Benavidez and Haney Shine: A New Era in Boxing?

Benavidez and Haney Shine in Saudi Arabia: A Successful Saturday in the Ring

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was the scene of a memorable night for boxing, with outstanding performances that promise to reshape the landscape of the sport. David Benavidez and Devin Haney led the card with convincing victories, while Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Abdullah Mason also left their mark.

Benavidez: The Mexican Monster is Making His Way

David Benavidez defended his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles with a dominant performance against Anthony Yarde. His performance, characterized by relentless precision and constant pressure, solidified his position as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers.

Benavidez’s victory, added to Canelo Álvarez’s recent defeat, opens the door for “The Mexican Monster” to become the new face of Mexican boxing and, eventually, of boxing in general.

“I have some news for you,” Benavidez said. “On May 2nd [it will be] me against [Gilberto] Zurdo Ramirez. I will move up to cruiserweight to dispute his titles.

David Benavidez

Benavidez, born in Phoenix, Arizona, but of Mexican descent, seeks to seize the traditional dates of Mexican boxing, Cinco de Mayo and the weekend of Mexico’s Independence Day. A fight on the Cinco de Mayo weekend against a Mexican champion in another weight category is exactly how Benavidez will take control. On the one hand, in terms of style, it’s a fantastic fight. Benavidez’s style, with his relentless pressure and endurance, makes him a fan favorite. His willingness to face any opponent without hesitation sets him apart. Turning 29 in December, he has a promising future.

Haney Shuts Up Critics

Devin Haney, often criticized for his conservative style, demonstrated a more aggressive side by defeating Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision and conquering the WBO welterweight title.

Haney knocked down Norman in the second round, but failed to finish his opponent. Despite the victory, doubts about his ability to knock out his rivals persist. In 2024, I lost everything,” Haney said. “Everything fell apart. In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m going for everything. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is not a fan of Haney’s style. “You have to give Devin Haney credit and respect,” Hearn said during a post-fight interview on DAZN. “He’s just become a three-division world champion, but nobody’s going to want to watch him fight. I mean, he’s fighting scared.” Haney, with the WBO belt, will have to face other champions if they seek to unify the division, and everyone will believe they can defeat him.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: Underrated Brilliance

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez unified three super flyweight world titles with a world-class performance against Fernando Martinez. Rodriguez, despite his youth and competing in a lower division, is a big star.

His exciting style and his search for the knockout make him a must-see spectacle. Rodriguez, who turns 26 in January, is ranked number 5 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings. He only needs to win over the casual fan’s heart.

Abdullah Mason: Lessons in Valor

Abdullah Mason, in a tough battle against Sam Noakes, became the youngest boxing champion by winning the vacant WBO lightweight title. Mason’s victory, which extended to 12 rounds for the first time in his career, highlights his tenacity and growth as a boxer.

Mason learned the importance of defense and endurance. In a division with a wide range of styles, Mason will have to rely more on his will than on his skill against equally talented opponents.