Londoner Yarde (right) made his debut in 2015 and is looking to win a world title at the third attempt
British boxer Anthony Yarde asserts that he is a “better fighter now” compared to his prior title challenges, as he aims for a world championship title in his third attempt.
The 34-year-old is set to face undefeated champion David Benavidez for the WBC light-heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Saturday.
Yarde’s previous title bids fell short against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev four years later, leading many to view this upcoming fight as his last viable opportunity to seize a world title.
“I keep hearing the phrases ‘third time’s a charm’ or ‘third time lucky’. I don’t really subscribe to luck. I genuinely feel that I’m a more accomplished fighter now,” he stated.
Benavidez, 28, an American fighter of Mexican descent, boasts a record of stopping 24 of his 30 opponents and is a former two-time super-middleweight champion.
Nicknamed the “Mexican Monster,” he has promised an all-out “war”.
“I’ve had my eye on Anthony Yarde for a considerable time. He possesses both power and heart. Regardless of his opponent, he always delivers a compelling fight,” added Benavidez, who hails from Phoenix.
“I am committed to providing fans with action-packed encounters. This fight is poised to live up to the anticipation.”
Earlier in the proceedings, tensions flared between the camps of WBO welterweight world champion Brian Norman Jr and his American challenger, Devin Haney, who will compete on the undercard. Security intervened when Haney’s father, Bill, approached Norman’s father, Brian Sr., in a heated exchange.
In contrast, the main event participants displayed mutual respect, with Yarde and Benavidez sharing smiles and a warm embrace during their face-off.
There was no animosity between Benavidez and Yarde, as evidenced by their embrace after the face-to-face.
Yarde enters the ring with a record of 27 wins out of 30 bouts. When reminded of a past interview where he claimed he would knock Benavidez out, the Londoner responded jokingly: “Did I actually say that?”
Dressed in a sharp white tracksuit and sunglasses, Yarde reflected on the challenges he has faced at the highest level.
“I believe this is the best version of myself. I’ve always maintained that I didn’t want an easy path,” he added.
“I have no interest in winning vacant titles. That’s why I went to Russia to face Kovalev. People advised me against fighting Beterbiev – I don’t concern myself with such things.
“The higher the quality of the opponent, the greater the reward. This occasion feels like the right one.”
Despite his aggressive reputation in the ring, Benavidez displayed a gentler side as his two children joined him on stage.
He has expressed interest in a unification bout with light-heavyweight Dmitry Bivol if he triumphs over Yarde, but he is not underestimating the British fighter.
Promoter Frank Warren lauded Sam Noakes (right) as “one of the most promising young fighters in the UK”
Maidstone lightweight Sam Noakes is set to challenge American Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO title on the undercard.
The 28-year-old has secured stoppages in 15 of his 17 bouts but is considered the underdog against the highly regarded Mason.
Ohio native Mason boasts an even more impressive record, with 17 stoppages in 19 victories, and another win would crown the 21-year-old as boxing’s youngest reigning world champion.
“Boxing is about to acquire its favorite new young talent, and I intend to dominate the division from Saturday onwards,” he declared.
Meanwhile, a confident Noakes has predicted a knockout, suggesting that his underdog status means “everyone betting on me stands to win a substantial amount of money.”
Britain began the week with only two male world champions: Nick Ball (WBA featherweight) and Lewis Crocker (IBF welterweight).
Fabio Wardley was then elevated to WBO heavyweight champion on Tuesday following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the title.
Victories for Noakes and Yarde this Saturday could potentially increase the number of male world champions to five.
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