The official press conference for The Ring IV: Night of the Champions, one of the headline events of Riyadh Season 2025, was held this evening (Thursday) at Boulevard City, drawing a large audience of media representatives, fans, and distinguished guests. The event set the stage for a night of high anticipation as excitement and tension escalated ahead of Saturday’s much-awaited fight night at ANB Arena.
The conference offered an in-depth overview of the exceptional fight card, which features four global bouts and eight undefeated fighters competing for major world titles, making it one of the strongest boxing cards of the year.
The discussion highlighted the main event, which brings together American star David Benavidez and Britain’s Anthony Yarde in a high-stakes clash on the road toward unifying the Light Heavyweight world titles.
Benavidez asserted that he is entering the fight “with no pressure,” noting that he completed the toughest training camp of his career and aims for “total dominance and victory by any means necessary.” He added: “If it turns into a war, then I will turn it into a war… I’m here to win, whether by knockout or judges’ decision.”
For his part, Yarde appeared confident, emphasizing that this fight represents “the best version” of himself. He revealed that receiving a personal call from HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, to select him for this bout made him feel that “the moment has arrived.”
He added: “I faced Kovalev and Beterbiev because I never wanted an easy path. Everyone told me not to do it… and I did. Now I’m here to take on someone like Benavidez. This is a chance to make history, and I believe our styles will produce a spectacular fight.”
Yarde later stated that he does not give predictions, but he believes the fight will end “by knockout.”
In the co-main event, tensions rose during a heated exchange between American boxer Devin Haney and world champion Brian Norman Jr., who will defend his WBO Welterweight World Title. Norman stated that he is “capable of winning in any way,” saying: “If he wants points, I’ll give him points. If he wants a knockout, I’ll give him a knockout. This is a ring—he can’t run forever.”
Haney responded with calm confidence: “This is not my first time… I’ve faced great champions, and we have a clear plan. I will reclaim the WBO title and bring it back to my country and my team.”
Global promoter Eddie Hearn took the spotlight as he spoke about American star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who is set for a major unification bout for the WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring Magazine Super Flyweight titles against Argentina’s Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez.
Hearn praised Rodriguez’s exceptional talent, saying he is “one of the greatest fighters of his generation,” noting that this bout is “the most significant in the lighter weight divisions this year.”
British promoter Frank Warren took the stage to support his rising prospect Sam Knox, who will compete for the vacant WBO Lightweight World Title against American Abdullah Mason. Warren affirmed that Knox is “one of the finest British talents,” predicting an “explosive clash between two undefeated fighters.”
Mason declared that he is “ready for his true breakthrough” on the global stage, while American Vito Mielnicki Jr. received a warm crowd reception as he confidently discussed his matchup with Samuel Momomah, saying: “This is my chance to prove I’m on a different level.”
The conference concluded with a tense face-off as all fighters stepped onto the stage for the traditional staredown, met with strong reactions from the crowd that captured photos and chanted passionately ahead of the decisive action set for the Night of Champions.