Benavidez vs. Yarde: WBC Title Fight Heads to Riyadh on DAZN PPV
The WBC super middleweight title is on the line Saturday night — not in Las Vegas, not in London, but in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s growing combat sports scene. David Benavidez, the 27-year-old Mexican-American powerhouse, defends his belt against Anthony Yarde, the hard-hitting British challenger from Ilford, London, in the main event of Ring Magazine Presents: Ring IV - Night Of ChampionsANB Arena in Riyadh. The entire card streams live on DAZN as a pay-per-view event, marking another bold step in boxing’s global pivot toward the Middle East.
When and How to Watch
Ringwalks for Benavidez and Yarde are set for 6:04 p.m. PT / 9:04 p.m. ET / 2:04 a.m. GMT on Sunday, November 23 — meaning if you’re in the UK, you’re staying up past midnight. For viewers in Saudi Arabia, it’s 5:04 a.m. local time. The undercard kicks off at 12 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. GMT, with DAZN offering a full two-hour preview of undercard bouts before the main event. Those without the DAZN app can follow installation guides directly through the platform’s website — no cable subscription required. The broadcast is global, but regional blackout rules may apply in markets with local broadcasters. If you’re watching from the U.S., Canada, or Western Europe, DAZN is your only legal option.The Fighters: Champion vs. Comeback King
David Benavidez enters this fight with a record of 29-0, 26 KOs. He’s not just a puncher — he’s a technician who moved up from light heavyweight after knocking out former champ Oleksandr Gvozdyk and outworking David Morrell in two dominant title defenses. At 6’1”, he’s got the reach and footwork to control distance, but he’s never faced someone with Yarde’s explosive power. His transition to super middleweight has been seamless — so far. Anthony Yarde, meanwhile, is the ultimate redemption story. After losing his 2023 WBO interim title shot to Artur Beterbiev via brutal knockout, Yarde didn’t quit. He won four straight fights, including a dramatic trilogy victory over Lyndon Arthur earlier this year. At 33, he’s older, wiser, and hungrier. His right hand? A wrecking ball. He’s knocked out 19 of his 22 wins — and if he lands it cleanly in the early rounds, Benavidez could be in serious trouble.Riyadh: The New Boxing Capital?
The ANB Arena isn’t just a venue — it’s a statement. Earlier this year, it hosted the undisputed super middleweight showdown between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and William Scull, drawing over 15,000 fans and a global TV audience of 40 million. Saudi Arabia has spent over $1 billion since 2022 to bring elite combat sports to its soil — from UFC to boxing to MMA. The government sees it as soft power: global visibility, tourism, and cultural legitimacy. This isn’t a one-off. It’s a strategy. And DAZN is all in.
The Co-Main: Haney vs. Norman Jr.
Before Benavidez and Yarde step into the ring, the co-main event between Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr. will set the tone. Haney, the WBC lightweight champion and self-proclaimed “undisputed king,” is making his first appearance since his controversial draw with Manny Pacquiao in 2024. Norman Jr., a 28-year-old American with 18 KOs in 20 wins, is a late replacement — originally slated to face Jaron Ennis, who pulled out due to injury. This isn’t a title fight, but it’s a statement bout. If Haney looks sharp, he reclaims momentum. If Norman Jr. pulls off the upset? That’s a name you’ll hear for years.What’s at Stake?
For Benavidez, this is about legacy. He’s been called the future of boxing since he was 19. Now, at 27, he’s got the belt — but he hasn’t yet faced a true elite-level challenger. Yarde isn’t just a contender. He’s a former Olympian, a former British champion, and someone who’s fought through darkness. Win here, and Yarde becomes the first British fighter to win a world title at super middleweight since Carl Froch in 2012. For DAZN, this is a test. The streaming giant has spent heavily on boxing since 2021, but PPV sales have plateaued. This card — with two high-profile fighters, a glamorous location, and a historic venue — could be the breakout moment. If they sell 500,000 buys, it could reset the entire pay-per-view model.
What’s Next?
If Benavidez wins, a unification bout with Jermall Charlo — the WBC’s interim champ — becomes likely. A Yarde win? That opens the door for a rematch with Beterbiev… or even a super-fight with Canelo in 2026. Either way, the boxing world will be watching.Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch Benavidez vs. Yarde if I don’t have DAZN?
You can’t legally watch the main event without a DAZN subscription. The fight is exclusive to their PPV platform, with no traditional TV or free streaming options. However, DAZN offers a one-month free trial for new users — and you can cancel after the event. Be wary of unofficial streams; they’re often low-quality, unsafe, and violate copyright.
Why is this fight in Riyadh and not the U.S.?
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports tourism since 2020, spending billions to host global events like Formula 1, UFC, and now major boxing cards. The government offers lucrative purses and tax incentives to promoters. DAZN and Matchroom Boxing chose Riyadh because of the arena’s capacity, security, and global media reach — not because of fan demand in the U.S.
Is the YouTube video of the fight real?
No. The video titled ‘DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS ANTHONY YARDE FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS’ is a fictional preview created by fans or content aggregators. The fight hasn’t happened yet. The commentary describing a fourth-round knockout is speculative — likely generated by AI or edited from past fights. Always check the date: November 22, 2025, is in the future.
What’s the significance of Ring Magazine hosting this event?
Ring Magazine is boxing’s oldest and most respected publication. Their ‘Ring’ series — now in its fourth installment — is designed to showcase elite, unification-level bouts outside the usual HBO/Showtime model. This isn’t just another PPV. It’s a statement that Ring still holds authority over who the real champions are — and they’re betting big on Benavidez and Yarde as the next chapter.
How does this fight impact the super middleweight division?
The division is crowded with champions: Charlo (WBC), Beterbiev (WBO), and Gennadiy Golovkin (IBF). A Benavidez win keeps him in the driver’s seat for unification. A Yarde win? That could force a mandatory challenge against Beterbiev — and possibly a super-fight with Canelo, who owns the WBC belt. Either way, this fight reshapes the pecking order.
What’s the historical context of British fighters winning world titles at super middleweight?
Only three British fighters have ever held a major super middleweight title: Carl Froch (WBC, 2008–2014), Joe Calzaghe (WBO, 1997–2008), and Steve Collins (WBO, 1994–1995). Yarde would be the first since Froch — and the first to win it outside of a British ring since 1995. That’s why this fight means so much to UK boxing fans.