The Ring IV: Night of Champions Set to Ignite Riyadh Saturday
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 22 Nov 2025
The global boxing capital shifts back to the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday (early Sunday in Manila), as it plays host to perhaps the most stacked fight card of the year: The Ring IV: Night of Champions. With four world title fights and a host of elite contenders, the event is set to deliver explosive action and define the trajectory of multiple divisions.
Heavy-Hitting Headliner: Benavidez vs. Yarde
The main event sees a highly anticipated clash for one of boxing's most feared punchers as David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) tries to dominate the light heavyweight division as he collides with British powerhouse Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) for the WBC light heavyweight championship. During Friday’s weighin, Benavidez stepped the scales at 174.3 lbs. to Yarde’s 173.9 lbs.
Benavidez, known as "The Mexican Monster," brings his relentless pressure and punishing volume at his every fight. Yarde, however, represents a stern test. The heavy-handed Londoner is a durable, explosive talent who has faced elite opposition, including previous attempts at the world title. Yarde seeks to use his concussive power to halt Benavidez’s momentum and remind the world that he remains a major threat at 175 pounds. This is a classic clash of unrelenting offense versus proven power, with a guaranteed finish likely.
Welterweight Stakes: Haney Battles Undefeated Norman Jr.
Sharing top billing is a crucial welterweight showdown that will shape the future of the 147-pound division. Multi-division world champion Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs), known for his masterful ring IQ and precision boxing, challenges undefeated WBO welterweight champion, Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 Kos). Haney weighed in just shy of the welterweight limit at 146.6 lbs while Norman came in at 146.2 lbs. during Friday's weighin.
Haney enters the fight aiming to secure a title in his third weight class, bringing his defensive acumen and sharp technique. He faces a formidable opponent in Norman Jr., a fresh, hungry champion whose high knockout percentage speaks to his sharp counterpunching and offensive threat. With both men possessing flawless records and championship ambition, this matchup carries major implications for positioning themselves for mega-fights in one of boxing's most lucrative divisions.
Unification War: "Bam" Rodriguez Meets Martínez
In a world championship attraction guaranteed to produce sustained, furious action, unified champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) defends his WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine super flyweight crowns against Argentina’s relentless WBA champion Fernando Martínez (18-0, 9 KOs).
Both men fight with a thrilling, aggressive style, often described as non-stop action. "Bam" Rodriguez has rapidly ascended the ranks as one of boxing's pound-for-pound elite, while Martínez is known for his crushing body attack and ability to grind down opponents. This 115-pound unification bout pits two technically gifted warriors who refuse to take a backward step, ensuring a barnburner from the opening bell.
At Friday’s weighin Rodriguez came in at 114.6 lbs. while Martinez stepped in lighter at 113.12 lbs.
Lightweight Fireworks: Mason vs. Noakes
Completing the lineup of championship bouts is a dangerous clash between two undefeated lightweight standouts for the WBO world lightweight title. American heavy puncher Abdullah Mason (19-0-0, 17 KOs) faces British knockout artist Sam Noakes (17-0-0, 15 KOs). With a combined 32 knockouts in 36 fights, this bout is highly unlikely to reach the final bell. Mason brings flashy speed and power, while Noakes delivers calculated, crushing aggression, making this fight a pivotal moment in the competitive 135-pound division. At the scales, Mason weighed in a flat 134 lbs while Noakes came in at 134.9 lbs.
Saudi Arabia continues to cement itself as a global epicenter for elite boxing, consistently delivering cards of the highest quality. The Ring IV: Night of Champions is shaping up to be its most compelling offering yet, promising a defining night for multiple weight classes and a spectacular treat for boxing fans worldwide.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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