Benavidez, Haney, and Bam: Triumphs That Shake the Boxing World

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

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was the scene of a stellar boxing night, where David Benavidez and Devin Haney demonstrated their worth and consolidated their position in the world boxing scene. Benavidez, with a dominant performance, defended his WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles, while Haney conquered the WBO welterweight title.

David Benavidez: The Mexican Monster is Making His Way

Benavidez, known as “The Mexican Monster”, offered a display of power and technique, submitting Anthony Yarde with a technical knockout in the seventh round. This victory reaffirms his status as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers.

Benavidez was effective and exciting, combining extraordinary punches with his characteristic resilience and constant pressure, which allowed him to knock down Yarde and achieve victory.

Alofoke Deportes

Benavidez’s victory, added to Canelo Álvarez’s recent defeat, opens the door for “The Monster” to become the new face of Mexican boxing and, eventually, of world boxing. Benavidez, of Mexican descent and born in Phoenix, Arizona, has expressed his desire to take over the emblematic dates of Mexican boxing currently held by Canelo: Cinco de Mayo and the weekend of Mexican Independence Day. Following his victory over Yarde, Benavidez announced his next goal: to challenge Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for his cruiserweight titles on May 2nd. A fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend against a Mexican champion in another weight category is the perfect strategy for Benavidez to consolidate himself. Benavidez’s style, based on constant pressure and aggressiveness, makes him a fan favorite. His willingness to face any opponent without hesitation sets him apart from his contemporaries. At 29 years old in December, Benavidez has a promising future, while other boxing stars are beginning to age.

Devin Haney: A Champion with Criticism

Devin Haney, often criticized for his conservative style, showed a more aggressive side in his unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr., conquering the WBO welterweight title and becoming a champion in three divisions. Haney knocked down Norman in the second round, but failed to finish his opponent. Haney has been questioned for his ability to withstand punches, especially after being knocked down three times by Ryan Garcia. Despite this, Haney proved to be the aggressor against Norman, connecting with a strong right hand that sent his opponent to the canvas.

Haney is a very calculated boxer, who does just enough to win. This may suggest he is vulnerable, but it also facilitates getting the fights he wants, as everyone believes they can beat him until they get in the ring.

Alofoke Deportes

After his victory, Haney declared: “In 2024, I lost everything. In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m going for everything.” Eddie Hearn, promoter of Matchroom Boxing, criticized Haney’s style, stating that “nobody will want to watch him fight” due to his lack of engagement. Now, as the holder of the WBO belt, Haney will have to face other champions if they want to unify the division. Options include WBC champion Mario Barrios, or the winner of the fight between Ryan García and Lewis Crocker.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: Underestimated Brilliance

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

Rodriguez is an exciting boxer, always looking for the knockout. His next goal is to face the winner of the fight between Willibaldo Garcia Perez and Kenshiro Teraji on December 27, with the aim of becoming undisputed champion before moving up in weight.

Abdullah Mason: Lesson in Courage and Determination

Mason became the youngest boxing champion by defeating Sam Noakes by unanimous decision and winning the vacant WBO lightweight title. Mason, 21, went the full 12 rounds for the first time in his career and had to give it his all. This triumph is crucial for Mason’s development as a boxer. Although he still has areas for improvement in his defense, this experience taught him the importance of determination and adaptation. 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.