When David Benavidez landed that left hook in the eighth round, the crowd in Riyadh erupted—not just because of the punch, but because it capped off what many are calling boxing's best card of 2025. On November 22, 2025, at 8:00:25 PM UTC, DAZN delivered RING IV: Night of Champions, a four-bout championship spectacle that didn’t just entertain—it redefined expectations for global boxing events outside the U.S. and Mexico. Benavidez, the WBC light heavyweight champion, didn’t just defend his title—he silenced doubters with a brutal, perfectly timed knockout of Anthony Yarde, turning the 175-pound division on its head.
The Main Event: The Mexican Monster Awakens
For years, critics questioned whether Benavidez’s power translated at light heavyweight. After all, he’d spent his early career at super middleweight, crushing opponents like they were training dummies. But against Yarde, he didn’t just move up—he dominated. The fight wasn’t just about strength; it was about precision. At 2:17 of round eight, Benavidez feinted, slipped Yarde’s right hand, and fired that left hook—a shot so clean it looked like something out of a highlight reel from 1985. Yarde collapsed. He got up, but the referee had already seen enough. No controversy. No split decision. Just pure, unadulterated dominance.
Commentators on DAZN’s broadcast called him "the Mexican monster"—a nickname that stuck not because of hype, but because of what he did in the ring. "If we're questioning his power, 175? Not anymore," said one voice on the feed. And honestly? No one’s asking anymore.
Co-Main Event: Haney’s Return Falls Short
While Benavidez stole the headlines, Brian Norman Jr. was quietly doing something even harder: defending his WBO welterweight title against Devin "The Dream" Haney, the former undisputed lightweight king. Haney, known for his slick movement and technical brilliance, entered as the favorite. But Norman Jr., a relentless pressure fighter with a chin like granite, refused to be outboxed. He ate punches, closed the distance, and by round ten, Haney’s face was swollen, his rhythm broken. Norman Jr. won by unanimous decision—118-110, 117-111, 116-112. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. And it proved that in boxing, heart still beats flash.
The Unification: Bam Rodriguez’s Masterclass
Then came Bam Rodriguez. The 24-year-old from the Philippines, ranked in the top five pound-for-pound, stepped into the ring to unify the WBA and IBF super flyweight titles. His opponent? A rugged veteran with 22 wins and 18 KOs. Rodriguez didn’t just win—he made it look easy. He danced, jabbed, slipped, and countered like a man playing chess while his opponent was still learning checkers. By round six, the scorecards were all 60-53. The commentator called it "a master class from one of the best fighters on the planet today." And honestly? That’s not hyperbole. Rodriguez didn’t just win the belts—he announced himself as the new face of the division.
Sam Noakes’ Big Break: From Obscurity to Riyadh
The most emotional fight of the night wasn’t the most technical—it was the most human. Sam Noakes, a 27-year-old British contender, stepped into the ring against Abdullah Mason for Mason’s first world title shot. Noakes, largely unknown outside the UK circuit, had been on the fringes for years. He’d fought in small halls, on undercards, in pubs turned gyms. He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t richly sponsored. He just kept showing up. And now? He was on the same card as Benavidez and Rodriguez. The fight ended in a split decision win for Mason, but Noakes didn’t leave empty-handed. He earned respect. He earned a spotlight. And for the first time, people outside his hometown knew his name.
Some had speculated about his past—rumors of railway work, of manual labor before the gloves. But the truth? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that he got here. And he didn’t just show up—he fought like a man who knew this might be his only shot.
Why Riyadh? Why Now?
This wasn’t just a boxing night. It was part of a larger strategy. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has spent billions turning itself into a global sports hub—hosting UFC, Formula 1, and now elite boxing. The event drew no official attendance numbers, but the YouTube highlights from DAZN’s feed hit 79,000 views in six hours. That’s not just a number—it’s a signal. The world is watching. And Saudi Arabia isn’t just hosting fights; it’s redefining where boxing’s future is written.
What’s Next?
Benavidez’s next move? A mandatory defense against Jai Opetaia, the IBF champ, is already being discussed. A unification bout in 2026 could be massive. Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s name is being floated as a potential opponent for Satoshi Shimizu or Kenshiro Teraji. And Noakes? He’s not going anywhere. His team is already in talks for a rematch with Mason—and possibly a shot at the vacant WBA title if it becomes available.
One thing’s clear: boxing’s center of gravity is shifting. The days of Vegas-only blowouts are fading. Riyadh, London, Manila—they’re all in the game now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Benavidez prove his power at light heavyweight?
Benavidez defeated Anthony Yarde with a devastating left hook in round eight, ending the fight by knockout. His power, once questioned at 175 pounds, was undeniable—he landed clean, fight-ending shots that showcased his ability to adapt and dominate at a higher weight class. The victory silenced critics who doubted his transition from super middleweight.
Why is Riyadh becoming a major hub for boxing events?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports as part of its Vision 2030 plan, hosting UFC, Formula 1, and now elite boxing. Events like RING IV: Night of Champions offer global exposure, attract international viewership, and position Saudi Arabia as a neutral, high-production venue for major combat sports—away from traditional markets like the U.S. and Mexico.
What does Sam Noakes’ appearance mean for British boxing?
Noakes’ journey to a world title fight on a global stage proves that talent can emerge from outside the mainstream boxing system. Though he lost to Abdullah Mason, his performance earned respect and visibility. His presence signals that British boxing’s depth extends beyond its usual stars, and fighters from smaller gyms can now compete on the same card as champions.
Who is Bam Rodriguez, and why is he considered a pound-for-pound standout?
Bam Rodriguez, a 24-year-old Filipino fighter, unified the WBA and IBF super flyweight titles with a shutout victory over a veteran champion. His technical precision, ring IQ, and defensive mastery earned him comparisons to elite technicians like Naoya Inoue. With a 20-0 record and knockout power despite his size, he’s rapidly becoming the face of the 115-pound division.
How did Devin Haney perform against Brian Norman Jr.?
Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, struggled to impose his style against Norman Jr.’s relentless pressure. Though he landed clean shots early, Norman Jr.’s durability and body work wore him down. By round ten, Haney was visibly fatigued and unable to maintain distance. The unanimous decision loss marks a setback in his post-lightweight career and raises questions about his future at welterweight.
Was this event officially sanctioned by major boxing organizations?
Yes. All four title fights were sanctioned by their respective governing bodies: WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF. DAZN, as the promoter, ensured compliance with international boxing regulations. The results were officially recorded, and the champions retained or unified their belts under full regulatory oversight—making this more than just a spectacle, but a legitimate milestone in the 2025 boxing calendar.