Anthony Yarde Plans To Attack David Benavidez

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 10:43 PM ET

Anthony Yarde says size won’t be a factor when he challenges David Benavidez for the WBC light heavyweight title on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight headlines Ring IV and will stream globally on DAZN.

Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), known as “The Monster,” began his career at super middleweight but has brought his high-pressure, high-volume style to the 175-pound division with immediate success. He dominated former WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his divisional debut, then outworked ex WBA super middleweight titleholder David Morrell in a competitive decision eight months later.

Yarde, a natural light heavyweight, respects Benavidez’s accomplishments but is eager to test his toughness.

“He’s taller than me so I’m not really focusing on the weight or anything like that, just focusing on giving it to him. Seeing if he can actually handle someone attacking,” Yarde told talkBOXING. “It’s going to be fun to wait and see.”

"I will always take on the biggest challenge"

Anthony Yarde looks ahead to his fight against David Benavidez pic.twitter.com/Ibvcgw0UZo

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) July 8, 2025

Yarde’s World Title History

This will be Yarde’s third shot at a world championship. In August 2019, he traveled to Russia to face Sergey Kovalev for the WBO title, nearly stopping the champion in the eighth before fading and losing in the 11th round.

In January 2023, he pushed unified champion Artur Beterbiev in a brutal eight-round war before his corner stopped the fight. Both experiences earned Yarde praise for his courage and willingness to stand and trade, even when overmatched.

Keys to the Matchup

Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) is known for explosive speed and knockout power, attributes that have overwhelmed most contenders and second tier opposition. But against seasoned champions like Kovalev and Beterbiev, his aggression eventually played into their hands. Against Benavidez, Yarde knows patience will be key.

“I don’t think it’s as plain as us just standing there and swinging punches,” he said. “But there is going to come a time where we do start swinging and throwing punches. I think that’s what’s exciting for the fans, for me, and for him as well.”

With both fighters’ offensive styles and willingness to engage, Benavidez–Yarde has been billed as one of the most crowd-pleasing matchups possible at light heavyweight a fight where smart tactics and raw firepower will collide on one of boxing’s biggest stages.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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