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With four world title fights on the ledger, Ring IV: Night of Champions delivered one of the most memorable boxing cards of 2025. Live from the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, WBC Light Heavyweight champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez battered former title challenger Anthony Yarde en route to a seventh-round TKO in the main event (1:59). Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) steadily increased his pressure on the Brit throughout the fight, but kicked it into high gear after being cut in the sixth round. Yarde (27-4) had no answer for Benavidez’s lightning-fast combinations and brutal power.
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Devin “The Dream” Haney was a nightmarish matchup for WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. in the co-main event. Despite moving up in weight against a devastating puncher, Haney proved his doubters wrong with a 12-round masterclass (114-113, 116-111, 117-110) that resulted in a world title in his third weight division. Norman Jr. (28-1,22 KOs, 1 NC) expected to push back the fleet-footed Haney (33-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) and impose his power on the former 135- and 140-pound champion, but it was the Decatur native who would touch the canvas in the second round. Haney blasted Norman with a left hook followed by a right cross. Norman beat the count, but his nose was busted and his confidence shaken. Haney would go into cruise control behind a beautiful jab and coast to a dominant decision.
WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine junior bantamweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez added another belt to his collection after starching WBA champion Fernando Martinez in the 10th round of their unification bout (1:25). On paper, this fight was considered a 50/50 fight, but Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) showed his class from the opening bell. Martinez (18-1, 9 KOs) couldn’t land a clean shot on the San Antonio native and was routinely put out of position by Rodriguez’s slick and efficient footwork. With a clear victory in sight, Bam put his stamp on the fight with a counter left hand that put Martinez out flat on his back. Following the win, Rodriguez set his sights on the winner of IBF champion Willibaldo Garcia Perez and former two–division champion Kenshiro Teraji.
21-year-old Abdullah Mason outslugged Sam Noakes to claim the vacant WBO lightweight title and become the youngest world champion in the sport. Despite being slicker and faster than Noakes, Mason opted to fight in a phone booth with the heavy-handed Englishman and take the punishment. Noakes hurt Mason to the head and body, but the Cleveland native proved his poise, pressure and pop by picking apart Noakes in the pocket. The title match between the two unbeatens was an old-fashioned slugfest that left the fans on their feet begging for more. Mason (20-0) has been one of the most promising prospects in the sport, but now he steps into a new era of his career as a champion. In defeat, Noakes (17-1) raised his stock and keeps himself in the running for a potential rematch down the line.
New Jersey middleweight Vito Mielnicki improved to 22-1-1 following a devastating ninth-round knockout over Samuel Nnomah. “White Magic” dominated the overmatched Nigerian throughout before finally putting his man out with an overhand left. The win gave Mielnicki his 14th straight win.
Riyadh’s rising super bantamweight Mohammad Alakel cruised to a seventh straight win after beating Jiaming Li by unanimous decision. In super middleweight action, Julio Porras and Pius Mpenda battled to a unanimous draw. Sultan Al-Mohammed knocked out Umesh Chavan in the first round of their lightweight scrap (2:05). Mexican super bantamweight Juan Perez won his pro debut by unanimous decision over Barker Ssewanyaya (40-35, 40-35, 40-35).
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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