Anthony Yarde’s Championship Aspirations
Anthony Yarde is gearing up for another chance to claim a world light heavyweight championship, a feat that has eluded him on two previous occasions. This Saturday in Saudi Arabia, the 34-year-old Londoner will face off against undefeated American David Benavidez in a fight for the WBC title. Yarde (with a professional record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 24 KOs) has faced formidable opponents before—being stopped by Russia’s Artur Beterbiev in 2023 and Sergey Kovalev in 2019. These experiences, while painful, have only fueled his determination to succeed this time around.
Lessons from Past Fights
Yarde’s previous bouts saw him fighting valiantly but ultimately falling short, including an eight-round stoppage against Beterbiev, who is known for his knockout power, achieving a perfect record of 19 KOs out of 19 fights at the time. Despite the setbacks, Yarde believes that the lessons learned from each fight will play a crucial role in his performance this weekend. He stated,
“I believe experience was the difference in both fights against Kovalev and Beterbiev.”
He is confident that a wiser, more prepared version of himself will step into the ring.
Determination to Overcome
The underdog going into this fight, Yarde expressed his frustration, saying,
“I’m sick and tired of being the guy who gives people great fights, but loses. I need to win this one and upset the odds.”
He noted how the previous matches against high-caliber fighters provided him with valuable insights into his own capabilities.
Facing a Tough Opponent
With a record of 30 wins (24 KOs) and no losses, Benavidez is a tough opponent making his first title defense. Despite not carrying the feared reputation of Yarde’s previous challengers, he should not be underestimated. Yarde reflected on Benavidez’s fighting style, saying,
“On paper he’s not as dangerous as Beterbiev or Kovalev were, but you don’t know how dangerous a puncher someone is until you get in the ring with them.”
Preparing for a Life-Changing Fight
Yarde has been active in the ring since his encounter with Beterbiev, winning four matches, and most recently triumphing over Lyndon Arthur in a trilogy bout in April. He emphasized the importance of this fight, stating,
“After all the things I have been through in life, this fight could change my life.”
As Yarde prepares to step back into the ring, he aims not just for a victory but also to make a statement about his growth as a fighter and his readiness for a championship title.
