Benavidez, Yarde to face off ahead of WBC title war at Riyadh’s ‘Night of Champions’

The global attention turned to Times Square, New York City, on Friday as the highly anticipated press conference for the “Night of Champions” took place at the Hard Rock Cafe. The blockbuster event, part of “The Ring IV” during Riyadh Season, is scheduled for November 22 in the Saudi capital and promises to be a landmark night in the world of professional boxing.

In attendance were top-tier fighters headlining the card, including David Benavidez, Anthony Yarde, Devin Haney, and Brian Norman Jr., as well as several rising stars participating in the supporting bouts.

Benavidez, the undefeated WBC light heavyweight world champion (30-0, 24 KOs), will make his first full title defense against Britain’s Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs). “I’m excited to face a talented veteran like Yarde,” said Benavidez. “This fight has fireworks written all over it.” Yarde responded with determination: “This is only the beginning. I want to fight the best, and I’m ready.”

One of the most talked-about matchups on the card is the showdown between former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) and WBO welterweight contender Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs). Haney aims to capture a world title in a third weight class, declaring: “The Devin Haney era continues. I’ve made history my way—and November 22 is no different.”

Norman, brimming with confidence, fired back: “This is just another chapter in the Norman experience. Let’s see if Devin Haney can handle these shots.”

Other featured fighters include Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) and Sam Knox (17-0, 15 KOs), who will face off for the WBO lightweight title, and an undefeated clash between Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) and Fernando Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) for The Ring super flyweight title.

Also present at the press event were boxers Abdullah Maysoon, Sam Knox, Fernando Martinez, and Jesse Rodriguez, adding further star power to what promises to be one of the most exciting cards of the year.

The face-off segment brought the press conference to a climactic close, as fighters stood nose-to-nose—some holding their belts—in a tense display of rivalry and respect, stirring anticipation among fans worldwide.

Broadcast exclusively on DAZN, “Night of Champions” marks another major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ascent as a global hub for international boxing, drawing elite athletes and global attention to Riyadh Season.