Sergey Kovalev vs Anthony Yarde: Power vs Power!
On Saturday, August 24 we’ll see two power-punchers, with a combined 35 knockouts in 51 fights, lock horns. Reigning WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev will be putting his title on the line when he takes on the unbeaten, hard-hitting Anthony Yarde.
The fight will take place in Russia live on BTSport & ESPN+ at 12:30 PM ET!
Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1, 28KOs)
The champion is a big favorite to retain his title heading into this fight. In his favor are his big fight experience, excellent skill-set and monstrous punching power.
Kovalev is a well-rounded offensive fighter. He also possesses a very good, hard jab that most consider just as hard as his right-hand.
To go along with an excellent right-hand is his ability to always be in range to fire off punishing power shots. Now being trained by Hall Of Fame inductee Buddy McGuirt, Kovalev showed his ability to be patient and stick to the game plan, as he got revenge on Eleider Alvarez back in February.
However, everything isn’t perfect for the Russian power puncher. He has a well-known stamina issue that reared its ugly head in his first fight with Andre Ward back in 2016.
After a fast start by him, he started to mentally and physically slow down. He needs to avoid that facing a guy in Yarde that has shown devastating punching power.
Anthony Yarde (18-0, 17KO)
Yarde, age 28, is unbeaten through 18 fights with 17 knockouts. At 6’0, Yarde will present problems for a proven, battle-tested, but older Kovalev.
The game plan for Yarde should start with the jab. The jab for him will be key in setting up his big right-hand. A consistent body attack will also be important, as I mentioned earlier Kovalev has stamina issues.
Therefore, going downstairs will be vital in increasing his chances of dethroning the champion.
Prediction Time!
Considering all the evidence, I simply see Sergey Kovalev being, by far, the better fighter with more ways to win.
His experience, power and championship pedigree should be the difference for him against the explosive and athletic Yarde, who simply, in my opinion, isn’t ready.
While I think his power will be dangerous early on, I don’t see him have the staying power and endurance to withstand Kovalev.
I predict a middle-round stoppage for the champion, who will move on to a likely fight with middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in the winter!
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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