Artur Beterbiev will defend his unified light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde this week after both boxers hit a good track.
During the week of competition, Beterbiev praised his opponent for his bodybuilder physique – and Yarde showed it on the scale. He weighs 174.5 lbs – so does the champ.
It’s safe to say that Yarde looks a bit grimy on her face, but that’s nothing out of the ordinary and there’s no other sign of a struggle to make the magic number.
Although less muscular than Yarde, Beterbiev has no power issues, and the pair get along well with their noted height and reach being very similar.
After a bitter confrontation, all are now set for a fight that many say will not require a referee – with 40 knockouts between them, unlikely to go far.
The match was Yarde’s second time winning the world title, the first being a brave but unsuccessful attempt by Sergey Kovalev deep within Russia.
The 31-year-old continues to impress with his attitude and maturity towards these big fights, and forgoes the hardships against him to enter the ring with the confidence he has. can hold the WBC, IBF and WBO lightweight belts on these shores.
Beterbiev is still the same – quiet, calm and ready to fight. The Russian-Canadian is the only defending world champion to have won all of his matches at long distances, and many pundits are choosing him to continue that streak on Saturday night.
At 38, however, the honored amateur and unified champion is closer to the end of his career than to the beginning, and the challenger will be hoping that his age is finally starting to show in the light. lights at Wembley Arena.
If Beterbiev proves the bookies right, he will be heading for an undisputed match with Dmitry Bivol, but another Briton at Callum Smith will ask him to hit first.
That’s far from certain, though, and even with Beterbiev’s record, Yarde and his team present a new challenge they’re confident they’ll win. UK fans can tune in on Sports BTwhile those in the US can access the match via ESPN+.
