The Ring IV: Full main card predictions

2025 hasn’t been the best year in boxing history, but we’re set to round it off with some fantastic fight cards – starting with The Ring IV.

Headlined by David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde, this one should be an absolute cracker of a night. Featuring four fantastic world title fights on the main card, all of them are intriguing bouts that could go either way.

We’ve given our thoughts on how each of the main four fights will go. There is potential for a few upsets on this card – how do your predictions look?

Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes

Sam Noakes is a powerful, intelligent pressure fighter, but Abdullah Mason is one of boxing’s biggest rising stars. The Brit will give Mason trouble with his thudding body shots, but he is a bit too defensively irresponsible against a fighter as sharp as the Ohio native. 

In particular, Noakes is vulnerable to a fast jab – Mason has one of the quickest jabs in the game today. If he can catch him with it regularly enough, Noakes will be discouraged from coming forward so often and will find himself at the mercy of Mason’s outstanding long range straight shots. Noakes should survive the 12 rounds, but he won’t get the judges’ nod.

Additionally, by going for so many body shots, Noakes will leave himself open to counter-punches – Mason’s speed and timing are both adroit, as is his punch selection. Even when he’s hurt, he maintains his concentration and composure. Noakes won’t be able to drag Mason into a firefight, either – his demeanour is too laser-focused for that. 

Prediction: Abdullah Mason by UD

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is one of the best and most exciting fighters on the planet. As such, most will be expecting him to breeze past Fernando Martinez – but the Argentinian certainly can’t be overlooked. At just 5ft 2, he’s a very small fighter – even for the super flyweight division.

This won’t play into Bam’s favour, as he likes to mix it up with sharp counters on the inside. As a natural and aggressive inside fighter, Martinez will be prepared for anything Bam can throw at him from short range.

With that being said, Bam is one of the best fighters in the world right now – expect him to show levels against Martinez on Saturday. Martinez will give him issues with his constant pressure, but Bam should be able to outbox him and win a wide decision. 

Prediction: Jesse Rodriguez by UD

Devin Haney vs Brian Norman Jr.

Brian Norman Jr is the future of American boxing – but can he overcome its present? Many pundits have predicted a statement win for Norman in this one, but Devin Haney – for all his faults – shouldn’t be underestimated. 

Norman is a massive puncher and possesses underrated toughness, but Haney won’t be turning up to look for the knockout. Instead, he’ll look to make it ugly, catching Norman at long range with his superior speed and tying him up on the inside. Given Norman’s immense power, Haney will probably approach this one with extreme caution.

If Haney allows Norman to get on the inside too often, he’ll be in trouble. A disciplined, no-frills performance is required here – thankfully for Haney, that’s what he does best. Norman will certainly give him plenty to think about, but we’ll back ‘The Dream’ to frustrate Jr over 12 rounds. 

Prediction: Devin Haney by UD

David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde

David Benavidez is going into this one as a heavy favourite, but we can’t shake the feeling that Anthony Yarde is a stylistic nightmare for La Bandera Roja. Yarde hits harder than anyone Benavidez has faced and the 28 year old isn’t known for his defensive prowess. Furthermore, as we have seen in recent fights, Benavidez does not have an iron chin.

Of course, Benavidez will give Yarde plenty to think about. It won’t be anything new to the Eastender, though – he has previously shared a ring with pound-for-pound star Artur Beterbiev and gave him one of the hardest fights of his career. 

Benavidez is no Beterbiev, but he has much faster hands and a higher output than Yarde does. Yarde may have to absorb an early onslaught – nevertheless, we think he’ll be able to work out Benavidez’s timing and land a monster overhand right to win his first world title in three attempts. 

Prediction: Anthony Yarde by R7 KO