David Benavidez faces fierce warning from Lonnie Thompson ahead of explosive fight vs. Anthony Yarde

The upcoming bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde on November 22 in Riyadh is shaping up to be a challenging contest, according to veteran trainer Lonnie Thompson. Despite Benavidez’s status as the reigning WBC light heavyweight champion, Thompson believes Yarde’s punching power could pose a significant threat. However, there remains some question about whether Yarde has fully recovered after his 2023 knockout loss to former unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.

Thompson underscores Yarde’s strength and dangerous left hooks, which previously hurt Beterbiev during their fight. If Yarde brings the same aggression and power, Benavidez may face his toughest test yet. Meanwhile, Thompson raises concerns about Benavidez’s conditioning and power after an extended break following his February win over David Morrell.

Thompson didn’t mince words when assessing the challenge ahead for Benavidez, telling Pro Boxing Fans, “That’s a tough fight for Benavidez. Anthony Yarde is strong. He’s strong.”

Yarde’s punching power threatens Benavidez’s reign

The 27-3 fighter’s ability to hurt opponents with precise, powerful punches has earned him respect in the division. Thompson points out that if Yarde connects with shots similar to those landed on Beterbiev, Benavidez could be in serious trouble. Yarde’s left hooks, in particular, could prove decisive given how vulnerable Benavidez appeared in previous fights when exposed to body shots.

Anthony Yarde celebrates with his belt alongside his team after victory against Lyndon Arthur in the Light Heavyweight fight between Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur as part of the Fatal Fury – Fight Night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Thompson explains that Yarde’s style—featuring hand feints, check hooks, and aggressive counterpunching—makes him a formidable opponent who can exploit openings. “It’s a good fight because David is going to be in there with someone that is throwing back at him and throwing back hard,” he said.

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Benavidez’s conditioning and power are in question

Benavidez’s five-month hiatus after defeating Morrell led to significant weight gain—approximately 40 pounds mostly around his waistline. Thompson warns that losing this excess weight will be a major challenge and could sap Benavidez’s strength and power.

“He’s already shown no power since moving up to 175, but it’ll be worse after he loses the excess weight,” Thompson said. He emphasized that such a large weight fluctuation is detrimental to an athlete’s power and conditioning, raising doubts about how well Benavidez will perform.

A fight full of risks and rewards

Benavidez’s aggressive combination punching style leaves him open to counters, particularly from body shots, as seen in his bouts against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Morrell. Thompson believes this vulnerability could be exploited by Yarde’s powerful punches.

“If he hits David like he hit Artur, it’s going to be interesting to see. That’s a fight I’m looking forward to,” Thompson concluded, highlighting the high stakes of this compelling matchup.