Boxing
Anthony Yarde's last chance saloon? Why David Benavidez bout could be make-or-break for light-heavyweight star
Benavidez vs Yarde live on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Anthony Yarde bids to become light-heavyweight world champion against David Benavidez this weekend - but is his third title bout his last-chance saloon?
The Briton is no stranger to big dances, having challenged originally for the WBO crown in 2019 and then the unified WBC, WBO and IBF straps in 2023.
On both occasions, the star failed to go the distance, suffering his only two knockout losses against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev four years apart.
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Bar a split-decision rematch defeat to Lyndon Arthur, the pair of bouts remain the only blemishes on a fine resume that has established contender status.
Yet very few people survive three title losses and come again for another bite of the cherry - so is this weekend's The Ring IV bout truly the end for Yarde?
DAZN News explains the make-or-break arguments for 'The Beast from the East' as he bids to make it third time lucky against WBC title holder Benavidez.
Why could this be the final chance for Anthony Yarde's title hopes?
Ten years into his professional career, Yarde has rebuilt himself time and again - but there's no doubt he's closer to the twilight years of his tenure too.
Thirty-four isn't strictly over-the-hill - Artur Beterbiev is six years older, and Dmitry Bivol is the same age - but it tends to mean the mileage tells a little more.
That may be reflected in the gaps Yarde has endured in recent times, waiting eight months between bouts in 2024 and seven months now since his last fight.
The clock is ticking down, and in a division dominated for so long by its old guard, a new generation of fighters are knocking at the door behind their backs.
Powerbrokers are less inclined to allow stars who have never secured a title more than two or three chances, too, marking this latest clash as legacy-defining.
Win, and Yarde finally makes good on his hopes and dreams. Lose, and there's a good chance he's left to domestic matters for what remains in his career.
Why could Anthony Yarde get another title opportunity if he loses?
It's not a definitive chance, though. Yarde remains a popular fighter, arguably one of the jewels in Queensberry's crown amid a stable of divisional fighters.
Earlier this month, promotional mate Joshua Buatsi saw off Zach Parker in a contentious decision, effectively setting his sights on the winner of this very bout.
There's a major incentive for a domestic clash between the two - but if Yarde comes up short against Benavidez, it could be his ticket back to another title shot.
Buatsi was less than convincing against Parker - many felt his rival should have taken a wider win - and the American may not be fussed if he prevails here.
That could well force the former into an eliminator if powerbrokers dictate so - and with Yarde arguably the biggest draw he could face, it opens the door again.
Benavidez will want to challenge Bivol, the unified champion of course, and with so many names, the picture remains knotty. But Yarde may still find a way back.
Watch Ring IV Benavidez vs. Yarde live only on DAZN
David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde headline a star-studded Ring IV fight card in Riyadh this Saturday, November 22. Watch it exclusively on DAZN PPV for £24.99 / $59.99
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