Anthony Yarde Believes He Can Put Down Artur Beterbiev
WBO mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs) is days away from the most daunting task of his career. On January 28, the 31-year-old will face unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) at Wembley Arena in London, England. With all his wins coming by stoppage, the defending champ has a well-earned reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the sport.
CALM AND FOCUSED
Yarde is unfazed. During an exclusive interview with iFL TV, the man from London says that Beterbiev’s reputation and the pre-fight hype are mute once the opening bell rings.
“This fight, we just need to get in the ring. All this talking stuff – it doesn’t win fights, and it don’t change the outcome. I’m just excited for this fight.”
For Yarde, this is his second world title attempt. In August 2019, he was stopped in eleven rounds by then-WBO champion Sergey Kovalev. The Brit said he’s learned plenty from that defeat and will use that experience in his upcoming fight against Beterbiev.
The local British press noted the relaxed demeanor of the challenger during the fight build-up. Yarde says his calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure is the byproduct of his tumultuous upbringing as a child. That has been his toughest hurdle.
READY FOR THE MOMENT
While Beterbiev is a big puncher, he’s been hurt and knocked down. The challenger understands this reality. When assessing how the fight may go, Yarde has a very analytical breakdown of Beterbiev. However, if he hurts the unified champion, Yarde is confident he wins
“Me and my approach is when you get in the ring, you shape up, then you know what time it is . . . When I land, it’s going to be exciting . . . When I start putting that assault on people, there’s no one in the world that’s going to take it . . . If I get into that range where I’m hitting you often, the fight ain’t gonna go too much longer.”
Fighting in his backyard in England, Yarde will have the crowd behind him. Beterbiev is on a mission to leave the ring with the belts around his waist. All of the ingredients are there for a can’t-miss fight.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
