David Benavidez stops Anthony Yarde in Riyadh
A quick recap of all the action, including Haney, Bam and Abdullah Mason
Last night’s card might not have been too friendly time-wise, but the action was enough to help anyone stay up through the night.
David Benavidez Won TKO 7 Anthony Yarde
An exciting, professional display from the ‘Mexican Monster’ who broke down Yarde and forced a stoppage. Benavidez reckons he’ll fight Gilberto Ramirez next year up at cruiserweight.
Brian Norman Jr. Lost PTS 12 Devin Haney
Devin Haney said before this fight that he would show levels. That’s precisely what he did. I’ve been critical of Haney in the past and expected a safety-first display.
I was wrong. His jab, speed and mobility were too much for the rigid Norman, all starting with a shock second round knockdown. Despite scoring a recent career-best win over Chris Eubank, Conor Benn, who was ringside, has nothing to offer Haney.
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez Won KO 10 Fernando Martinez
Punch-perfect work from Rodriguez, who is running out of credible challenges. This was one vs two in the division and Martinez arrived as a former unified world champion. Bam was just too good from start to finish. The finishing left hand was a peach of a shot. Undisputed status next, please.
Abdullah Mason Won PTS 12 Sam Noakes
Fighting Sam Noakes’ fight made this fight of the night as Mason picked up the WBO lightweight title. Noakes’ face was busted up, but he never stopped pitching. Both boxers emerge with great credit after 12 rounds. The right man won it.
Vito Mielnicki Jr. Won TKO 9 Samuel Nmomah
Mielnicki always manages to make fights closer than they need to be. His jab and movement early on established a lead. Both landed hard shots and enjoyed moments of success before Vito finished Nmomah off at the tail end of the ninth.
Image Credit: DAZN Promotional
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com
Yarde didn’t look like he had the power to trouble Benavidez at all. The hand speed of Benavidez though - wow.
I had heard reports of Benavidez possibly having a hard time making weight and Yarde would take advantage.... Well that was probably not true as the Mexican Monster looked strong and dominant. Can't wait to see him and Zurdo in May.
I was also wrong about Haney......Bam is running out of opponents and may need to move up in weight. It just stay there and dominate for years like Hopkins did at middleweight
Top Rank may have the next American star in their stable with Abdullah Mason. That Noakes is one tough guy!
Good job Steve!