Philippines, 01 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


The Ring IV: Night of Champions Set to Ignite Riyadh Saturday


PhilBoxing.com





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.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
    , Thu, 01 Jan 2026
  • Lover Boy on hot streak
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
    , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Donaire awaits WBA order
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
    , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
    , Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
    , Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
    , Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Dec 2025
  • THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS INOUE AND PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
    , Fri, 26 Dec 2025
  • THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 26 Dec 2025
  • THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI OPEN WORKOUTS COMPLETE AS UNDISPUTED KING INOUE GETS READY FOR PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
    , Thu, 25 Dec 2025
  • 3-Time, 2-Division World Champion & IBF No. 1, Mandatory Bantamweight World Title Challenger Miyo Yoshida long overdue for her 8th World title fight
    , Thu, 25 Dec 2025
  • Game On! 1st Paower Pickleball Cup Ignites Action in San Fernando
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 25 Dec 2025
  • Late Replacement Tellez Ready to Shock the World Against Amanda Serrano for WBA & WBO Featherweight Titles on January 3 in Puerto Rico
    , Wed, 24 Dec 2025
  • The Pryce is right again!
    , Wed, 24 Dec 2025
  • Postal Stamp Honoring Muhammad Ali will be present in January 15
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Dec 2025
  • O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SIGNS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
    , Wed, 24 Dec 2025
  • Isabela Chess University Wins Region 2 Chess League Title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Dec 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.