There are few fighters better placed to compare the punching power of Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez than Anthony Yarde.
Yarde has taken on both men during his career, first challenging Beterbiev for his WBC, WBO and IBF light heavyweight titles at Wembley Arena in January 2023.
It was a competitive fight between the two men, but Beterbiev was able to earn an eighth round TKO victory to keep hold of his belts.
Yarde’s next world title opportunity came in November 2025 when he stepped into the ring with Benavidez, who was now in possession of the WBC belt.
Benavidez was able to get the job done one round quicker than Beterbiev managed, as he stopped Yarde in the seventh round to retain his title and extend his unbeaten record to 31-0.
With experience of facing both men, Yarde was asked by Boxing King Media who hit harder between Beterbiev and Benavidez, and he sided with the Russian.
“I know it sounds crazy, but in this fight against Benavidez, other than when he hit me when I was down, he never hurt me, but Beterbiev hurt me.
“I think it was the second round, Beterbiev hit me with a left hook at the end of the round and that buzzed me, but with Benavidez, they were overwhelming punches but none were hurting me, even the body shots, they weren’t hurting me.”
Beterbiev’s next move is currently unknown, while Benavidez is set to step up to cruiserweight in May in a bid to become a three-weight world champion when he faces Gilberto Ramirez. Were he to return to 175lbs, a clash against Beterbiev would be one of the biggest in the sport.
