Ring IV: David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde Tales of The Tape, Undercard, & Breakdowns

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde is the perfect way to end the "Night of Champions". If one wants to go out with a bang, both of those names are synonymous with action irrespective of weight class.

This will be Benavidez's third bout as a light-heavyweight, and second official defense of his full WBC world title. Benavidez still holds the record for youngest super-middleweight champion in history, having won the WBC title at 20 years old. He would go on to become a 2X WBC champ there while never actually losing a fight. Even without a title Benavidez would have always been just as popular and respected as his style, sometimes blistering handspeed, and his unwavering willingness to face the best, or short of that anyone that would sign a contract, lends itself to gaining fans. Since his move to light heavyweight none of that has changed. While outwardly hoping to face the top 2 in the division, Bivol and Beterbiev, he is not one to wait around and thus will face the fierce Brit, Anthony Yarde.

Yarde has been a career-long light-heavyweight, with this being his third chance at touching gold. Both times previous he had the unenviable task of facing some of the hardest punching champions the weight class, and Russia, had to offer. Though bested thrice total, he always brought fearlessness, incredible athleticism, and self-belief, and has yet to let anyone have an easy night in the ring when he was involved.

As much as David wants to retain, Yarde wants to obtain, and time after time they've both shown a propensity to entertain.

Calloquially considered "the people's main event": Undefeated knockout artist and rising star, Brian Norman Jr looks to defend his WBO world title for the third time, as well as prove himself against the battle tested, two-weight world champion, formerly undisputed, and still officially undefeated Devin Haney, who will be trying for a title in his third weight class. This tantalizing match-up is great for fans, but damn near perfect for the fighters.

Brian Norman Jr's stock has been steadily rising since he knocked out Giovanni Santillan in devastating fashion. With his humor, personality, and southern accent, he has been steadily endearing himself to the press and the public at large. This rise in popularity, of course, is helped along by his aggressive style and highlight reel knockouts. His resume is sufficient, but in the young hunter's trophy room there is a blank wall set aside for "big game". The perfect place to be adorned by a name like Devin Haney's.

As alluded to in the first paragraph, Devin Haney has already accomplished more than most. Considering he is only now 28 years old it seem especially impressive. Having said that, he finds himself in an interesting position at this point in his career. His last outing in Time's Square against Jose Ramirez, though a successful one, was widely regarded as negative. Both in entertainment value, and in general style of fighting. Going for another belt in another weight class, against this young champion in particular, is already proof enough of self-assuredness and bravery. If he fights in a similar way on the night, the fickle boxing populous, saving a few I'm sure, will once more hoist Haney up as a man to be respected, and likely to the pound-for-pound conversation again.

The super-flyweight bout is the only one on the card that involves unification, as it has all but one of the super-flyweight world titles on the line. After the recent knockout win over Phumelela Cafu, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez is putting his WBC and WBO straps on the table. Fernando "Puma" Martinez takes the gamble with the WBA belt in tow. As far as super-flyweight goes, this is the most anticipated match since the "4 Little Kings" era.

This will be Bam's 9th world title bout in a row, which is impressive without even considering that he's remained undefeated, they've taken place across two weight classes, involved 3 of the 4 SuperFly kings, or that he twice took the WBC strap he now holds. Adding all of that with the fact that it's only been three years since he moved up on short notice to begin his title run, and his highly technical yet entertaining style, there is no doubt as to why he is in the top 5 of most people's p4p lists.

Puma Martinez, also undefeated, has defended his IBF title 4 times since he obtained it in a wide unanimous decision victory over Jerwin Ancajas, and doesn't plan on losing it any time soon. With the bout being in Saudi Arabia, it will be the third country he would be fighting in as a champion. All the more astounding considering none of them were anywhere near Argentina, where Puma calls home. Being no stranger to an away game, and a proven champion, Martinez is now widely considered the last fighter at the weight that has a shot at de-throning Rodriguez.

Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes are both entering the world stage and taking their first big step-up in their respective careers. It's appropriate considering it's also their first shot at world championship glory. The WBO world lightweight title currently stands vacant, making it the only such belt of the night, but that doesn't lessen the excitement surrounding the bout. On paper they are well-matched. Both undefeated, both now facing their 5th undefeated fighter, and with both knockout percentages sitting at an uncanny 88-89%.

Mason's professional career thus far has been state-side, and moved along by Top Rank Promotions, known for their unmatched ability to build young fighters. With American boxing fans becoming increasingly excited about this prospect turned title-challenger, facing a well-respected, young but not as young, British fighter at similar points in their careers is a perfect way to pivot towards hopeful super-stardom.

Sam Noakes has thus far made his bones domestically as a British fighter. Not whiling away the time, but facing stiff competition and collecting British, Commonwealth, and International Titles at lightweight all along the way. Having made a name for himself at home, going abroad and taking on a rising American star is the logical next step. A step he is by most accounts prepared for.