RIYADH: David Benavidez capped a thrilling night of world-class boxing at ANB Arena on Saturday, retaining his WBC light heavyweight title with a decisive seventh-round knockout over Anthony Yarde in the Ring IV main event.
Benavidez controlled the bout with sharp pressure and relentless combinations, breaking down the British challenger before landing the finisher. The victory cements his position at the top of the 175-lb division and further strengthens his claim as one of boxing’s most dominant champions.
In the co-main event, Devin Haney added another milestone to his resume when he outclassed Brian Norman Jr. over 12 rounds to claim a unanimous decision and secure the WBO welterweight title.
Earlier, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez delivered a statement performance, stopping Fernando Martinez in the 10th round to successfully defend his WBC, WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine super flyweight titles. Rodriguez’s accuracy and body work wore down the Argentine before the referee waved it off.
Rising American prospect Abdullah Mason captured his first world title, defeating Sam Noakes via unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBO lightweight belt. Mason displayed maturity beyond his age, controlling distance and pace to secure the biggest victory of his career.
In other action, middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. continued his ascent with a ninth-round TKO over Samuel Nmomah after sustained pressure forced the stoppage.
Saudi Arabia’s fighters also delivered strong performances, drawing loud support from the home crowd.
Mohammed Alakel earned a unanimous decision win over China’s Jiaming Li in a competitive super featherweight bout, with his discipline and clean counterpunching helping him secure the victory.
Super middleweight Julio Porras Ruiz battled to a majority draw against Pius Mpenda after six keenly contested rounds. Both men exchanged heavy shots with Ruiz finishing strongly, though the judges ultimately could not separate them.
In the night’s most explosive local moment, lightweight Sultan Al-Mohammed electrified the arena with a first-round TKO over Umesh Chavan. Al-Mohammed wasted no time, overwhelming his opponent with an early offensive burst that forced the referee to step in.
