Two big title fights took place on Sunday at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Devin Haney going up against Brian Norman Jr. for the latter’s WBO welterweight belt and David Benavidez taking on Anthony Yarde for the former’s WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight titles.
Devin Haney Dominates Brian Norman Jr., Becomes Three-Division Champ
Add Devin Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) to the illustrious list of boxers who have won titles in three divisions. This after he dominated compatriot Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) to notch a unanimous decision victory by scores of 117-110, 116-111, and 114-113.
Haney, who is known for fighting at a distance and refusing to engage, surprised fans and critics alike by staying in the pocket for longer periods and landing check hooks almost at will. He also knocked down Norman in the second round before taking control of the fight with his precision jabbing, speed, and ring generalship.
With the victory, Devin Haney has opened a world of possibilities at welterweight, including WBC champion and former Manny Pacquiao conqueror Mario Barrios and WBA titleholder and former Ryan Garcia tormentor Rolly Romero.
David Benavidez Decimates Anthony Yarde, Has Sights Set on Cruiserweight Conquest
David Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) dished out a thunderous beating on challenger Anthony Yarde (27-4, 24 KOs) to cement his claim as arguably the top light heavyweight in the world.
The WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight champ seemed to be feeling out Yarde in the first three rounds, found some groove in the fourth, and then dominated moving forward. He then finished things off 1 minute, 59 seconds into the seventh round with a dizzying combination of unanswered blows against the helpless American.
After the fight, Benavidez said he wants to move up to cruiserweight for a showdown with WBO and WBA titleholder and fellow Mexican Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
