David Benavidez to Make First Defense of WBC Light Heavyweight Crown

David “Monster Bandera Roja” Benavidez,  became champion after Dmitry Bivol vacated the title and now, he’s preparing for the first defense of his WBC Light Heavyweight Title against British contender Anthony Yarde, for November 22 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Benavidez is no stranger to the WBC. From 2017 to 2020, with a brief interruption, he held the WBC Super Middleweight Title. In 2021 and 2022, he also claimed the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Title.

Most recently, Benavidez captured the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Title and was the mandatory challenger for the full championship. For that reason, the WBC officially elevated him to full world champion status when the title became vacant.

This will be Anthony Yarde’s second attempt at a WBC world title. In January 2023, he faced Artur Beterbiev but was stopped in the eighth round by the Russian KO artist.

David “Monster Bandera Roja” Benavidez has built an undefeated record of 30 wins, with 24 coming by knockout.

Anthony Yarde holds a professional record of 27 wins, 3 losses, with 24 KOs.