Benavidez Dethroning Canelo? Haney and Bam Rodriguez Shine

Benavidez and Haney Shine in Saudi Arabia: Dominance and Controversy in the Ring

The boxing world vibrated with a stellar card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where David Benavidez and Devin Haney grabbed the attention, although for different reasons. Benavidez, with a dominant performance, consolidated his position as one of the best pound for pound, while Haney, with a less flashy style, generated debate.

Benavidez: The “Mexican Monster” on the Rise

David Benavidez demonstrated his power by defending his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles with a technical knockout victory in the seventh round over Anthony Yarde. His performance, characterized by precise combinations and constant pressure, showed his quality and profiles him as one of the most important figures in current boxing.

David Benavidez, on the right, dominated Anthony Yarde with a technical knockout victory in the seventh round to retain his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles.

Following the victory, Benavidez announced his intention to challenge Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for his cruiserweight titles on May 2nd. This fight, framed within the Cinco de Mayo weekend, could catapult him to stardom and make him the new icon of Mexican boxing, taking over from figures like Canelo Álvarez.

“I have news for you,” Benavidez said. “On May 2, I will face Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. I will move up to cruiserweight to challenge for his titles.”

David Benavidez

Benavidez’s aggressive and direct style sets him apart from other Mexican boxers. His willingness to face any opponent and his youth position him favorably to dominate boxing in the coming years.

Haney: Bitter-Sweet Victory

Devin Haney, known for his strategic style, showed a more aggressive side by defeating Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision and conquering the WBO welterweight title. Although he managed to knock down Norman in the second round, he couldn’t finish the fight, which generated criticism about his ability to knock out.

Devin Haney, on the right, knocked down Brian Norman Jr. in the second round in a unanimous decision victory to win the WBO world welterweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.Haney, despite the criticisms, managed to silence his detractors by neutralizing Norman’s power and becoming a champion in three divisions. However, his inability to knock out his opponent rekindled questions about his style and his ability to finish fights. Haney himself, aware of the criticism, has expressed his desire to regain lost ground in 2024 and consolidate his position in 2026. His style, similar to that of Floyd Mayweather, is based on strategy and efficiency, which allows him to achieve victories, although not always in a spectacular way. Promoter Eddie Hearn, while acknowledging Haney’s achievement, criticizes his fighting style, considering it unattractive to the public. However, Haney’s strategy could be effective in securing important fights and continuing his rise in boxing.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: Underrated Brilliance

In the same boxing card, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez unified three super flyweight world titles with a world-class performance against Fernando Martinez. Rodriguez, despite competing in a lower weight class, is emerging as a major star. His exciting style and constant pursuit of the knockout make him an appealing boxer.

Jesse Rodriguez, on the left, defeated Fernando Martinez by knockout in the tenth round to unify three super flyweight titles.Rodriguez, at only 26 years old, is expected to be an important figure in boxing. It is expected that in 2026 he will continue his rise and become a media star.

Abdullah Mason: Lesson in Fortitude

Abdullah Mason became the youngest boxing champion by defeating Sam Noakes by unanimous decision and winning the WBO lightweight title. Mason, with his talent and determination, demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and learn from each fight.

Abdullah Mason, on the right, defeated Sam Noakes by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.Mason’s victory over Noakes was a testament to his mettle and his ability to adapt to difficulties. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Mason showed that he is willing to learn and improve, which will allow him to reach his full potential in the future.