Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and British knockout artist Anthony “The Beast from the East” Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) prepare to face off at the official weigh-in ahead of their highly anticipated title clash. The ceremonial weigh-in, scheduled for Friday, November 21, at approximately 2 p.m. AST (6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT), promises high drama as two of the division’s most devastating punchers make weight for Saturday’s main event at ANB Arena.
Benavidez, the 28-year-old Phoenix native elevated to full WBC champion earlier this year after Dmitry Bivol vacated the belt, is making his first defense at 175 pounds. Having dominated super middleweight for years – outpointing elite foes like Caleb Plant, Demetrius Andrade, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk – Benavidez moved up in weight and solidified his status with a gritty unanimous decision over David Morrell in February, surviving a late knockdown to claim interim honors. Now a full champion, the 6’2″ pressure fighter with a relentless volume attack is favored heavily (-830 odds) to retain his belt and position himself for blockbuster unifications against the likes of Artur Beterbiev or Bivol.
Standing in his way is Yarde, the 34-year-old Londoner seeking his first world title in his third attempt. Yarde has fallen short in brave efforts against Sergey Kovalev (TKO11 loss in 2019) and Beterbiev (TKO8 in 2023), but rebounded strongly with four consecutive wins, including a unanimous decision trilogy closer over rival Lyndon Arthur in April. Known for his one-punch devastation – 24 of his 27 wins by KO – Yarde insists experience has sharpened him: “Mentally, I’ve already won. There’s no pressure on me. I’m excited to shock the world.”
The weigh-in will be a key moment, with both fighters expected to tip the scales near the 175-pound limit. Benavidez has comfortably made 174¼ pounds in recent light heavyweight bouts, while Yarde, a natural at the weight, brings explosive power that could make this a Fight of the Year candidate. Expect intense staredowns: Benavidez has vowed a stoppage, saying, “I see opportunities to hurt Anthony Yarde,” while Yarde warns of putting the “Monster to sleep” in a guaranteed shootout.
Fans worldwide can catch the official weigh-in live stream for free on DAZN’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, as well as Queensberry Promotions’ channels. Coverage typically includes undercard fighters from the stacked “Ring IV” card, featuring Devin Haney vs. Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight title, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez in a super flyweight unification, and more.
This Riyadh Season event underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing dominance in boxing, delivering another night of elite matchups. With two power-punchers colliding – combined 48 KOs in 57 wins – the weigh-in staredown could foreshadow fireworks. Don’t miss it: tune in Friday as the light heavyweight division’s future hangs in the balance.
