Beyond the 94 percent
When you think of Anthony Yarde, the first thing that comes to mind is 94 percent!
Why 94 percent you ask? That represents his knockout ratio out of 18 professional fights! Only one man can stake claim to averting a stoppage by the Hackney, London native. While that fight didn’t go the distance (having ended in a technical decision loss), Tony Averlant still managed to withstand getting flat-lined from the power of Yarde.
However, come August 24 the undefeated 28 year-old will likely need more than his 94 percent knockout ratio to dethrone the reigning WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.
Yarde has been brought along slowly, turning down a couple of title opportunities along the way. He is credited with tremendous athleticism, power and killer instinct. Watching film on him, you’ll immediately see why his promoter Frank Warren and his team decided to take the slow route.
CONTENDER OR NOT?
At times, Yarde flashes high potential that warrants match-ups with the likes of Oleksandr Gvodzky, Artur Biterbiev and Dimitri Bivol. Then there are times that leave you contemplating his viability as a world title contender.
In order for him to get by a likely future Hall Of Fame inductee in Kovalev, he’s going to have to show the boxing world something he’s yet to unveil. That’s the ability to be consistent with his jab and set his punches up using ring intelligence. He’ll need adequate foot work that will allow him to properly defend himself and place him in position to be effective with the range and distance on his punches. Lastly, and most importantly, he will need to show discipline, poise and patience.
Come August 24, we’re going to find out who Anthony Yarde is. Is he only the 94 percent we’ve come to know him as, or is he more than meets the eye?
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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