David Benavidez is dealing with creating a new world order as he takes to Saturday’s main event in Saudi Arabia versus two-time light-heavyweight title challenger Anthony Yarde.
“It’s not just about winning – it’s how you win,” ProBoxTV analyst and former 140lbs champion Chris Algieri said on Tuesday’s episode of BoxingSceneToday.
“You’re under the microscope by everyone. You have to dominate.You have to put butts in the seats. David Benavidez knows this.”
In the first defense of his WBC light-heavyweight title since replacing three-belt champion Dmitry Bivol, who will move to a trilogy fight versus Russian countryman and former undisputed titlist Artur Beterbiev, Benavidez, 30-0 (24KOs), meets Yarde, 27-3 (24KOs), at anconsequential time.
Following the September loss to Terence Crawford of his rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Benavidez can reach for the mythical crown that Alvarez wore by defeating Yarde and heading into big showdowns.
Benavidez’s father Jose Benavidez Snr told BoxingScene there are plans to stage a huge Mexican-rooted Cinco de Mayo bout between Benavidez and unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in Las Vegas.
“He could be the next big name of boxing with those hand skills and speed,” mentioned host Jimmy Smith. “Is he the next king of boxing?”
“Could be, along with a couple guys” said former welterweight champion and analyst Paulie Malignaggi, adding the name of unbeaten lightweight title fighter Abdullah Mason. “David has been awaiting this anointing. [He’s] a high-level, high-energy fighter.”
Benavidez has occupied his time being dodged by Alvarez – Malignaggi called such behavior “scum-baggery” on Tuesday’s show – by defeating the likes of the former 168lbs champion Demetrius Andrade and the WBA interim super-middleweight champion, the then-unbeaten David Morrell.
“I’ve been screaming from the rooftops about him,” Algieri said. “He wants all the smoke, fights everybody, doesn’t mince his words and in Anthony Yarde he’s fighting my favorite British fighter – [who] goes out on his shield to try to knock you out. If anyone can drag David Benavidez into a firefight, it’s Yarde.”
Both analysts assess Benavidez’s jab as the key to back up and set up more hurtful power shots and combinations.
While Yarde was reeling this camp by the death of his assistant trainer James Cook from bladder cancer, the motivation possible by leaning into that emotion could help Yarde cope and thrive on fight night.
“There’s an extra layer of expectation,” Malignaggi said. Yarde, 34, must know this is his final crack at a title after losses to Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev.
“He’s a super-dangerous guy,” Algieri said of Yarde. “Home-run hitters have the most strikeouts, but what if he hits a home run this time?”
Of course, the high stakes mean Benavidez understands he must literally beat Yarde to the punch.
