This weekend, the boxing world turns its attention to Riyadh for a blockbuster event featuring four world title fights. The headline act sees America's undefeated David Benavidez defend his belt against Britain's Anthony Yarde, who is desperate to finally claim a world championship.
The Ring IV: A Stacked Card in the Saudi Capital
The Ring IV event lands in Saudi Arabia's capital on Saturday, featuring eight elite fighters competing for four world titles. The main event pits the explosive power of David Benavidez against the third world title attempt of London's Anthony Yarde. Elsewhere on the card, British fighter Sam Noakes challenges Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title, while American Devin Haney aims to become a three-weight world champion when he takes on WBO welterweight title holder Brian Norman Jr.
Benavidez vs Yarde: A Tale of Contrasting Styles
Anthony Yarde, 34, enters this fight with a record of 27 wins from 30 contests, with 24 of those victories coming by knockout. Despite this power, his two previous world title challenges against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev ended in defeat. His recent form has been mixed, with his last two fights against Ralfs Vilcans and Lyndon Arthur going the distance.
He now faces a formidable challenge in David Benavidez, who boasts a perfect 30-0 professional record with 24 KOs. The 28-year-old American is a heavy 1/10 favourite with bookmakers, reflecting his status as one of boxing's most feared punchers. Benavidez has looked impressive since moving up to light heavyweight, defeating quality opponents like Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell.
The fight presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Yarde is known for his fast starts and explosive power, while Benavidez relies on relentless pressure, high work rate, and punishing combinations. While Yarde certainly has the power to trouble Benavidez, bookmakers believe his stamina issues will prove decisive, with just two of his last eight fights going the distance.
Expert Prediction and Betting Analysis
With Benavidez priced at just 8/13 to win by KO or TKO, better value can be found in a bet builder. Our recommended wager is David Benavidez to win via KO or TKO with Over 5.5 Total Rounds at 8/5 with Bet365. This accounts for Benavidez's tendency to wear opponents down rather than seek early stoppages, with all of his last four fights reaching at least the sixth round.
In the co-main event, the welterweight title fight between Brian Norman Jr. and Devin Haney is much harder to call. Norman is a slight 20/21 favourite, with Haney at 21/20. Norman brings raw knockout power, while Haney possesses superior technical skills and fight IQ. We predict Haney will use his sharp footwork and discipline to secure a points victory, with value found in Haney to win via unanimous decision at 2/1 with Ladbrokes.
As always, we remind readers to gamble responsibly and only bet what they can afford to lose.
