Anthony Yarde Opens Up About Family Tragedy Due To COVID-19
When it comes to COVID-19 and its impact on the sport of boxing, no one may have dealt with the pandemic on a personal level like world light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde (19-1, 18 KOs). The virus hit far too close to home for the 28-year-old
In a week (on March 29 and April 4), the 28-year-old lost his father as well as his grandmother to the virus. Yarde’s grandmother was in the hospital receiving treatment when he received word that his father had passed away. So this was a double blow for the British light heavyweight, as he explained to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Its one of those things you have to get by. No one expected it or is prepared to deal with it, so you just have to get past it.
It was a lot harder for my other siblings than me. I stayed away from the hospitals and was on the phone getting updates. They were extremely close. A lot of my dad’s wishes and my nan’s wishes went hand in hand and they relied on one another.”
CONFUSED BUT MOVING BEYOND THE PAIN
With England locked down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yarde stays in shape by working out on his own, taking long running sessions and bike rides. Given that backdrop, Yarde is startled at the lackadaisical attitude some of his fellow countrymen have to this current pandemic.
“The first time I went out for a run, I was seeing people having picnics and sitting on benches smoking together. I was looking, thinking ‘are they being serious?’ This was close to when I got the news [about his father’s death] so you get an emotional reaction.
It showed me people are not taking it seriously. I see people on social media at their friends’ houses. Clearly, they are not understanding how this thing can escalate and how it can be transferred.”
Scheduled to return to the ring on July 11 to face unbeaten Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12 KOs) at London’s O2 Arena, Yarde said his goal is to not only build his body, but also his mind.
With the British Boxing Board of Control announcing that they are hopeful of resuming action in the ring in July under specific guidelines, including no fans in attendance, Yarde understands that the sport, from this moment forth, will be different.
“The power is with the promoters. As fighters, we are entertainers and we wait for these shows to be put on.
Us fighters thrive on performing and entertaining a crowd. Yes, people will be watching on TV, but it won’t be the same.”
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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