David Benavidez Vs. Anthony Yarde Breakdown

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 2:35 AM ET

WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez boxes Anthony Yarde on November 22, as we preview the upcoming fight.

Benavidez earned the interim belt after beating David Morrell Jr. after which he became the full champion once Dmitry Bivol vacated. It is Benavidez’s first defense, giving him the chance to legitimately say he is the champion. Meanwhile, Yarde earned the title shot after securing a victory over Lyndon Arthur, winning their trilogy bout 2-1 via a unanimous decision. Yarde has come up short in world title attempts against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev, but he has the chance to get over the line.

Pre-Fight

“You’re looking at the guy who’s chasing all of them. Those guys are monsters, but this is El Monstro’s world. I know how to thrive in this environment. We have a lot of great fights on the table. I’m going to take every single one of them and not run away from anything. This is my destiny to go through these hard fights and win world titles. “This is what boxing is all about. I am sick of seeing these fighters getting the easiest fights for the biggest paychecks. It’s not about money. It’s about giving the fans the fight they deserve,” Benavidez said

“I’m not silly. The guy’s still undefeated. You know, he’s moved up to my weight and he’s fought some of the best at my weight already and beat them. He dominated super middleweight and he’s been world champion. I ain’t yet. I’m a realist, so when you get someone that’s real, I know what I’m in for, and that’s when you get the best version of me,” Yarde stated

The Approach

Benavidez’s strategy will involve using a high guard and constant forward momentum, using his jab nto find his range and set up combinations. Benavidez will look to use short lateral movements to find angles and work Yarde’s body to deplete the challenger’s gas tank. Examples from his previous dominant fights, like his systematic breakdown of David Morrell Jr., show that.

Yarde will need to employ feints and superior footwork to evade the pressure from Benavidez, using the ropes strategically to lure the champion in before unleashing his power. Examples from Yarde’s previous title attempts (against Kovalev and Beterbiev) show he is dangerous when he commits, but struggles when cornered. Against Benavidez’s relentless output, Yarde cannot be passive.