“David and Anthony should probably have the best fight of the year, because the show has everything here”, — write: sport.ua
Benavides is already a champion, although he recently debuted in a new division. A yard is a good check for him
David Benavides boxed within the second middleweight division for a very long time. A little even too much, but there was a reason for that. Too much – considering its dimensions. And the reason is the name – Saul Alvarez.
David dreamed of this confrontation. He wanted to make a huge Mexican show, within which he would beat Canelo. Perhaps it would become absolute – depending on whether Alvarez would have belts at that time. And, most importantly: I would declare myself loudly.
However, Alvarez ignored this fight. He pretended for a long and boring time that Benavides did not exist. And David himself was not helped by the organization. The WBC, under which he held the interim title, allowed Alvarez to fight whomever was necessary instead of this meeting.
David could not wait forever. The body needed changes, an increase in weight, so it was necessary to continue the path and start boxing in the light heavyweight division. Immediately Benavides became the champion quickly.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. David Benavidez as Anthony Yarde The American defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk at the start, after which he defeated David Morrell. This fight was really super, interesting, fun. However, the champion did not want to meet with Benavides again. This time Dmytro Bivol acted as Canelo.
The explanation of the Russian champion is simple: he was planning another rematch against Artur Beterbiev. Who needed this fight, apart from rabid Russian fans, is not clear, but they still stubbornly go to it even without Saudi money. And they are ready to do it, leaving the belts.
That’s how Benavides became the champion – taking possession of the temporary belt, which led him to a full one. And now to the meeting with the British Anthony Yard, for whom fights for belts are the norm.
Yard is one of the most experienced boxers in the light heavyweight division as of now. He fought for the title back in 2019. Then Anthony met with Serhiy Kovalev, to whom he lost early. In 2023, the Briton won the title again – this time against Artur Beterbiev. He lost again – again prematurely.
But it is worth noting that in the second case the Yard looked better compared to the first. And this is important, because it is obvious that Anthony does not stagnate, does not become noticeably worse. He tries to develop, squeeze everything out of his strengths.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Anthony Yard The Yard is currently on a four-game winning streak. It was started just after the same defeat in the title duel. During this time, the Brit defeated Jorge Silva and Marko Nikolic by technical knockouts in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, respectively. And then he beat Ralphs Wilkans and Lyndon Arthur by judges’ decisions.
The most important victory is the last one. And for Anthony Yard himself, and for boxing in general. Lyndon Arthur had a 1:1 record against this Briton. It wasn’t easy for Yarde, but he once again demonstrated that he improves his various indicators over time and develops as much as is possible at the age of 34.
Now David Benavides is on his way. On the one hand, he is a difficult opponent who is one of the world leaders in boxing. Serious guys are afraid to meet him. They want to delay, bypass this moment. Or get mad money, like Saul Alvarez, who demanded $200 million in net fees for such a meeting.
And the Yard is ready. Because this is another title chance for him. And because he sees holes in the opponent’s work through which he can try to overcome him.
Who is the favorite?
Bookmakers see a huge advantage for David Benavides. You can bet on his victory with a coefficient of 1.11. For the victory of Anthony Yard – with a coefficient of 6.70.
Why Yard can win, he told himself. He says: he has a very strong stroke. He believes that he is stronger than the opponent’s blow. And he also sees holes in the opponent’s defense and is sure that he can hit there, using it to his advantage.
At the same time, Anthony is definitely not someone who unreasonably considers himself a favorite. He says that he understands the level of the opponent and that he is an outsider. He simply assures that he has the strength to overcome the challenge.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. David Benavidez It is clear why Benavides should win. He’s a huge guy, even at light heavyweight. David seriously says that maybe eventually he will move to heavyweight. And that in 5 years he is going to move up to cruiserweight.
In addition, it is quite strong and fast. And also tough enough to punch and punch the opponent throughout the duel. It’s difficult to keep up with his pace when it’s soft.
However, Benavidez does have weaknesses. And he really, in a rush of aggression, often misses something that he could have avoided. The big question is whether his shots will hit the Yards the way Anthony is trying to convince us. Because if so, the result of the fight could become one of the main upsets of 2025.