Summary

  1. Round fivepublished at 02:55 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Yarde is playing a dangerous game by backing off to the ropes and trying to counter.

    Benavidez has found his rhythm and is no longer there to be hit by the counter.

    Another round in the bag for Benavidez. Maybe time for Yarde to try something different.

  2. Postpublished at 02:55 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Steve Bunce
    Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

    I have no idea what was going on there. There was 10, 15 left uppercuts landed in a row, I don't think Yarde was hurt, but getting hit with any amount of shots is sending you back. A very strange end to the round.

  3. Round fourpublished at 02:52 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Yarde seems comfortable on the ropes - that's fortunate because he's spending a lot of time there - and is countering nicely to the body before coming up top.

    Benavidez is firing off a lot of combinations when he pens Yarde in the corner, most bounce off the gloves but the judges will be scoring them in the American's favour for being the aggressor.

    Benavidez holds Yarde's head in place with one arm before throwing at will with his right. Strong end to the round for the champion.

    Benavidez lands on YardeImage source, Queensberry
  4. Round threepublished at 02:47 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Yarde has his hands down by his hips as he invites Benavidez forward and waits to counter.

    Benavidez is quick, though, and gets to the target before Yarde can move.

    Yarde is backed into the corner in the final 10 seconds and Benavidez gets to work again. The Londoner walks back to his corner with a big smile on his face.

    Yarde looking at BenavidezImage source, Queensberry
  5. Postpublished at 02:45 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Steve Bunce
    Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Some very good straight right hands from Benavidez, but Yarde doesn't look fazed. It might seem reckless, but I want to see Yarde take it to Benavidez more!

  6. Round twopublished at 02:43 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    A nice exchange with both landing as Yarde fights his way off the ropes.

    Yarde slots a straight right through the guard and then does some neat work with the jab. Not a huge amount of damage but it's output.

    It sparks to life again in the corner with Yarde working well before circling away but Benavidez lands three or four shots as he closes off the angle moments later.

    Very even so far.

    Benavidez and Yarde trade blowsImage source, Queensberry
  7. Benavidez v Yarde votepublished at 02:40 GMT 23 November 2025

    After a cagey opening round, seems like you're all edging towards David Benavidez...

    Benavidez v Yarde vote - 59% Benavidez, Yarde 41% Yarde.
  8. Postpublished at 02:40 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Stacey Copeland
    Retired boxer on BBC Radio 5 Live

    This is typical from Benavidez. He likes to control the centre of the ring and that's what he's doing.

  9. Round onepublished at 02:38 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Yarde has started well in his two previous world title fights but they haven't ended in that fashion.

    Can he lay down an early marker here?

    Ah. Benavidez crashes a heavy overhand right off Yarde's cheek.

    Yarde stabs a jab to the body and catches Benavidez with a couple of counter hooks.

    Benavidez and YardeImage source, Queensberry
  10. Round onepublished at 02:35 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    And we're under way with the final fight of the night.

    David Benavidez v Anthony Yarde tale of the tape. Age - 28 Benavidez, 24 Yarde. Record -30 Benavidez, 27-2 Yarde, KOs - 24 Benavidez, 24 Yarde. Height - 6' 2'' Benavidez, 6' 0'' Yarde, Reach - 74'' Benavidez, 72'' Yarde, Rounds boxed - 160 Benavidez, 125 Yarde.
  11. 5 Live Boxing team at ringsidepublished at 02:35 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    We have the big hitters in Riyadh.

    Ronald McIntosh leads the commentary with analyst Steve Bunce and retired boxer Stacey Copeland with him.

    Club 'Listen Live' at the top of this page to follow along with them.

  12. Postpublished at 02:35 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Cheers for the champion Benavidez too.

    His children are with him in the ring - it's 05:35 in Riyadh. Well past their bed time!

  13. Postpublished at 02:34 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    It seems like there's a decent following for Yarde in Riyadh.

    The Londoner beats his chest as the crowd cheers when his name is read out by Michael Buffer.

  14. Benavidez v Yarde - who has the edge?published at 02:33 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    A graph comparing Benavidez with Yarde that says: Rounds boxed Benavidez - 160, Yarde - 125, Knockout rate Benavidez - 80%, Yarde - 89%
  15. Postpublished at 02:32 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Even if Phil isn't awake, plenty of you are here with us.

    And you can still have your say on how you think this main event plays out via the vote at the top of this page.

  16. BBC Sport v Readers predictionspublished at 02:31 GMT 23 November 2025

    Phil from London is still fighting in the final round. He is on 3 points.

    We're not sure if he is still awake.

    Phil from London fight predictiosn - Benavidez, Norman Jr, Rodriguez and Mason by TKO.
  17. Benavidez wants to 'steal the show'published at 02:31 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    David Benavidez holds his WBC light-heavyweight title and stands next to Anthony YardeImage source, Getty Images

    Speaking at Thursday's news conference, David Benavidez showed no fear.

    The American is the champion at the top of tonight's card and intends to show why when he puts his WBC light-heavyweight title on the line.

    "He isn't taking anything from me," Benavidez said.

    "I'm excited to get in there and see his power. There's a lot of great talent on this card but I'm going to go in there and steal the show."

  18. Postpublished at 02:30 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Here comes Anthony Yarde. It's a pretty swift walk to the ring as he looks to finally achieve his dream of winning a world title.

    It's now or never for Yarde.

    The Londoner is unlikely to get a fourth opportunity.

    Anthony YardeImage source, Queensberry
  19. Yarde on battling temper, grief and redemptionpublished at 02:28 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Anthony Yarde tells BBC Sport how he uses motivational speakers to get him in the right mindset and how boxing kept him on the right path.

  20. Carrying the Benavidez name...published at 02:27 GMT 23 November 2025

    Benavidez v Yarde

    Kal Sajad
    BBC Sport Journalist

    David Benavidez might be the “Mexican Monster,” but we’ve seen a gentler side of him this weeks.

    He’s had his two kids with him throughout, and his five-year-old son Anthony stole the show at the weigh-in. As Benavidez was being introduced, Anthony jumped in front of him and started shadow-boxing with serious speed for a little guy.

    Anthony reportedly threw his first punch at just six months old! He says he wants to be a world champion one day. And judging by the genes, he’s starting from a good place.