WBC/WBO/IBF unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) retained his 100% knockout ratio on Saturday night by scoring an eighth-round technical knockout victory against British puncher Anthony Yarde (23-3, 22 KOs) at OVO Arena Wembley in London.
At the time of the stoppage, two judges had Yarde winning with scores of 68-65 and 67-66, while one judge had it 67-66 for Beterbiev. However, the king of the 175-pound division has never gone the distance, and tonight was no exception.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Anthony Yarde (L) and Artur Beterbiev (R) exchange punches during their WBC,IBF and WBO light heavyweight Championship fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)l
The fight began as expected, with Yarde boxing from the outside and using a jittery left jab to keep Beterbiev occupied. The Montreal-based champion moved forward with impunity as he began to figure out his challenger.
By the fourth round, Beterbiev had found his rhythm and distance, and he immediately began to push Yarde against the ropes. Beterbiev landed several thudding shots, but Yarde landed some of his own. During the following rounds, both men had their moments and sustained cuts. Yarde had one below his right eye, and Beterbiev had one above his left eye.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Artur Beterbiev (L) and Anthony Yarde (R) exchange punches during their WBC,IBF and WBO light heavyweight Championship fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Beterbiev’s power again proved to be the difference, as he landed a right hand that sent Yarde to the canvas in the eighth round. Yarde struggled to get to his feet, and as Beterbiev moved forward to finish the fight, Yarde’s corner stopped the assault at 2:01 of the round.
Beterbiev said, “Every fight is different. It’s a different preparation. And the fighter is different, too. I can’t say I did a very bad fight. But if I could do it again, I’d do it better.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Anthony Yarde (L) and Artur Beterbiev (R) exchange punches during their WBC,IBF and WBO light heavyweight Championship fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
“But I feel good. To be honest, I prepared for the all the punches he did. That’s why I could come back. It’s because we expected those punches.
“Everyone can punch hard at this level. And Anthony did, too. But he’s young. I turned into a professional when I was 28. He has time. I hope he does well in the future. I want [Dmitry] Bivol. Right now, it’s everything. In that fight, we’ll have four belts. It’s really good fight, I think.”
Heavyweights:
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Moses Itauma celebrates after defeating Marcel Bode, during their heavyweight fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Moses Ituama(1-0, 1 KO) made a successful pro debut by stopping Marcel Bode(2-2, 2 KOs) via knockout at :23 of the very first round.
Cruiserweights:
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Tommy Fletcher (L) and Darryl Sharp (R) exchange punches during their cruiserweight fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Tommy Fletcher (4-0, 3 KOs) defeated Darryl Sharp (7-97-1, 1 KO) via six-round unanimous decision.
This was the first time that Fletcher had gone the distance. Score: 60-54.
Light Heavyweights:
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna (L) and Karol Itauma (R) exchange punches during their WBC international light heavyweight championship fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Argentine puncher Ezequiel Maderna (29-10, 19 KOs) scored an upset knockout victory against touted prospect Karol Itauma (9-1, 7 KOs).
Time of stoppage: 1:04 of the fifth round.
Flyweights:
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Artem Dalakian celebrates after defeating David Jimenez, during their WBA flyweight championship fight, at OVO Arena Wembley on January 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robison/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
Artem Dalakian (22-0, 15 KOs) defended his WBA flyweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision win over previously undefeated challenger David Jimenez (12-1, 9 KOs).
Scores: 115-113 2x and 116-112.
Credit: Top Rank Boxing
You must be logged in to post a comment.