The Mexican Monster served a banquet of blows… and Yarde was the main course
It seems that the nickname “Mexican Monster” is not just to scare children. David Benavídez (because here we will give him the accent he deserves) decided that his Saturday night would be more productive than most, and in just seven episodes – it even sounds like a Netflix miniseries, but with more bruises – it was enough for him to send the British Anthony Yarde back to self-defense classes. With this victory, Benavídez not only defended his WBC light heavyweight crown, but also maintained his pristine record: 31-0, with 25 opponents who probably still see stars.
The evening was, in short, a masterful demonstration of what happens when a tank confronts a garden shed. From the moment the bell rang, Benavídez applied the most sophisticated strategy in boxing: hit, hit and, when in doubt, hit some more. His tactical plan was as clear as it was devastating; a constant pressure that turned the ring into a dead end for Yarde, who spent more time searching for the canvas with his eyes than planning a serious counterattack. Connect precise blows? That’s a fancy euphemism for saying he gave him a textbook beating.
And the response of those involved was… well, what they are expected to say
After the performance, David Benavídez, probably without breaking a sweat, expressed his “satisfaction.” Come on, I was as happy as a kid in a candy store, but with the maturity of a guy who has just taken down an elite rival. He announced his intention to continue defending his title, which translates as a gentle warning to the rest of the division: “Whoever follows, enter him.”
For his part, Anthony Yarde, in an exercise of exemplary British dignity, recognized the “skill” of his executioner. That is, he admitted that they gave him a boxing lesson. He promised to come back stronger, because what else is he going to say? “I’m going to retire to raise alpacas” doesn’t sound so epic. His determination is commendable, although one wonders if what he really needs is a bulletproof vest next time.
This spectacle, which undoubtedly delighted fans, also left some consequences beyond the bruises. For Benavidez, this means his name is now spelled in larger letters in the light heavyweight division. He consolidates himself not only as champion, but as the favorite to avoid. His performance was a declaration of intent recorded with fists. As for Yarde, he showed that he has a chin of steel… and that perhaps that is not always an advantage when blows are raining down on you. His potential is there, although after tonight, “potential” is synonymous with “ability to receive punishment.”
In the great theater of world boxing, Benavídez has just performed a drama in a single act. Yarde was a supporting actor who forgot his script. The performance has ended.
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