How Could Yarde Approach The Benavidez Fight?

Anthony Yarde faces David Benavidez in November, as we look at how the Brit could approach this fight. 

Yarde has another world title opportunity at 175 pounds, having lost to Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. Yarde had Kovalev in trouble, almost stopping him before the Russian found a second wind to stop the Brit. The fight against Beterbiev also showed Yarde’s promise. He landed numerous right-hands that did buzz Beterbiev. However, the former Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion walked Yarde down before stopping him. 

Benavidez is the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion. He was elevated from his interim title, which he secured against David Morrell Jr. in his last fight, as Bivol decided to vacate. Benavidez knows a win takes him closer to chasing undisputed at 175 or make a possible move up to cruiserweight.

The Plan

Yarde is an explosive, powerful puncher. His current record stands at 27-3-0, with 24 KOs to his name. He is known for putting together combinations with power in both hands. His main weapons are the right hand and the uppercut. Yarde currently has three stoppages in his last four following the Beterbiev loss. 
Yarde also has fast hands, which showed in the Beterbiev fight, as he was landing on the Russian before his stoppage.

Yarde must exploit Benavidez’s aggressive nature by boxing and moving, not giving Benavidez a stationary target. Benavidez thrives on pressure and wearing opponents down. Yarde cannot trade for extended periods, as he must use lateral movement, pivot off the ropes, and avoid getting trapped in corners. 

Yarde should create angles and force Benavidez to reset, disrupting his rhythm. The jab and lead hand will be critical for that. The jab will allow him to maintain distance, disrupt Benavidez’s advances, and create openings for his right hand. A quick double or triple jab can set up a big shot. 

Mentality

Yarde could use his counter-punching. Benavidez can sometimes throw wide, looping shots, leaving himself open. Yarde’s quick, accurate uppercut could be particularly effective against Benavidez’s upright stance and an overhand right over Benavidez’s high guard. 

Benavidez’s high guard can leave his body vulnerable, especially when he’s pressing forward. Yarde could follow up body shots with uppercuts as Benavidez comes in. He will also have to manage the distance and clinch smartly. Yarde cannot allow Benavidez to set up his short hooks and uppercuts on the inside.

Yarde must stay strong mentally. Benavidez is known for breaking down opponents. Yarde needs to maintain his composure, stick to his game plan, and not get drawn into a reckless brawl. He must also pace himself and have energy going into the later rounds. Yarde has been in some mega-fights, but he has to get over the line against a big name.