Anthony Yarde speaks on VADA testing and going to Russia.
On August 24, London born Anthony Yarde (18-0, 17 KO’s) will travel to Russia to face WBO world light heavyweight champion Sergey “The Krusher” Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KO’s). This will stand as Yarde’s first attempt at a world title. Without question, this is a tremendous step up in competition for Yarde.
The confident challenger has seemingly put the very prevalent disbelief and angst of his many doubters out of mind. He and his chief second, Tunde Ajayi, are supremely faithful that everything will work out in their favor.
Aside from one September 2016 fight against Rayford Johnson, this will be only the second time that Yarde has traveled from his homeland for a professional scrap. It’ll be his first time rumbling in Russia. The location of the prizefight will not be the only new experience. Also, for the first time, Yarde is being tested by the stringent drug screening agency Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). Even though the efficient group has become something of a minor nuisance for the UK pugilist, he is happy they’re are on board.
“Not any fight before, this is the first time I’ve been VADA tested before. I’ve been UKAD tested so many times, VADA yeah, this is the first time. Again, they turned up in Vegas at my hotel, they tested me out there.
“When I got back, I must have been back four days and then they turned up at my house. I think, ‘come on man, I was about to go for a run’. I was taking a nap about to go for a run and they turn up at my door, so. But it’s good. I feel like it’s good. I hope he’s getting tested just as much!”
A MAN IN A FOREIGN LAND
Outside of tangling with Kovalev himself, many wonder how Yarde will perform on foreign soil. Once again, the poised light heavyweight maintained a rather carefree demeanor. Traditionally, it’s always been a risk to travel to fight in the opponent’s back yard.
When a boxer commits to doing this, they understand that they will likely have to battle the fighter, the crowd and, often times, the ref and judges as well. Yet, as far as Yarde is concerned, so long as his body properly acclimates to the new territory, everything will be copacetic. On the topic of acclimation, Yarde doesn’t feel it’ll take a great deal of time to adjust.
“But I feel like a week before, I don’t want to be out there too long. But again, I want to go there and get my body used to the air out there. Sniff the air, taste the air, make sure I feel good and go and collect my world title. Then come back.”
3kingsboxing will continue to provide coverage on this rapidly approaching and interesting international prizefight.
By: Bakari Simpson
