By Jim Calfa: Artur Beterbiev wants a win over Anthony Yarde on Saturday evening to maintain alive his undisputed mild heavyweight battle in opposition to WBA champion Dmitry Bivol in 2023.
Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) defends his IBF, WBC & WBO 175-lb belts in opposition to WBO necessary Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs) reside on ESPN+ on the OVO Enviornment in London, England.
Yarde is standing in the way in which of Betebiev, and he can’t afford to have any slip-ups on this battle if he desires to maneuver ahead to face Bivol in what can be the most important match in his skilled profession.
Most boxing followers imagine that Yarde solely has a puncher’s probability of successful as a result of he doesn’t match up with Beterbiev in technical abilities, punch resistance, stamina, or expertise.
In comparison with Beterbiev’s final battle in opposition to Joe Smith Jr, there’s significantly much less buzz about this contest. We simply noticed Liam Smith pull off an upset final weekend in opposition to Chris Eubank Jr in a battle that only a few that he might win.
In fact, there’s a substantial distinction between Eubank Jr, a fighter that has by no means gained a world title, and the two-time Olympian Beterbiev.
That’s to not say that Yarde gained’t win, although, as a result of he’s obtained the ability to beat anyone if he lands cleanly.
“I’m excited to battle there,” mentioned Artur Betebiev to Boxing World Weekly about him preventing Anthony Yarde in London. “I take a look at this like a brand new expertise. I hope if I do good field.
“We’re at all times attempting to be able to do 12 rounds, and to do issues we’re engaged on.
“It’s good. In his camp, he is usually a lion,” mentioned Beterbiev about Yarde. “I believe no. It’s totally different when it’s necessary battle and obligation battle,” mentioned Beterbiev when requested if there’s a rematch clause within the contract. “This battle is beneath totally different guidelines, so I believe no.
“I by no means give it some thought. We at all times stay up for happiness, a superb finish,” mentioned Beterbiev when requested if he’ll attempt to get a rematch with Yarde if he loses to him.
“We don’t know, we by no means know, however proper now, I get pleasure from what I do, boxing, coaching, the whole lot I do proper now,” mentioned Beterbiev about when he’ll be retiring.
“We watched the battle and watched a number of fights, however we’re not targeted on how he misplaced or how he win,” mentioned Beterbiev on whether or not he watched Yarde’s battle with Sergey Kovalev. “We take some bits from all over the place. I’ll present you on the twenty eighth of January,” mentioned Beterbiev.
