David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde

WBC and secondary WBA light heavyweight titles

Odds: Benavidez, 1/12; Yarde, 13/2

Recent form: Since losing a thrilling shootout to Artur Beterbiev in January 2023, Londoner Yarde has won four fights. The first two, blowouts of the overmatched Jorge Silva and Marko Nikolic taught us little, but his struggle with Ralfs Vilcans in October 2024, when forced to go 10 rounds and endure some uncomfortable moments, suggested a drop in form. Since then, he outpointed old rival Lyndon Arthur over 12.

Benavidez, meanwhile, moved to light heavyweight after a ferocious run at 168. That he went the full 12 rounds in both of his contests at 175 led some critics to conclude he’s not carried his power with him. That is likely true to a degree but considering those wins came over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell also suggests any criticism has been harsh. Without question he comes into this in a richer vein of form than that of his opponent.

Thrills potential: High. The 28-year-old Benavidez is rarely in a bad fight and in Yarde he encounters a challenger known to give his all when facing the elite. Furthermore, with Yarde now being 34 years old, one can expect the Englishman to fight like his career depends on it.

Outcome: Though few are discounting the possibility of Yarde enforcing his substantial might on Benavidez, a victory for the challenger would be a huge upset. And with good reason. Benavidez’s fast hands, versatile skillset, and impressive stamina suggests he might be all wrong for Yarde. Though Sergey Kovalev and Beterbiev presented Yarde with ample opportunities to counter and attack, Benavidez – though not necessarily superior to either of those when they were champions – is not quite as gung-ho. The pick is for Benavidez to halt Yarde, after another brave effort from the underdog, at some point during the final third.

Brian Norman Jnr vs Devin Haney

WBO welterweight title

Records: Norman, 28-0 (22 KOs); Haney, 32-0-1 NC (15 KOs)

Odds: Norman, 10/11; Haney, 10/11

Recent form: Norman, 24, is the man in form here. Since stepping up to world class he overcame the quality Goivani Santillan in 10 rounds in May last year and, in 2025, he’s defeated Derrieck Cuevas in three and Jin Sasaki in five. Important to note, however, that the achievements of those opponents don’t compare to Haney’s ledger. This remains a sizeable leap in class for the champion.

What makes this an even-money fight, then, is Haney’s suddenly middling form. Victories over fighters like Vasiliy Lomachenko (albeit contentious), George Kambosos Jnr and Regis Prograis pointed to a fighter making strides. Then along came Ryan Garcia and everything changed. Though that loss was wiped off Haney’s record after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance, his subsequent pick-and-poke victory over Jose Ramirez didn’t exactly set the world alight.

Thrills potential: Adequate. Norman’s style lends itself to excitement but in Haney, a master boxer, he encounters a fighter adept at nullifying the strengths of his opponents. It likely comes down to how uncomfortable Norman can make life for Haney and if Haney, in turn, can resist the educated pressure of his confident foe.

Outcome: Guesswork. Norman is the fighter on the rise and Haney, if we’re to judge him solely on recent form, would appear to have lost something during that controversial encounter with Garcia. There is a chance that Haney – ala Donald Curry post-Lloyd Honeyghan – is never quite the same again. Furthermore, in Norman, he meets a young and hungry fighter at the peak of their powers. Even so, Haney has fought at a significantly higher level and exhibited superior versatility. And at just 27, it’s a stretch to say he's damaged goods. Haney by decision.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Fernando “Puma” Martinez

WBC, WBA, WBO junior bantamweight titles

Records: Rodriguez, 22-0 (15 KOs); Martinez, 18-0 (9 KOs)

Odds: Rodriguez, 1/12; Martinez, 13/2

Recent form: That Argentina’s Martinez can boast two 12-round points victories over the excellent Kazuto Ioka – both in Japan, no less – should be evidence enough that he represents a seriously stern test. He’s also twice defeated Jerwin Ancajas which, again, is no mean feat.

Those four victories would likely make him favorite over anyone bar Rodriguez at 115lbs. But in “Bam” he collides with a fighter who might just be the most consistent elite battler in the entire sport. Since clearing out flyweight by thrashing Sunny Edwards at the end of 2023, Rodriguez has dominated Juan Francisco Estrada, Pedro Guevara, and Phumelela Cafu at 115lbs. Martinez, though, could be his sternest test yet.

Thrills potential: Above average. Martinez, though not exactly a KO artist, is always a pleasure to watch and Rodriguez, still only 25, already seems destined for the Hall of Fame. The way he goes about his business – so smooth, patient, and spiteful – has long been a treat for the hardcore. One suspects that Martinez might bring out an even higher level in the favorite.

Outcome: Nobody has yet been able to shake Rodriguez out of his groove in 22 professional contests and that, in a nutshell, is what Martinez must do to win. But the Texan has appeared so at ease inside the ring, whether on the attack or taking his time from range, it’s hard to envision an upset. Martinez is an excellent boxer who can take rounds from Rodriguez but, at the end of 12, the scores in Rodriguez’s favor should be clear enough.

Sam Noakes vs. Abdullah Mason

Vacant WBO lightweight title

Records: Noakes, 17-0 (15 KOs); Mason, 19-0 (17 KOs)

Odds: Noakes, 3/1; Mason, 1/4

Recent form: Noakes, 28, has been managed well, beating Lewis Sylvester (TKO 4), Yvan Mendy (PTS 12), Gianluca Ceglia (RTD 8) and Ryan Walsh (PTS 12) in 12-rounders since 2024. Whether that run, which has seen him develop and improve, is enough to now thrive at world level is unknown, however.

Mason hasn’t exactly been feasting on premier prey himself though his most recent successes, inside-schedule wins over Jeremia Nakathila and Carlos Ornelas, are arguably superior results to any on Noakes’ record. That incredible up-and-downer with Yohan Vasquez, when Mason recovered from two knockdowns in the opening round before winning in the second, was only 12 months ago.

Thrills potential: Vast. There is every chance that the southpaw is too slick and cultured for Noakes but, equally, the Englishman’s ability to cut off the ring and hurl hurtful punches when up close demands he should not be written off. After all, Noakes has thrived with each step-up he’s taken. Whatever happens – whether it’s one-sided or a two-way battle – expect to be entertained.

Outcome: Noakes has looked every inch a star in the making in recent years but this looks like a lengthy, maybe even premature, leap. Don’t dismiss Noakes’ chances completely, however. Just because Mason is overloaded with potential doesn’t automatically guarantee it will be fulfilled. Noakes hurting Mason early and bullying his way to victory over the 21-year-old is one scenario worth considering but the likelier, and far easier outcome to envision, is Mason showcasing his full arsenal to leave Noakes bedraggled and bewildered by the second half of the bout.