London Boxer Primed for Third World Title Attempt
British light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde is preparing to "shock the world" according to his trainer, as he enters his third world title fight against the undefeated David Benavidez this Saturday night. The highly anticipated bout will headline a star-studded boxing event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A Career-Defining Opportunity in the Kingdom
Yarde, who holds a professional record of 27 wins and 3 losses with 24 knockouts, will face the formidable Benavidez (30-0, 24KOs) for the WBC light-heavyweight championship. This marks Yarde's third attempt at a world title, following his brave 2019 effort against Sergey Kovalev and his 2023 clash with Artur Beterbiev, which was controversially stopped by his corner.
The event features an impressive undercard including Devin Haney, Brian Norman Jr, Abdullah Mason, and Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, making it one of the most significant boxing nights of the season in the Kingdom.
Trainer's Faith and Past Decisions Pave the Way
Trainer Tunde Ajayi has expressed absolute confidence in his fighter, telling the PA news agency that the stage is perfectly set for Yarde's triumph. "I think it is set up wonderfully," Ajayi stated. "First Riyadh of the season, in the Kingdom and we all know Ant is the Lion King. It's the Lion against the Monster in the Kingdom."
Ajayi reflected on his decision to stop the Beterbiev fight, a move that initially upset Yarde but which the trainer insists was necessary for the boxer's long-term health. "I said, 'please trust me. You will be what you're going to be but you will be what you're going to be healthy'," Ajayi recalled, emphasizing that "there is life after sport."
The trainer believes that pivotal decision has directly led to this current opportunity, noting that protecting Yarde's future has enabled this present moment. The tight-knit duo have weathered criticism together, including after Yarde's shock 2020 loss to Lyndon Arthur, and have emerged stronger for it.
With Benavidez having recently stepped up in weight and showing vulnerabilities in recent performances, both Yarde and Ajayi feel the timing is perfect for what would be a career-defining victory for the London fighter.
