Fists, Fire And Fathers:

Sparks Fly At Ring IV Final Press Conference In Riyadh!

(November 20th) The stage is set and the psychological warfare has peaked. The final press conference for "Ring IV: Night of Champions" in Riyadh delivered exactly the high-octane drama expected of a card featuring four world title fights, with verbal assaults and intense staredowns dominating the proceedings just two days before fight night.

While the main event stars David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde exchanged respectful-yet-ominous threats, the most volatile exchange came from the fathers and trainers of co-main event combatants Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr., proving that sometimes, the battle outside the ring can be just as fierce.

The spotlight naturally fell on the WBC Light Heavyweight title clash between champion David "El Monstro" Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and British challenger Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs).

Benavidez, known for his relentless pressure, promised a superior performance following what he called the hardest training camp of his career. "I'm looking to dominate, but whatever happens, I'm ready for it," Benavidez stated. "If it turns into a war, then I'm going to turn into a war, but I will definitely dominate. I'm extremely ready for what Anthony brings to the table."

Yarde, a powerful puncher seeking his first world title in his third attempt, acknowledged the high likelihood of a brutal contest. "It's going to be a shootout. Heavy artillery," Yarde told the media, referencing the stylistic matchup. "That's the way he fights. That's the way I fight."

Benavidez enters the fight as a heavy favorite, but Yarde's concussive power remains the great equalizer, making the main event a thrilling clash between volume and knockout potential.

Co-Main Event: The Fathers Steal the Show

The biggest flashpoint of the day occurred during the Welterweight title showdown between WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) and former undisputed Lightweight champion Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs).

The tension escalated rapidly as the fighters' respective fathers, Brian Norman Sr. and Bill Haney, engaged in a heated, extended verbal slugfest that had to be physically managed. While the elder Haneys and Normans traded barbs about legacies and vulnerabilities, their sons maintained contrasting composure during their face-off. Haney, the challenger, bounced lightly on his toes with a confident grin, while Norman Jr., "The Assassin," stood stoically and delivered a chilling prediction.

"Devin has done some wonderful things in his time, but it's time for another face to come up here," Norman Jr. said. "He can't just run forever. That boy is going to sleep. I'm stamping my name in the game."

Haney, aiming to become a three-weight world champion, downplayed the controversy surrounding his previous bout, emphasizing his boxing IQ. "A lot of people think I am just a power puncher, but it means nothing if you can't land it. My IQ is where it's at. You can't catch my timing, you can't catch my speed. If you do catch it, you're going to sleep," Haney countered.

In what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing, undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney will make his highly anticipated welterweight debut against undefeated WBO Welterweight Champion, Brian Norman Jr. at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. The showdown, billed as “Ring IV: Night of the Champions,” is scheduled for November 22nd, 2025, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

This landmark event marks Haney’s move to the 147-pound division, where he aims to capture his third world title, while Norman Jr. defends his undefeated record and WBO belt in what is considered one of the most competitive matchups of the year. The evening is stacked with four world title fights, promising boxing fans an unforgettable experience.

“This fight is the next chapter in my career,” said Devin Haney. “I’ve faced the best in the lightweight division and now I’m ready to demonstrate my skills at welterweight. Norman is a tough opponent, but I believe I’m on a different level.”

Norman Jr. responded confidently, stating, “I’ve knocked out everybody in my path, and Haney will be no different. This is my stage, and I plan to shine brighter than ever.”

Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Event Name: Night of the Champions

Promoter: Turki Alalshikh - Riyadh Season – The Ring, Bob Arum -Top Rank, Devin Haney, Sampson Lewkowicz - Sampson Boxing, Leon Margules - Warriors Boxing, Frank Warren - Queensberry Promotions

Matchmaker: Steve Furness

Media: DAZN

The Full Card:

WBO World Welterweight Title - 12rds

Brian Norman Jr., 28-0 vs Devin Haney, 32-0    

WBC World Light Heavy – 12rds

David Benavidez, 30-0 vs Anthony Yarde, 27-3            

Vacant WBO World Lightweight Title – 12rds

Sam Noakes, 17-0 vs Abdullah Mason, 19-0

WBC/WBO World Super Flyweight Titles – 12rds

Jesse Rodriguez, 22-0 vs Fernando Daniel Martinez, 18-0     

Middleweights - 10rds

Vito Mielnicki Jr., 21-1 vs Samuel Nmomah, 21-0         

Super Featherweights – 6rds

Mohammed Alakel,  6-0 vs Jiaming Li, 7-5

Super Middleweights – 6rds

Julio Porras Ruiz, 13-0 vs Pius Mpenda, 11-4-1

Lightweights – 4rds

Sultan Almohammed, 1-0 vs Umesh Chavan, 3-1-1