Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Boxing Schedule

Ring Magazine IV: Night of the Champions hits Riyadh on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena, and the whole thing starts streaming live on DAZN at 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm GMT / 11:00 pm KSA. Benavidez and Yarde are expected to make that long walk around 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET / 2 am (Sunday) GMT, when the air in the arena should feel like it’s holding its breath.

And this isn’t some thin lineup, either. The night’s stacked with world-title fights spread across three divisions, including:

• David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde — WBC light heavyweight title

• Brian Norman Jr vs Devin Haney — WBO welterweight title

• Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes — WBO lightweight title

• Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez — WBA/WBC/IBF super flyweight titles

• Vito Mielnicki Jr vs Samuel Nmomah — middleweight bout

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Benavidez vs Yarde: Violence Isn’t the Point — Efficiency Is

Here’s where most previews on social media miss the mark:
Benavidez isn’t dangerous because he talks tough — he’s dangerous because his output and punch placement hold up under real scrutiny.

Benavidez — Technical Snapshot

• Average of 60+ punches per round in recent fights at 168

• One of the best body attackers in the sport

• Uses a long lead hand to steer opponents into power shots

• Thrives in extended exchanges where pace breaks opponents down

His camp says this was the smoothest weight descent he’s had since moving toward 175. A fully hydrated Benavidez with consistent late-round pressure is bad news for anyone who struggles with long sequences of fire.

Yarde — Technical Snapshot

• Fast-twitch counters

• Sharp upper-body movement early in fights

• Proven danger when opponents get greedy (see his rematch with Arthur)

• Carries fight-changing power in both hands

Yarde’s issue has always been managing energy across twelve. If he picks the right moments, he can hurt anyone at this weight. If he lets the pace drown him, Benavidez will pour forward until something breaks.

Conclusion: Stylistically, this isn’t chaotic for the sake of it — it’s a test of discipline.
Benavidez brings volume.
Yarde brings sudden force.
One man’s system will crack first.

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Haney vs Norman Jr: Pressure vs Precision

This isn’t just chatter — both men’s recent performances give clear clues.

Haney at 147

• Better rehydration

• Cleaner footwork without the strain of the lightweight cut

• Sharper long-range jab, used to control rhythm

• Ability to maintain tempo through late rounds

When Haney is healthy, his defensive reactions improve dramatically. His timing on the pull counter and the step-back check hook becomes more reliable.

Norman Jr’s Profile

• High-volume front-foot pressure

• Strong mid-range hooks

• Known for refusing to let opponents rest along the ropes

• Speaks openly about not trusting judges — but that mindset matches his tape; he fights like he means it

Norman is less polished than Haney but physically stronger at this weight. If he cuts the ring early, he forces Haney into exchanges that aren’t optional.

Conclusion: This is a structure vs disruption fight.
Haney wants order.
Norman wants to break the rhythm and force violence on his terms.

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Mason vs Noakes, Rodriguez vs Martinez, and the Rest

Mason vs Noakes

Two unbeaten punchers going for a world title with contrasting habits:

• Mason: sharp angles, disciplined footwork, clean straight work

• Noakes: pressure, hooks, heavier commitment

This is a purity test of technique under fire.

Rodriguez vs Martinez

Four belts, two men with proven reliability:

• Rodriguez: creative combinations, strong finishing instincts

• Martinez: durability, constant forward movement, high mental toughness

Their styles guarantee body attacks, momentum swings, and meaningful exchanges.

Mielnicki Jr vs Nmomah

A fight where both men need a statement. Mielnicki’s improved shot selection and Nmomah’s physicality make this a potential breakthrough for whoever handles distance better.

What makes this card legitimate isn’t shock language — it’s the structure of the fights themselves.

Benavidez is a volume machine with discipline.
Yarde brings sudden destruction.
Haney is polished at this weight.
Norman is a threat because he refuses to let opponents think.
The undercard is full of fighters who’ve shown real consistency on tape, not just noise at press events.

If this night produces early endings, it won’t be because of theatrics — it’ll be because the styles naturally collide in ways that punish hesitation.