On June 19, Beterbiev knocked out Joe Smith Jr. in the second round and won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) United States title.
Now the Russian, who lives in Canada, will meet Anthony Yarde in October. Despite the fact that 37-year-old Beterbiev has an incredible winning streak (18 wins – 18 KOs – 0 losses), Yard is confident he can beat the Russian.
Yard, 30, watched Beterbiev’s fight that won the Russian his third belt and told reporters: “Beterbiev will come to London and we will fight.
It’s a lot of money, but I see it as an opportunity to try to create a legacy. The money is running out, but the legacy lives on forever. As soon as I return to London, active preparations for the battle will begin. I shock a lot of people. I am absolutely sure of myself. Beterbiev showed what he is. He is a very strong boxer and an excellent puncher.”
Yard is the mandatory challenger for Beterbiev’s WBO title. The 30-year-old Briton has fought 24 fights in professional boxing and won 22 victories. The last fight for the Brits came in 2021, when he beat compatriot Lyndon Arthur.
It should be noted that Beterbiev will also have the opportunity to consider a unification bout against fellow countryman and reigning WBA champion Dmitry Bivol, but Yard insists he should be Beterbiev’s next opponent, not Bivol. The Brit thinks the key to beating a boxer like Beterbiev is to be a better fighter, to be more accurate, faster, smarter.
Yard added: “From what I’ve seen Beterbiev is a powerful hitter, but at the same time he caught Smith when he came. As you’ve seen so many times in boxing, the kick fist that hurts the most is the punch that hurts the most.” you do not see. To me, they both seemed slow. “
Yard previously won the WBO light heavyweight title in 2019 but lost by knockout to Russian Sergey Kovalev.
Earlier, the head of the promotion company, Frank Warren, said that Yard should become the next opponent for IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
It was reported that the details of the Battle of Beterbiev-Yard were practically agreed. The promoters will fight in October in London.
“Bob (Arum – promoter) and I agreed that we would have this fight, but they will have to fight anyway. It will be a great fight,” the Yard promoter said.
Artyom Ekshiyan. sport.ru
Source: Sport
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