The 28-year-old Benavidez, an American of Mexican heritage, has stopped 24 of his 30 opponents and is a former two-time super-middleweight champion.
Nicknamed the “Mexican Monster”, he promised a “war”.
“I’ve had my eye on Anthony Yarde for a long time. He has power and heart. No matter who he faces, it’s a good fight,” added the Phoenix-born Benavidez.
“I want to give people action-packed fights. This one is going to live up to the moment.”
Earlier, heated words between the camps of WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr and fellow American challenger Devin Haney – who meet on the undercard – led to security stepping in as Haney’s father Bill moved toward Norman’s father Brian Sr.
In contrast, there was mutual respect between the headliners, with Yarde and Benavidez sharing smiles and a warm embrace during their face-off.
