In boxing, there’s nothing more irresistible than two knockout artists going at it, and that’s exactly what fans can expect when Artur Beterbiev defends IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight titles against Anthony Yarde at the Wembley Arena in London on Saturday.
Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) is one of the most feared punchers in the sport. The 38-year-old Russian star has annihilated every journeyman, prospect, contender, and champion he’s faced en route to deserved pound-for-pound recognition. But despite all the incredible success this fearsome champion has enjoyed, he refuses to overlook his next opponent.
“[Yarde] is a good fighter, he’s strong, he looks not bad – a serious guy,” said Beterbiev during the official press conference to announce the fight. “We just started to watch some videos. It’s a good challenge for me. I respect him.”
MORE: Sign up to watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Anthony Yarde, exclusively on ESPN+
Yarde, 31, is a former Commonwealth champion and he’s arguably the hardest hitter in British boxing, pound for pound. The determined Londoner lost his first world title bout to another Russian puncher, Sergey Kovalev, in 2019, but that opportunity came a bit too soon.
“There’s nobody [else] going to Russia to fight Kovalev, especially a prospect, but I’ve got heart,” said Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs) in an interview with BT Sport. “I wanted to go out there and try and take something away. That’s what I tried to do with Kovalev, and that’s what I’m gonna do this time. It’s just that I’ve got that that edge in experience.”
Since the Kovalev setback, Yarde has gone 5-1 (5 KOs). There was the blip against Lyndon Arthur in December 2020, which was avenged via shuddering fourth-round stoppage in the rematch. The attitude from the challenger’s camp heading into this fight is “now or never.”
The Sporting News takes a look at the betting odds and offers a prediction on the outcome:
Odds for Artur Beterbiev. vs. Anthony Yarde
Per SkyBet, Beterbiev. is a -1000 favourite, while Yarde is the +500 underdog. The draw is +2000.
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Beterbiev is the -1000 favourite, while Yarde is the +553 underdog. The draw is +2000.
Betting trends for Artur Beterbiev. vs. Anthony Yarde
Per Bet MGM:
Beterbiev via KO/TKO: -450
Beterbiev via decision: +650
Yarde via KO/TKO: +800
Yarde via decision: +1400
Draw: +2600
MORE: Boxing’s 30 most desired fights in 2023
Artur Beterbiev. vs. Anthony Yarde prediction
The outcome of a boxing match can be difficult to predict at the best times, and even more so when both fighters possess state-of-the-art firepower.
If Yarde lands flush on any opponent, he has a chance of turning out the lights. For a +500 underdog, that should make any bettor think twice.
However, even if he lands a devastating blow, scoring an upset is no guarantee. History tells us that Beterbiev is capable of rising from a direct hit. Callum Johnson, another U.K. product, floored the Russian champ with a jolting left hook in the second round of their 2018 firefight. Beterbiev got up and took Johnson out two rounds later.
The champion has so many advantages in this matchup. His amateur honours, which included world championship gold, are beyond reproach, and he’s the more well-rounded boxer of the two. As a professional, Beterbiev has scored thumping triumphs over the likes of Oleksandr Gvozdyk (TKO 10), Marcus Browne (KO 9), and Joe Smith Jr. (TKO 2).
I think Yarde has got an excellent chance of putting Beterbiev on the canvas, but I’m not sure that he can keep him there. I need to roll with the champion here, and I think he gets the job done in the first half.
Beterbiev by knockout (-450) is the safest play and best bet. If you’re confident in Beterbiev getting it done early, you can get him by KO in Rounds 1-4 at +220 at BetMGM or in Rounds 5-8 at +188.
Sporting News prediction: Beterbiev TKO 4
MORE: Sign up to watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Anthony Yarde, exclusively on ESPN+
Artur Beterbiev record and bio
Nationality: Russian
Born: January 21, 1985
Height: 5-11 1/2
Reach: 73
Total fights: 18
Record: 18-0 (18 KOs)
Anthony Yarde record and bio
Nationality: British
Born: August 13, 1991
Height: 6-0
Reach: 72
Total fights: 25
Record: 23-2 (22 KOs)
Artur Beterbiev vs. Anthony Yarde fight card
Artur Beterbiev (c) vs. Anthony Yarde for the WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles
Artem Dalakian (c) vs. David Jimenez for the WBA flyweight title
Willy Hutchinson vs. Emil Markic for the WBO Inter-Continental light-heavyweight title
Karol Itauma vs. Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna for the WBC International light-heavyweight title
Charles Frankham vs. Joshua Ocampo; super-featherweights
Umar Khan vs. Sandeep Singh Bhatti; featherweights
Sean Noakes vs. Santiago Garces; welterweights
Tommy Fletcher vs. Darryl Sharp; cruiserweights
