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luck. *Benavidez voices*: “I came, I saw, I came, I saw …” He doesn’t wait – he walks you down. And right now, Benavidez might be screaming: “I run the game, you just practice.” But Yarde? A real Yard[e] man raised in East London, powered by Jamaican roots, might just grin and say: “Yeah ... and I heard practice makes perfect.” *winks* This is his third world title shot. He’s been close. He’s been counted out. But he “came from the dirt” and “can’t go back.” He’s not just here for the feature – he’s here to flip the whole track. And when it’s all said and done? It could be: Third time’s a charm! We might all just end up praising the Lord for this matchup (we didn’t know we needed). Niambi “Bambi” Bridge
DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. ANTHONY YARDE
Fans believe the big-punching Anthony Yarde (right) will test David Benavidez.
BRIAN NORMAN JR. VS. DEVIN HANEY
Benavidez overwhelms opponents with pressure and output, but Yarde is physically strong and explosive enough to change a fight instantly. If Yarde can land sharp counters while staying disciplined, he has a chance to surprise people. Still, over 12 rounds, Benavidez’s relentless pace likely breaks him down for a late stoppage or wide decision. Coach Malik most likely gel beautifully for a Fight of the Year candidate. It is also arguably Benavidez’s biggest and first real test at light heavyweight. It’s a great fight to take if he wants Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol in the future. Johan Verdugo Benavidez vs. Yarde is great matchmaking. Two styles that will This is a brutal, high-stakes fight. Benavidez’s relentless pressure, punch volume and conditioning made him one of the most feared at super middleweight. Yarde is explosive and dangerous early, but his stamina
Haney, one of the most underrated fighters, undisputed at 135 pounds, 140-pound titleholder, chasing another title against Norman at 147. Despite his accolades, this fight could be dangerous for Haney. He was hurt many times in his “no contest” bout with Ryan Garcia, and some attributed this to Garcia’s left hook and power – both of which Norman has in his artillery. Could the “no running” pressure Haney to enter a firefight? Billy Koseda Norman by TKO or SD – Haney has a glass chin and his father is annoying. He’s a great boxer besides that chin! It will be his kryptonite. Andrew Trumpold In a time where fights like Tank-Paul are being made, we have to salute guys like David Benavidez, Anthony Yarde, Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr. It’s fighters like these guys that make people fall in love with the sport. I. Joaquin Vela
has been questionable. If Yarde can’t stop Benavidez within the first half, the momentum swings heavily to Benavidez.
Ben Chandler
Sure, we wanted Canelo vs. Benavidez (but Canelo vs. Crawford – not a bad substitution!). Yes, we dabbled with Benavidez vs. Bivol (those sparring stories – phew!). And in the U.K.? Of course we wanted Yarde vs. Buatsi (and maybe we will still get it). But this? This is the feature we didn’t know we needed. This matchup feels like “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” by A$AP Rocky & Skepta: A U.S.-U.K. linkup, a chaotic clash of styles and culture delivering undeniable rhythm, volume and violence. Benavidez, the “Mexican Monster” with Ecuadorian blood ... boxing’s pressure god ... fast hands. Vicious combinations. A gas tank that doesn’t quit. Bank on him getting tired? Good
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