intention to challenge two-belt cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez (WBA and WBO) on Cinco de Mayo 2026.
A short time later, Oscar De La Hoya confirmed the fight for Las Vegas on May 2nd. Moving up to 200 pounds could see Benavidez become a four-time, three-weight king next year.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years’ experience. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside at the sport’s most significant events since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.
