Bloodied Yarde stopped in third world title heartbreak

British light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde's third shot at a world title ended in heartbreak again after a systematic beat-down by WBC champion David Benavidez in Saudi Arabia.

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Anthony Yarde loses for the fourth time - third at world level - in 31 pro bouts. (Getty)

(Getty)

After a slow start, American Benavidez seized control, sending 34-year-old Yarde to the canvas with a barrage in the seventh.

With blood streaming from Yarde's nose and smeared across the canvas, another heavy flurry of punches with a minute left in the round forced the referee to halt the contest.

"I stuck in there. I'm a fighter," Yarde told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I felt like it was competitive. I know how he comes with good pressure. I was boxing, boxing, thinking middle rounds, the dog rounds, we would exchange.

"He has quick hands, caught me first and hit me with a good shot on the nose. When I took a knee and he hit me when I was down, I was dizzy after that."

Benavidez was deducted two points for punches while Yarde was down, but the outcome was already inevitable.

The Londoner - having previously lost in world championship bouts to Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev in 2022 - may now have to accept the possibility that a world title might elude him.

Benavidez, 28, remains unbeaten and extends his record to a formidable 25 knockouts in 31 wins.