Benavidez vs Yarde Set for Saudi Arabia

David Benavidez will make his first defense of the WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde in Saudi Arabia this November, with the event part of Riyadh Season as announced by Turki Alalshikh. Benavidez was elevated to full champion after Dmitry Bivol chose a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev, and he recently secured victories over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and David Morrell. Yarde, who has previously fallen short in world title fights against Sergey Kovalev and Beterbiev, earned this latest shot after defeating Lyndon Arthur. While the matchup adds to Saudi Arabia's profile in boxing, some critics argue Yarde is a relatively safe opponent, with calls for Benavidez to fight elite rivals such as Bivol, Beterbiev, or Callum Smith. The contest is notable for Benavidez's effort to establish himself at light heavyweight and for Yarde's continued quest for a world title. The exact date and venue for the bout have yet to be confirmed.