On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the boxing world turns its eyes to Riyadh as David Benavidez, the 28-year-old WBC light-heavyweight champion, steps into the ring to defend his title against Anthony Yarde, the gritty 34-year-old British veteran with 24 knockouts in 27 wins. The bout headlines The Ring IV, a star-studded pay-per-view card taking place at the ANB Arena, and it’s being billed as one of the most stacked undercards in recent memory. For $59.99 in the U.S. and Canada, £24.99 in the UK, or $24.99 elsewhere, fans can watch four world-title fights — no DAZN subscription required — with the main card kicking off at 6 p.m. ET and Benavidez-Yarde’s ring walks expected just after 2 a.m. GMT on Sunday. This isn’t just another title defense. It’s a reckoning.
Benavidez’s First Defense: A Champion Under Pressure
Benavidez, known for his relentless pressure and devastating power, captured the WBC light-heavyweight belt in a dramatic win earlier this year. This is his first defense — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. He’s been training in Las Vegas under a new camp, sharpening his footwork and conditioning after critics questioned his ability to go 12 rounds against elite competition. "I plan to step into the ring and deliver an intense fight," he said during the final press conference. "The real winners on Saturday night will be the boxing fans. From top to bottom, this card features Anthony Yarde, Norman Jr., Devin Haney, Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, and Abdullah Mason. It’s a loaded lineup. Everyone tuning in is in for an incredible night of boxing."
But don’t mistake his confidence for arrogance. Benavidez knows Yarde isn’t just another name on the card. He’s a fighter who’s been to the summit and fallen — twice.
Yarde’s Third Time’s the Charm?
Anthony Yarde’s path to this fight has been brutal. He began his career 18-0, knocking out everyone in his path, including former champion Nathan Cleverly. But then came Sergey Kovalev in 2019 — a brutal TKO loss that exposed his vulnerability to elite counter-punchers. He bounced back, but then faced Artur Beterbiev in January 2023 for the unified light-heavyweight titles. Yarde lasted just 78 seconds. The knockout was so decisive, many thought his career was over.
But he didn’t quit. He rebuilt. He dropped to cruiserweight briefly, then returned to light-heavyweight, winning five straight — including a clear unanimous decision over Lyndon Arthur in April 2025 on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn. Now, at 34, Yarde isn’t chasing glory. He’s chasing legacy. "I’ve been knocked down, but I’ve never been broken," he told The Independent last week. "This isn’t about redemption. It’s about proving I belong at the top — no matter who’s standing across from me."
A Card Built for History
Benavidez-Yarde isn’t even the most surprising matchup on the card. That honor goes to Brian Norman Jr. (WBO welterweight champion) versus Devin Haney, the former unified lightweight king who dropped down two weight classes in pursuit of another title. Haney, 26, is a technical mastermind with elite movement. Norman Jr., 29, is a relentless pressure fighter with knockout power. Oddsmakers have them dead even — a rare sign of true uncertainty on this card.
Meanwhile, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, the WBA junior bantamweight champion, takes on Fernando Martinez — a fight that could cement Rodriguez as the division’s next superstar. And in the WBO lightweight opener, Abdullah Mason fights undefeated challenger Sam Noakes for a vacant title — a fight that could launch Mason into the global spotlight.
It’s rare to see four legitimate title fights on one card. Even rarer to see them all this evenly matched. The undercard alone could headline a normal PPV.
Global Reach, Local Hype
For all its international appeal, the event has deep roots in the U.S. DAZN is offering a seven-day free trial with PPV purchase, a smart move to lure casual viewers. In the UK, where boxing still commands massive audiences, the £24.99 price point is considered fair. And in the U.S., viewing parties are already being organized — including one at Dave & Buster’s in San Diego, according to Prekindle.com’s event listing.
The choice of Riyadh as the host city isn’t random. Saudi Arabia has spent the past three years investing heavily in boxing, hosting fights featuring Canelo Álvarez, Tyson Fury, and Gervonta Davis. The ANB Arena, a state-of-the-art venue opened just last year, can hold over 15,000 fans — and tickets sold out within 48 hours. The country’s push to become a global sports hub is no longer aspirational. It’s happening.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Belt
For Benavidez, a win cements him as the face of the division — potentially setting up a superfight with Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol next year. A loss? It could send him into a tailspin, especially with younger talent like Jaron Ennis and Ryan Garcia breathing down his neck.
For Yarde, a win makes him the first British boxer since Lennox Lewis to win a world title in three different weight classes. It would also make him the oldest first-time WBC light-heavyweight champion in history. A loss? He’s said he’ll retire. No more comebacks.
And for the sport? This card could be the spark that reignites interest in the 175-pound division — long overshadowed by the welterweights and heavyweights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch The Ring IV PPV if I don’t have DAZN?
You don’t need a DAZN subscription. The Ring IV is available as a standalone pay-per-view for $59.99 in the U.S. and Canada, £24.99 in the UK, and $24.99 elsewhere. Simply visit DAZN’s PPV portal, select the event, and pay directly. A seven-day free trial is included with purchase, giving you access to DAZN’s library of boxing content after the event.
Why is the fight in Riyadh and not the U.S. or UK?
Saudi Arabia has aggressively pursued major boxing events as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and become a global sports destination. The ANB Arena in Riyadh offers state-of-the-art facilities and tax incentives for promoters. Past events featuring Canelo and Fury drew massive global audiences, proving the market exists — and the Saudi government is willing to pay top dollar to host them.
What are the betting odds telling us about this fight?
Benavidez is a massive favorite at -1100, meaning you’d need to bet $1,100 to win $100. Yarde is a 11/2 underdog (+650), reflecting his past losses to elite fighters. But oddsmakers are wary: Yarde has beaten top-10 contenders, and Benavidez has never gone 12 rounds at light-heavyweight. A surprise finish — especially a late knockout — remains a real possibility.
Who else is fighting on the card, and why does it matter?
Brian Norman Jr. defends his WBO welterweight title against Devin Haney — a dream matchup between a pressure fighter and a technical wizard. Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, already a rising star, faces Fernando Martinez in a WBA junior bantamweight showdown that could determine the division’s next dominant force. And Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title could launch a new champion. This isn’t just a supporting card — it’s a talent showcase.
Is this the start of a new era in boxing?
It could be. With four legitimate title fights on one card, global streaming access, and a venue in a non-traditional boxing market, The Ring IV represents a new model: high-quality, high-stakes boxing without relying on traditional U.S. TV networks. If it draws big numbers, expect more events like this — in Riyadh, Dubai, or even India — putting the sport on a truly global stage.
