Benavidez Dethroning Canelo: Haney, Bam & Mason Shine in Boxing

Benavidez and Haney Shine in Saudi Arabia: A New Chapter for Boxing

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was the scene of a memorable night for boxing, where David Benavidez and Devin Haney demonstrated their worth with forceful performances. In addition, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Abdullah Mason also left their mark, solidifying their names in the current boxing scene.

Benavidez: The “Mexican Monster” on the Rise

David Benavidez defended his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles with a dominant performance against Anthony Yarde. His technical knockout victory in the seventh round not only reaffirmed his position as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers, but also opened the door for him to become the new face of Mexican boxing.

Benavidez, with his aggressive style and effective combinations, proved to be a relentless rival. The victory, added to Canelo Álvarez’s recent defeat, propelled Benavidez to seek recognition as the main figure of Mexican boxing.

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

David Benavidez

The fight against Ramirez, on the date of Cinco de Mayo, could be the high point for Benavidez. His style, characterized by constant pressure and bravery, sets him apart from his contemporaries and makes him a fan favorite.

Devin Haney: A Champion Seeking Respect

Devin Haney, often criticized for his conservative style, showed 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 couldn’t finish the fight, which raised doubts about his ability to knock out his opponents.

Despite the criticism, Haney proved his worth by neutralizing a dangerous opponent. With this victory, Haney becomes a champion in three divisions, but still needs to convince the skeptics. His strategy, similar to Floyd Mayweather’s, is based on caution and efficiency, which allows him to win, but sometimes not in the most spectacular way.

“In 2024, I lost everything,” Haney said. “In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m going for everything.”

Devin Haney

Promoter Eddie Hearn criticized Haney’s style, but the champion continues to prove his worth in the ring. Now, with the WBO belt, Haney will have to face other champions to unify the division.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: Shining in the Lower Divisions

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez shone by unifying three super flyweight world titles against Fernando Martinez. Despite competing in a lower division, Rodriguez proved to be a rising star, with an exciting style and a constant pursuit of the knockout.

His technical knockout victory in the tenth round was a demonstration of his superiority. Rodriguez, who turns 26 in January, is ranked number 5 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings. His goal is to become undisputed champion before moving up in weight.

Abdullah Mason: Learning Through Adversity

Abdullah Mason, the youngest champion in boxing, defeated Sam Noakes by unanimous decision and conquered the WBO lightweight title. Mason, at only 21 years old, demonstrated his talent and his ability to withstand adversity.

The fight against Noakes was a test of his mettle. Despite having an offensive style, Mason learned the importance of defense and endurance. This victory will be fundamental for his development as a boxer.