Benavidez, Haney, and Bam: Triumphs Redefining World Boxing

Benavidez and Haney Shine in Saudi Arabia: Analysis of the Boxing Evening

The boxing world vibrated with an exciting card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where David Benavidez and Devin Haney delivered outstanding performances. In addition, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Abdullah Mason also made their mark, solidifying their names in the boxing scene.

David Benavidez: Is He the New Face of Mexican Boxing?

David Benavidez demonstrated his power by defending his WBC and WBA super middleweight titles with a dominant technical knockout victory over Anthony Yarde. His performance, characterized by precise combinations and constant pressure, solidifies him as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers.

David Benavidez, on the right, dominated Anthony Yarde in a technical knockout victory in the seventh round to retain his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles.Benavidez’s victory, added to Canelo Álvarez’s recent defeat, opens the door for “The Mexican Monster” to become the new figure of Mexican boxing and, possibly, world boxing. Benavidez, of Mexican descent, has expressed his desire to take over the traditional dates of Mexican boxing, such as Cinco de Mayo and the weekend of Mexico’s Independence Day.

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

David Benavidez

A fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend against a Mexican champion in another weight class would be the perfect strategy for Benavidez to be consecrated. His fighting style, characterized by constant pressure and endurance, makes him a fan favorite. In addition, his willingness to face any opponent without hesitation sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Devin Haney: A Questioned Champion?

Devin Haney, often criticized for his cautious style, showed a more aggressive side by defeating Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision and conquering the WBO welterweight title. Although he knocked down Norman in the second round, he failed to finish his opponent, which raised doubts about his knockout ability.

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 has been compared to Floyd Mayweather for his calculating style, which allows him to win without taking too many risks. For many, this strategy makes him “beatable.” However, it also facilitates the realization of the fights he wants, as his rivals believe they can beat him until they face him.

“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.”

Devin Haney

Now that he holds the WBO belt, Haney will have to face other champions if they want to unify the division. Options include the winner of the fight between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia, or champions Lewis Crocker and Rolando “Rolly” Romero. They will all believe they can beat Haney.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: An Underrated Talent

“Bam” Rodriguez unified three super flyweight world titles with a world-class performance against Fernando Martinez. Despite competing in a lower weight class and being only 26 years old, Rodriguez is a big star who deserves greater recognition.

Jesse Rodriguez, on the left, defeated Fernando Martinez by knockout in the tenth round to unify three super flyweight titles.His fights are always exciting and he looks for the knockout as soon as he finds the opportunity. Rodríguez aims to face the winner of the fight between Willibaldo Garcia Perez and Kenshiro Teraji on December 27 to become undisputed champion before moving up in weight again.

Abdullah Mason: Lessons in Valor

Abdullah Mason became the youngest boxing champion by defeating Sam Noakes by unanimous decision and winning the vacant WBO lightweight title. Mason, 21, learned valuable lessons about perseverance and defense.

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, with a streak of nine knockouts before the fight, learned that not all rivals will surrender easily. This experience will be fundamental for his development as a boxer and to improve his defensive deficiencies. In a division with diverse styles, Mason will have to rely more on his determination than on his skill against equally talented opponents.