WITH THE BIG rematch looming on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena, Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde met the media for the final time ahead of the crunch clash this afternoon at the BT Sport studios in Stratford.

Sat at the top table were Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, trainers Pat Barrett and Tunde Ajayi, along with both the fighters. Dev Sahni posed the questions and below are a selection of quotes from the media session.

Frank Warren

It is a fantastic fight and it should be added that Lyndon is No.1 with the WBO, so the winner of this fight will get the winner of Joe Smith v Callum, Johnson in January. That is what is on the table, there is more at stake in this fight and, as we know, the first fight took place behind closed doors. It was a good fight but it didn’t spark as I expected it to. It was a close fight that I thought Lyndon won, but this one will be different for many reasons. There is more at stake and it is in front of a live audience. They know each other well enough now, they have shared a ring for 12 rounds, so who has learned the most from that first fight? Who will change tactics from the first fight? Who will adapt?

This fight is the chance for both of them to put right whatever they felt didn’t happen for them in the first one. I think we have got something special, this time around it is going to spark, and we will have a special fight between two extremely good, world quality fighters. I am so looking forward to it.

There was no crowd last time and, to be fair to Sunny Edwards, he made up for the crowd and was very, very vocal. That has gone now and where we are now is Saturday night, which will be the acid test for the both of them.

Tunde Ajayi

My focus is not on what has been said. Saturday night is my main focus, I am not here to discuss Pat Barrett and what he’s done or even what I have done in the sport. This is, as Frank put it at the last press conference, this is war. Talking can get you far and it has done for many people, but there comes a point where you have got to show what it is. Myself and Anthony haven’t done too much talking to get to this point and I feel it is incumbent on us to continue showing those who come from a certain environment how to conduct themselves when you get to a certain level in the sport.

Everything is a lesson and absolutely I have looked back on the last fight. There has been a lot of growth, development and evolving, not only for myself, but for the team because we are very analytical in our preparation and have always been. There has been growth for everyone.

Anthony Yarde can do everything and I feel on Saturday night you will see something special. He can jab, he got a good right hand, a good left hook, a good left and right upper cut, a good left hook to the body and he’s got a good right hook to the body. So we aren’t focused on one man’s asset. We’ve got assets and they could end up being liabilities for the opponent.

Pat Barrett

I think they made a good choice in adding James Cook to the team, who is a very respectable fighter. I watched him coming up and he did it the hard way, he knows boxing and know how to come from the bottom to make it to the top. He is a creditable trainer and, really and truly, he should be sat up here at the table discussing Anthony. Yes I think he is very good.

It is kind of like Man City, who had so many managers before they could find the right one. I just don’t think there is enough time in the camp to say it is going to change him because it is not about physical attributes, it is about mental attributes. Me and Lyndon have grown together and the gelling has always been there. I’ve watched Lyndon grow up from being a kid to a man and the fighter he is today. The only changes I do with Lyndon is make him better.

I know the way Anthony Yarde is going to come because all they talk about is knocking people out. He is very good and I respect Anthony as a fighter. He is good at everything he does like Tunde says. When it is said we are looking at one thing with the jab, it is the master key that opens everything up. The funny thing is, they don’t respect Lyndon’s punching power and that will be their downfall because what they have got to realise is Lyndon is capable of doing more than one thing. He is intelligent in the ring, he can hold the pace when he wants to, he can drop it when he wants to, he can control it, he is good at distancing – he has got everything it takes at a world class level.

What you need to realise is trying to knock somebody out can also get you knocked out yourself. You have got to be smart in the boxing ring so my advice is to listen to James and become more of a thinker.

Anthony Yarde

I think it is a mixture looking back on the first fight. I am not going to take anything away from Lyndon because he did his job, stayed on the back foot, popped out the jab and didn’t engage. One hundred per cent it was down to me more than what he did. I think people can see that. They were waiting for me to put on the gas and it was literally my decision making. You saw it in the last round, when I went for it, it was a completely different fight. My mindset at the time was, it is the 12th round now, you’ve done the rounds and can put the gas on now full throttle.

It was just decision making and timing. My mindset was not there for the fight. I do not make excuses and I was heated straight after the fight, but you can’t reverse anything and you’ve got to go in there and take opportunities.

He got the decision, a split decision and there are mixed opinions in boxing. One judge gave it to me by four or five rounds and two gave it to him by one round so it is just perspective and how you see the fight. At the time I thought I won it, they thought it was close and, going back and watching it from a different angle, I thought it was a closer fight as well. I am not about to bullsh*t anyone or lie about anything. I am a realist and you cannot progress or get better if you are not honest with yourself.

I watched it back and kept saying it was sh*t, but I was going through a lot and my mind was not on boxing at all. People will probably understand that, but I am a person that doesn’t make excuses. It is all about this Saturday.

Lyndon Arthur

It is not a case of getting this one out of the way because, like I have said in interviews, he has been a good dance partner for me. In this part of my career it is the best fight financially and also the best fight to get me out there again. It is not about seeing the back of him because it has been fun. The first fight was my coming out party and this will kind of cement it. It is part of my journey.

It is completely cool for him to say I am a boring fighter because the boring fighter won. I don’t need to listen to anyone, if they think I am boring, everyone is entitled to an opinion. It is sport and everyone in this room has an opinion on me and him. Whether they like me or him is down to them. I don’t care.

If I am boring, I will win boring. We will find out on Saturday whether a crowd benefits either of us. He thinks it does, but I don’t think it benefits him. I don’t care, it is a fight and the crowd can’t get in there. They can scream, they can shout and it will make a fun atmosphere. I had Sunny there before and he is like a crowd.

The pre-fight stuff is entertainment. The business part of this is Saturday and it is fun until we get in the ring across from each other, in my opinion.

LYNDON ARTHUR has warned Tunde Ajayi to zip his lip if he ever comes face to face with Pat Barrett when the cameras aren’t rolling

‘King’ Arthur’s trainer Pat Barrett and Ajayi who handles arch rival Anthony Yarde had a hate-filled confrontation last month at a press conference to announce the big Light-Heavyweight return clash.

The fighting will be done for real when Mancunian Arthur risks his Commonwealth and WBO Inter-Continental titles against Yarde at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4, live on BT Sport.

It’s a rematch of Arthur’s split decision win against the Ilford knockout artist last December and besides titles being on the line the winner can look forward to a 2022 crack at WBO World champion, Joe Smith.

The respect between the fighters is real, but there is little love between Ajayi and Barrett who stormed out of the now infamous press conference that went viral.

Arthur, 30, said: “I haven’t taken Tunde’s ‘road’ talk too seriously. The beef between Tunde and Pat is down to them.

“I still don’t know if Pat was being serious or not, but for me Tunde was entertaining for the public. It was fun for people to watch.

“One thing, I wouldn’t advise Tunde is to get on the wrong side of Pat somewhere that isn’t public.”

Lyndon had hoped for a straight shot at Smith and then defend against Yarde, but a rematch clause means a great domestic clash to round off Queensberry’s cards for 2021 when the stablemates meet again.

He added: “It’s a case of getting this fight out of the way and then the World title next year.

“When I say that I don’t mean it’s a fight I am overlooking. It’s huge because it’s the win that brings World titles.

“Yarde and myself are fighters and just want to settle our business next month.

“I guess Yarde and myself are the same sort of people and whenever I have met him there isn’t any animosity. He is in my division and we have to fight.

“Perhaps when I win again he can come up to Manchester and have a night out or something like that.”

Since the controversial clash almost 12 months ago, Arthur has seen nine rounds of action when he stopped David Faraci in July.

In Yarde’s only fight he needed less than three minutes to beat Alex Theran in the following month.

Arthur says he has no activity advantage and insists: “A good fighter gets the rounds in the gym. I don’t believe in ring rust. As long as you get sparring and train hard it should come off.”

Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

 In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

 Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

 Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

In the bill topper Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

 Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here

Hospitality Tickets – £330
Lower Bowl Seat – £55

FRANK WARREN today hosted a press conference to announce British boxing’s big Light-Heavyweight rematch between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde.

‘King’ Arthur will make the third defence of his Commonwealth championship against Ilford puncher, Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) at Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday December 4 , live on BT Sport.

Also on the line will be the position as number one challenger to WBO World champion, Joe Smith.  

The pair first met last December when Manchester’s Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) edged out his great rival on a split decision after 12 rounds.

Now they will lock horns once again with even more at stake.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s tension filled head-to-head meeting between the boxers and their camps, where Arthur’s trainer Pat Barrett eventually stormed out after clashing with Yarde’s coach Tunde Ajayi.

FRANK WARREN: Since the first fight Lyndon has gone into the number one position with the WBO and eventually you become the mandatory. That is at stake. It’s a crossroads for both of them and a fantastic fight where I think fans will see something a little bit special. It’s war and we are going to see a quality fight between two quality fighters. There was a contract with a rematch clause. I said to Pat I will try to get it on in Manchester but there was no date available and then we tried October in Birmingham and it didn’t happen. Now it’s on and it will be war. It’s even more meaningful then the first fight.

LYNDON ARTHUR: He (Yarde) didn’t want to come to Manchester and fight me. I believe they were too scared to come to Manchester. He is going to come out fast. There isn’t a chance on this earth he can outbox me. I know for a fact what he will try to do. The only thing he can do is try and knock me out.

YARDE: You (Arthur) got no fan base.  It didn’t matter where the fight was and it (going to Manchester) didn’t get put to me. I don’t care where I fight. I have been to Russia to fight so all that talk is not right. I just said make the rematch happen. I don’t b*****t I don’t do excuses. Judges’ said I lost. The fight went the way it went and that’s it. If I land a shot and knock him down I wont wait for him to recover.  I will finish the job. I am going to knock him out. Pat came in the changing room and said; ‘We was lucky, it was a close fight. I know how you’re going to come for the next fight I am going to do everything to not make the rematch happen. I want my boy to make so money.’

PAT BARRETT: I’m not here to entertain, I am here for the fight. Tunde said Yarde was going to knock Lyndon out before the first fight. He didn’t and that’s it. At the end of the day, the judges said he got beat. It was a close fight, but Lyndon only boxed with one hand. I came into the dressing room to show respect but Tunde didn’t even look at me. He has made a problem with me. Even if I don’t like you I respect you. I respect Anthony and I am going to prepare Lyndon for Anthony like he is a World champion. This is no walkover — it’s real. Respect is something  that you earn and after the first  fight we earned that as fighter and trainer. Anthony has never been overlooked and even though we was the champion before the first fight it wasn’t a backward step. If you are looking at World titles you have to beat World class operators like Anthony Yarde and he is a good opponent again. I said after to Anthony; ‘It was a close and Lyndon won with the jab,’

TUNDE AJAYI: I have never made excuses. It’s not in our nature. We know what Anthony was going through emotionally before the first fight. Tell me how you are supposed to perform at your apex when you have lost so many family members in a number of weeks? Everyone who saw the fight knows Anthony doesn’t box like that. He (Arthur) has made up a story about a spectacular jab, but won by one point and lost by six on another card. Lyndon isn’t calm enough for this. We will be calm and collected. I don’t know what Pat is talking about with this changing room situation. If my fighters have lost I am not going to be shaking hands and go hip, hip hooray after the fight. I have to let things digest. Let the gladiators do what they do and fight. The never wanted the rematch and tried to get out. Pat said after the first fight; ‘We don’t want that rematch,’ Lyndon and Anthony are going to get in the ring and settle the score.

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Tickets for Arthur v Yarde 2, live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4 are available here

HOSPITALITY – £300.00
HOSPITALITY – £250.00
FLOOR SEAT – £150.00
FLOOR SEAT – £100.00
FLOOR SEAT – £75.00
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £50.00
 

THE BLOCKBUSTER REMATCH between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde will take place at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday December 4, live on BT Sport.

The showdown between the two top light heavyweights falls a year on from the pair’s close-fought Battle of Westminster at Church House, where Arthur prevailed on the cards of two of the three judges and retained his Commonwealth title, while adding the vacant WBO Intercontinental belt to his collection.

More importantly, Arthur’s victory saw him steal a march on his rival and become the No.1 ranked contender for the WBO world title currently held by the American Joe Smith jr.

Yarde (21-2), who dropped down to 12, is desperate to avenge his loss and leapfrog Arthur (19-0) and return to the top of the rankings ahead of a mandatory challenge being assigned to Smith jr.

Arthur maintained his unbeaten record as a professional and added a 13th KO to his tally with victory over the Italian Davide Faraci at the Royal Albert Hall in July, with Yarde returning to winning ways with a quickfire stoppage of Alex Theran in Birmingham at the end of August.

Now Yarde and Arthur will again trade bombs with each other once again, this time in front of fans at the atmospheric Copper Box on the edge of the Olympic Park.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “This is a fight that needs an audience roaring them both on. It was a decent fight last time but there was something big missing and that was the fighters being inspired by fans in the arena.

“I believe the fans at the Copper Box will make a huge difference and we will get something very special from Lyndon and Anthony.

“We had tried to get the Arena in Manchester but venue availability was a struggle. That said, I have absolute faith that the London audience will get behind the fight and roar them both on.

“Lyndon and Anthony are both world class, explosive light heavyweights and putting them together again makes for a huge domestic occasion.

“The stakes are very high. The winner will sit in the No.1 spot with the WBO and be firmly in place for a world title shot in 2022.

“We are in for a great night on December 4 and we will be making further announcements on what will be a bumper card in due course.”

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Tickets for Arthur v Yarde 2, live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4, will be available tomorrow (Thursday 14th October) from 10am here

FLOOR SEAT – £330.00
FLOOR SEAT – £275.00
FLOOR SEAT – £165.00
FLOOR SEAT – £110.00
FLOOR SEAT – £77.00
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £82.50
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £55.00

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight titles at Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Their eagerly awaited triple title showdown heads a stunning night of action that includes two further British championship contests.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry wiped out their rivals when purse bids were ordered for the showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue in Lichfield and promoter Frank Warren is backing his legion of fans to roar him on.

Warren said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage.

“The bill is outstanding and a big local crowd could be the difference come fight night. What a fight it will be.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to pick up the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight  Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

THE NEW ADDITION to Ilford’s own pride of Lions insists that Anthony Yarde has more than got what it takes to become a light heavyweight world champion.

James Cook MBE, the former British and European super middleweight champion, has recently been drafted into the camp to work with Yarde and his trainer Tunde Ajayi, to provide wise counsel and be an experienced eye on the team who work out of the Box Up Crime gym in the heart of Ilford.

Yarde, 29, who challenged for the WBO world title against Sergey Kovalev in 2019, is back in the ring on July 10 at the Royal Albert Hall. The self-styled ‘Beast from the East’ is looking to put his marker down in the division once again after suffering a narrow points loss to Manchester rival Lyndon Arthur in December.

“I am the older lion!” said the Hackney legend with a chuckle. “I am just here so if something goes wrong I will try and correct it and tell Tunde. People might think I am here shouting, but it is not that, the whole idea is to see what is going wrong and look at what we can do better. I will tell them what I think.

“What I like about these guys is they listen, they are a young team who are willing to learn from someone who has been there and done it. I am here to correct them and say ‘you know what, this is what you do in this situation’,” added the 62-year-old, who will bring both experience and calm to punching proceedings.

“Definitely, because when you get that close to a fighter you can get caught up in it and not see things. I am here to guard against that because I have been there and I can look for things that maybe they are not looking for.

“The truth is very important for a fighter and, as I have said to people, if they are not hearing the truth they are hearing nonsense. They are in there to survive and you have got to be honest.”

Cook insists his remit includes a full licence to speak his mind and say what he sees.

“When they spoke to me I said if I am not that then I won’t be here. Anthony is his own man and I am the older man, so if I don’t speak the truth this is never going to work. I am here to make sure the truth is spoken.

“Anthony has all the heart in the world and it is probably that calmness that he needs around him. When everyone is wrapped up in emotion they probably miss that.”

And from his short stint bringing order to the lion’s den, Cook is convinced Yarde will, before too long, be top cat of the division.

“Listen, he will definitely be a world champion. He fought for one before and it was part of a learning experience where he will know what to do next time. He is definitely ready for a world title fight.”

Pictures from yesterdays media day with Cook, Yarde and Tunde can be found here

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

ANTHONY YARDE is delighted that arch rival Lyndon Arthur is number one in the WBO Light-Heavyweight ratings, but will still demand their rematch takes place after their respective fights next month.

Arthur won a narrow split decision when they fought last December taking Yarde’s Commonwealth title and capturing the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title.

Both are in action on Queensberry’s big show at London’s splendid Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the bill in the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

Manchester’s Arthur is now ranked number one for the WBO World crown worn by American Joe Smith.

“I am actually happy that Lyndon has reached number one,” said 29-year-old Yarde.

“I like to see progress and elevation. It’s the sport of boxing so when someone is doing well I am not a person to hate, but I do want the rematch.”

Yarde previously held top spot with the WBO and earned a crack against Sergey Kovalev when he was World champion in August 2019. He performed superbly before losing in the 11th round.

He added: “I wanted the rematch immediately, but will search for that straight after this fight.

“As far as I know there is a contract for the rematch, but we know how boxing works.

“Hopefully we can get the rematch on and I can get back my number one spot.”

Yarde’s who is still in the WBC, IBF and WBO rankings has fought twice behind closed doors during the pandemic –  against Dec Spelman who he beat in six rounds and Arthur.

When he faces Atra it will be his first contest in front of British fans since a fifth round stoppage of American Travis Reeves in March 2019, which also took place at the Royal Albert Hall.

Yarde says: “I can’t wait to blow away the cobwebs and get back into action, but for me the main thing will be having fans at the Royal Albert Hall.

“I am looking forward to getting back to normal, thriving off the crowd and the atmosphere that brings. It will make me feel like I am in a competitive boxing match.

“Against Spelman it was weird because there was no audience. In the Arthur fight, he had about 50 people making noise, but it was different. I just bought my sister and niece.

“With the crowd back I will feel like life is getting back to normal.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

 WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

CALLUM JOHNSON says it’s “a gutter” not to be boxing alongside Light-Heavyweight rivals Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde next month.

WBO number one contender Arthur and Yarde return to the ring at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

Former British and Commonwealth champion Johnson believes he may have stolen their thunder but injury means he cannot box on the bill as planned.

“I have had a few niggles that I thought would heal quicker, but I am back in training and will be ready for August,” said Johnson who came through a two round war against Emil Markic in April.

“It is a little bit of a gutter not being on the same bill as Lyndon and Anthony on July 10, but not the end of the world.

“It will only be another few weeks before Frank Warren has me out again, but I would have liked to be on that card.

“Firstly for the excitement of all three of us being on it and secondly to get out a bit quicker.

“I don’t think Lyndon or Anthony are as exciting as I am. I don’t think there are many fighters out there who are as exciting as me.

“The Markic fight brought a lot of excitement and everyone was talking about it. There are a lot of people who can’t wait to see me back out again.

“It’s a good card Queensberry are putting on at the Royal Albert Hall and they both have business to take care of. It looks like they are going to be having a rematch.”

Arthur took a split decision over Yarde when they met last December and promoter Warren has announced that a rematch is set to take place in the autumn.

If Johnson doesn’t get a second world title fight earlier, he will certainly be in the mix to fight the pair.

“They have both got to look good at the Royal Albert Hall trying to prove they are the best out of each other and to get people thinking they are the best in the country,” added Johnson who suffered his only loss in a thrilling World title challenge against Artur Beterbiev in October 2018.

“I think I would favour Arthur in the rematch, but it is a tough fight for both of them.

“Arthur deserved to win the first fight, but it wasn’t clear cut. He never dominated it massively, but did enough.

“These are exciting times because we all have a point to prove and all chasing the same thing.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

 The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

 Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

 WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

 Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

 Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

FRANK WARREN is eyeing a huge LYNDON ARTHUR and Anthony Yarde return clash this autumn.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren made the announcement earlier today when the Light-Heavyweight rivals met for the first time since Arthur’s split decision win over Yarde last December.

Before their eagerly awaited second fight WBO number one challenger Arthur and Yarde must come through tests against unbeaten opposition at London’s splendid Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

Manchester’s ‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Warren said: “Both the guys have agreed to it. The rematch will happen, but for now they both have to focus on their next fight.

“It’s very important for them to do the business because they will be facing each other in the autumn if they come through.

“Lyndon is currently ranked number one for Joe Smith’s WBO world title so that spot is there for these two guys to see who is moving forward.

“They are up against punchers who are unbeaten next month. They need to focus and cannot be complacent.

“There is a lot on the line and nobody wants them to win in July more than me because I want to see them back in against each other.”

Ilford’s Yarde previously challenged for the WBO world title in August 2019 and came agonisingly close before losing in 11 rounds against Sergey Kovalev.

And he’s confident of learning from the wafer thin loss against Arthur, getting revenge and landing a second world championship fight.

He said: “On paper I lost to Lyndon and that is something I had to learn from. I didn’t say the decision against Lyndon was a ‘robbery’ afterwards. I said I don’t like to scream ‘robbery.’

“At that moment in time I thought I won the fight. It isn’t anything against judges.

“At the time I felt it was clear, but when I watched it back you see another angle. You see other perspectives, but it is all learning. I didn’t do my job.

“I congratulate Lyndon. There is no hate in my body even though I had the number one WBO spot. Lyndon is now headlining and I’m happy for him.

“Last time it was business and it is business again, but I’ve learnt my lesson.”

Commonwealth champion Arthur has recovered from hand surgery and itching to get back in action.

He’s confident of making it 2-0 against Yarde and said: “I believe I will win again and I will just adapt to the situation of the fight.

“The rankings say a world title is within my reach and I believe I can beat Joe Smith Jr. He is the big target.”

Warren also revealed that he is in talks for the show to be a government test event which would allow a capacity crowd at the world famous domed venue.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek’s former amateur superstar Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious Bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs), who has been the distance with Commonwealth champion Prince Patel.

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

Tickets are available via the Royal Albert Hall website here

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

ANTHONY YARDE has added top London trainer James Cook to his team as he launches another World title run.

Former British and European champion Cook will join Tunde Ajayi and Ade Olayinka in the corner when the world ranked Light-Heavyweight returns to action next month.

Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) meets unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder at the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

It will be the Ilford KO King’s first contest since losing his Commonwealth crown on a split decision against Lyndon Arthur last December.

Loyal Yarde refused to make wholesale team changes, but added experienced Cook who had 35 professional fights in a career between 1982 and 1994.

Cook’s career included wins against Mark Kaylor, Michael Watson, Sam Storey and in Paris he beat 50-1-1 French star Pierre Frank Winterstein to become European champion.

Yarde who lost to Sergey Kovalev in a WBO title fight in August 2019 said: “James has been an extra pair of eyes, watching over certain things and giving advice when he can. It has been good.

“He is a very nice guy. I have known him since I first started boxing and I know more about him now.

“He was a serious fighter, very well respected, has very good energy and very good boxing knowledge.”

Yarde foe Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the Queensberry bill on July 10th when he makes his first defence of the WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

If Arthur and Yarde come through unscathed it will bring their anticipated return clash a step closer.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) returns with his opponent yet to be confirmed. Zach is looking to defend his position ahead of hopefully being made mandatory to the World title held by P4P King Canelo Alvarez.

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

More fights will be added.

Tickets will go on general sale tomorrow, available via the Royal Albert Hall here

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

Light-Heavyweight rivals Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde both return to action on Saturday July 10 at the Royal Albert Hall, ahead of a contracted rematch later this year.

Arthur narrowly outpointed Yarde in December and they will get a close up of each other once again on Queensberry’s summer special live on BT Sport.

In the main event, Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) defends his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian became the number one ranked contender for Joe Smith Jr’s WBO World title after his split decision win against Yarde and can afford no mistakes against Swiss born Faraci.

As well as his lofty WBO ranking, Arthur is ranked number four by the IBF and nine by the WBC. Artur Beterbiev holds the IBF and WBC belts.

KO King Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) aims to be back with a bang when he meets unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Yarde had been due to meet Atra in April, but was sidelined because of a dental problem which forced the delay.

Yarde showed he belonged at world level when he came close to toppling then WBO World champion Sergey Kovalev in August 2019 before losing in the 11th round.

Ilford’s big hitter returned with wins against Diego Jair Ramirez and Dec Spelman before running into Arthur who he will be desperate to meet in a rematch.

Despite the setback against his bitter British rival, Yarde has remained in the world ratings and is ranked high by the IBF, WBC and WBO.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Of course, the rematch is what everyone wants and it will happen at some stage.

“It is fantastic to get them on the same bill. Both of them have a point to prove and BT Sport viewers can look forward to them both impressing.

“Lyndon has leapt to number one with the WBO and will want to show the champion Joe Smith Jr how much of a threat he is.

“Anthony will still feel aggrieved that the decision went Lyndon’s way and has vowed never to trust judges again so he will go for it against Atra, for sure.”

Also on the bill, WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) returns with his opponent yet to be confirmed. Zach is looking to defend his position ahead of hopefully being made mandatory to the World title held by P4P King Canelo Alvarez.

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

They had been due to meet at the weekend, but a COVID-19 issue involving Soza meant a short postponement.

Warren added: “Archie is another Queensberry fighter high in the world rankings and providing he keeps winning and remains patient his chance will come.”

“Zach Parker was hugely impressive in his last fight, seeing off Vaughan Alexander – who hadn’t previously been finished – in just 2 rounds.

“I believe he has the power to knockout anyone in his division and look forward to another exciting performance from him.”

More big fights will be added to the bill in the coming days.

Tickets will go on pre-sale with the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow and on general sale Thursday.

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

ANTHONY YARDE HAS unfortunately been forced to withdraw from his return fight against unbeaten German Emin Atra in London on Saturday.

The 29-year-old is suffering with a tooth abscess, meaning his 10-rounder against the 17-0 Atra is now subject to a short delay.

“I am frustrated but it is what it is and I won’t rush anything,” said the light heavyweight on his dental treatment. “It just makes me even more eager to get back out.

“It should take about two weeks, the tooth is next to my canine so I am going to have to use a denture for a little while before having an implant. I definitely won’t be out for long.

“The dentist lady literally laughed when I told her I had a fight coming up! She said if I got hit there – I joked that I don’t get hit… – because it is nerve endings, it could swell up in a way that is uncontrollable.

“It is one of those things and I have just got to deal with it.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “It is disappointing for both Anthony and the viewers this time around, but the fight will go ahead on one of our forthcoming shows. However, we’ve got a great show to look forward to on Saturday, topped by the terrific British and Commonwealth middleweight title battle between Denzel Bentley and Felix Cash.

“I think everybody is looking forward to this one, plus we’ve got the return of Callum Johnson in a good fight against the experienced Emil Markic and our big heavyweight prospect David Adeleye back in action and looking to impress.”

KO KING Anthony Yarde aims to be back with bang when he meets unbeaten German Emin Atra in London on Saturday April 24.

The Ilford man last boxed in December when he was outpointed by Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur over 12 rounds.

Their promoter Frank Warren is targeting a rematch later in 2021, but Yarde must impress against Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a ten rounder, live on BT Sport.

Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) who came close to toppling then WBO World champion Sergey Kovalev in August 2019 said: “I am just looking forward to getting back in action and blowing away the cobwebs

“It has been a bit of a rollercoaster personal and business wise, but I am getting back and right now I feel very good. Things are going well.

“I wanted the rematch with Lyndon immediately, but it didn’t work out that way. There is still a rematch clause, but for now I need to stay active.

“I gave myself time to sit back, analyse and look through everything that has happened. It is about re-assessing everything and getting myself back out there.”

Yarde, 29, is keeping schtum on changes he has made since the Arthur setback, but vowed that he will be going for the KO against Atra and Arthur when they do meet again in the anticipated return.

“I have watched the Lyndon fight five times. I still have myself winning, but a lot closer than when I was actually in the ring,” admitted Yarde.

“I am inexperienced but that has taught me my method in boxing is to knock people out and not prove I can go rounds.

“When you’re in there things seem to be going a certain type of way. I kind of think Lyndon’s response in our exchange after the fight showed us both who he thought won the fight.

“Afterwards he said he said he thought it was close. In there,  I thought I won clearly and one judge had it wide. When I actually watched it again it was closer than I thought.

“The next day I was over the Lyndon fight. I am not a person who holds onto things, especially as it’s something you can’t change.

“That wasn’t the right result or the best result on the night for myself or performance.

“Things happen at certain stages to remind you, what you’re meant to be doing and your purpose in the sport.

“I have changed a lot. I am going to hold back saying what I’ve changed. There are things what have been changed, but I want to lock things in first and make sure I’m happy before I make any announcements.”

Yarde, 29,  who is still highly ranked by the IBF, WBC and WBO could also be on a collision course with another British former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger, Callum Johnson.

The Boston man recently returned to Warren’s stable and is also in action alongside Yarde on the big behind closed doors show at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) meets WBO number 15 ranked Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the organisation’s vacant Global championship.

“Although I only focus on myself that is potential fight like any Light-Heavyweight in the division is,” says Ilford’s Yarde.

Heading the bill is Battersea’s Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) who makes the first defence of his British Middleweight title against mandatory contender Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) whose Commonwealth crown is also on the line.

Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.

Also in six round action York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1) and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) who faces Clayton Bricknell (3-3-1).

In four rounders are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan  (4-0) and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.

LYNDON ARTHUR FIRMLY rejects the suggestion that his encounter with Anthony Yarde on Saturday falls into the classic ‘boxer vs puncher’ category of fight.

The light heavyweight pair collide with Arthur’s Commonwealth title at stake but, more importantly, there is a lofty ranking with the WBO up for grabs that Frank Warren is confident of converting into a mandatory world title shot for the winner.

Arthur being labelled as the boxer in the bargain most likely stems from his patient breaking down of Dec Spelman in July in a fight Yarde condemned as ‘boring’, whereas Yarde himself took on Arthur five weeks later and forced a sixth round stoppage with a more aggressive approach.

To tag Arthur as a technician probably doesn’t do him justice, given that 12 of his 17 opponents to date have not heard the final bell and nine of them have not made it to the third round.

‘King Arthur’ is not happy over people failing to recognise his punching prowess.

“I know I am good enough to be here and don’t need to worry about anything,” growled the Manchester man, who is trained by former European champion Pat Barrett. “I can punch too! Everyone keeps saying this. Do you want to feel my punches?

“Everyone keeps saying I can’t punch and it is starting to p**s me off. It is just that I can box as well,” added Arthur, who went on to address the sharing of Spelman as an opponent.

“I believe I beat Spelman better because I am a me fan, a Lyndon fan. Yarde did well but we have seen it many times and we knew what he would do. I’d already beaten him.

“When I fought him and it was the winner gets to fight Yarde, he was coming in on my fight week, on my interviews and was just around. Then the loser fought him. For what purpose?

“The day he fought Dec Spelman he could have fought me, so I thought it was a pointless fight and he was going to beat him and prove to himself he could knock out someone who everybody knows he could knock out – after I had already beaten him.

“Go and fight somebody else. It made no sense to me,” continued the 29-year-old, before getting around to the ‘boring’ jibe.

“So it was boring because I didn’t get hit? He likes to say ‘I knock people out and it’s entertainment’ but it depends what boxing you like. For me watching it back it was a fun fight to watch. If you like boxing you’ll watch that fight and like it. You’ll see certain skills in there that you will like, while if you just like knockouts you’ll watch Yarde.

“He has had better marketing than me and is bigger than me in the sense that he’s had the (Sergey) Kovalev fight and the backing of BT a little bit more than me. Really and truly, when it comes down to it, it doesn’t make a difference.

“We’re both going to get in the ring and that is where it matters.”

Anthony Yarde (19-1, 18KOs) vs Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) for the Commonwealth light heavyweight title headlines a night of boxing live on BT Sport 1 on Saturday, which also features a super bantamweight battle with the WBC International title at stake between Michael Ramabeletsa (18-17, 8KOs) and the unbeaten Southern Area champion Chris Bourke (8-0, 5KOs).

Bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (7-0, 5KOs) takes on Pedro Matos (7-3) over eight rounds. 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali has his second fight in the pro ranks and there is a debut for Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma, who will campaign at light heavyweight.

FIGHT #1

MUHAMMAD ALI (9st 8lb 4oz) v JAMIE QUINN (9st 11lb 5oz)

FIGHT #2

KAROL ITAUMA (12st 12lb 3oz) v LEWIS VAN POETSCH (12st 10lb 9oz)

FIGHT #3

CHRIS BOURKE (8st 9lb 4oz) v MICHAEL RAMABELETSA (8st 8lb 8oz)

FIGHT #4

DENNIS MCCANN (8st 8lb 4oz) v PEDRO MATOS (8st 7lb 9oz)

FIGHT #5

ANTHONY YARDE (12st 6lb 5oz) v LYNDON ARTHUR (12st 6lb 3oz)

Anthony Yarde (19-1, 18KOs) vs Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) for the Commonwealth light heavyweight title headlines a night of boxing live on BT Sport 1 on Saturday, which also features a super bantamweight battle with the WBC International title at stake between Michael Ramabeletsa (18-17, 8KOs) and the unbeaten Southern Area champion Chris Bourke (8-0, 5KOs).

Bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (7-0, 5KOs) takes on Pedro Matos (7-3) over eight rounds. 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali has his second fight in the pro ranks and there is a debut for Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma.

ANTHONY YARDE IS vowing to wow a bumper television audience when he finally gets to trade blows with light heavyweight rival Lyndon Arthur in Westminster on Saturday.

The Lion – aka the Beast – will be looking to overthrow King Arthur and seize the Commonwealth throne at Church House in a long-awaited collision that will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.

Eagerly anticipated clashes such as this one do not always live up to their explosive billing, with the ring warfare sometimes turning more tactical rather than open.

Yarde insists tactical maneuvers are not for him and he will be seeking to inflict a show-stopping finish on his unbeaten opponent from Manchester

“We will have to see on the night,” considered the 2019 world title challenger. “I am always looking to have a spectacular fight, always, always. I don’t like boring, I don’t like looking back and seeing boring. Everybody knows I am a big critic of myself and if I get hit too much when I don’t need to get hit then I am going to criticise myself. If I don’t hit a person enough when I could have I will criticise myself. If I am not as sharp as I can be, I will criticise myself.

“So it is about just getting a good performance out of myself. I only focus on myself.

“The fight is going to be entertaining, one hundred percent. I am looking to land shots I have been working on, to apply pressure, I am looking to do everything that is necessary to get the knockout victory.”

Arthur, 29, who became Commonwealth champion by defeating Emmanuel Anim in 2019, famously possesses the gift of the jab, but Yarde can only envision the 17-0 Team GB graduate failing to negate his own weapons Arsenal and ending up on the canvas.

“I just picture establishing my own offence and winning the fight by knockout. Everybody knows I don’t predict rounds, but I do predict winning the fight by knockout. I’ve got 12 rounds to do it, that is 36 minutes and in my opinion that is a long time.

“For me, in my mind, it is inevitable. It is just when I get the knockout victory.”

Yarde’s confidence in his KO-artistry is not without foundation, with 19 of his 20 winning performances ending via stoppage. It is tempting to imagine that after accepting a mission to far-flung Chelyabinsk to take on a Russian legend on his home patch, domestic assignments must seem far less daunting.

The 29-year-old Ilford man says he is employing the same thought process in taking on Arthur as he did in attempting to topple the formidable Sergey Kovalev.

“If you listened to me before the Kovalev fight, I wasn’t talking to sell the fight. I am just very confident in myself and even before I started boxing I knew I had something. I knew I could fight, I knew I could throw punches, I knew I had something a lot of people ain’t got.

“That is not blowing smoke up myself, it is just having confidence in myself. I said I was going out there to knock Kovalev out and people were like ‘this guy is crazy’. I didn’t say it was going to be easy, I said I was going to do it and I almost pulled it off. In my opinion it was the only way I was going to win that fight in Russia because I wasn’t going to win by decision, even if I did win it technically.

“So I openly said I was going to win by knockout and I nearly did but there was just little things, little differences. Sometimes it is just one punch in boxing and it is about landing the right punch at the right time – and I almost did.

“It shows me the level I am at. If I can go out there and just have that one option and be that close to pulling it off, it shows how mentally strong I can be in things I can achieve.”

Anthony Yarde (19-1, 18KOs) vs Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) for the Commonwealth light heavyweight title headlines a night of boxing live on BT Sport 1 on Saturday, which also features a super bantamweight battle with the WBC International title at stake between Michael Ramabeletsa (18-17, 8KOs) and the unbeaten Southern Area champion Chris Bourke (8-0, 5KOs).

Bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (7-0, 5KOs) takes on Pedro Matos (7-3) over eight rounds. 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali has his second fight in the pro ranks and there is a debut for Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma.

FRANK WARREN MARKS the week of his 40th year in the sport of licenced professional boxing by delivering the blockbuster light heavyweight collision between Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur and 2019 world title challenger Anthony Yarde.

The pair came together at a private media briefing in London earlier today and below is a selection of quotes from the event.

Frank Warren
It has been a great story and I’m glad we are going to church on Saturday! I am really looking forward to it. I look back over the years and the first fight I did was a light heavyweight fight between two world ranked American fighters at the top of the bill. When I look back I thought we would do some tickets and have a real big crowd, but the place was empty – you could have fired a machine gun and wouldn’t have hit anyone!

Here we go, we are back again on Saturday with no people there. It is very ironic, but for different reasons. If we could have sold tickets for this one, could you imagine, it would be a burster and they would be knocking down doors to get in.

I’ve had my ups and downs over the years, I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve made some good friends – a couple of little enemies along the way, but mostly friends – and it doesn’t even feel like 40 years, so I am looking forward to the next 40.

I am delighted over where we are and I am delighted to be promoting this fight between these two guys. I love the sport, it is the most amazing sport of all. Fighters are unique sportsmen and it is a privilege to be around them, at least most of them. You look at what they have to go through to fight, the sacrifices they make with their youth and not being able to do what most youngsters do. They sacrifice these things because they are looking for better things in life. to make their families comfortable and to secure their futures – in probably the most challenging of all sports.

It is not like football, tennis or golf where, if you get beat you play again the next week. Fights bring about career-defining moments and that is why you’ve got to take your hat off to these guys. They are on the top pedestal of all sportsmen.

We had a show last Saturday at Church House and it was a great fight. This will be the same. You look at the styles, the records, the will to win and determination both these guys have got. What it says all over it is ‘fight’ and that is what you are going to get, a great fight.

We arranged to do it back in April and for obvious reasons it didn’t happen, but here we are today getting the fight on.

Lyndon Arthur
I’ve watched him go through the gears with the opponents he’s faced and, with being from the same promotional team, it has always made sense for us to fight. We’ve both been winning, both been doing our thing, we’re both British and, as everyone says, it makes for a great British dust-up. That is what it is going to be on the night.

It is exciting times, I am excited to get in there and excited to see what’s going to happen on the night. I wanna test myself against what is supposed to be the best in the business, so let’s get it on, let’s do it. Why would I be here if I didn’t think I would win.

We will see what happens on the night but I believe I am better and I believe I will win. I am not here to make the numbers up or be an opponent. I might be on the B-side right now but I am here to change that. I feel like I am special.

Anthony Yarde
It is boxing, it is a compliment he wants to fight me and he will tell you himself I have done nothing but entertain and have done more than what was expected of me. That is how I’ve got to the level I am at so for me on Saturday night it is about doing the same thing. Being a better Anthony Yarde, being entertaining, being explosive and as smart as I can be.

Let’s just wait and see but, to be honest, I think I have shown that no-one can keep me off even at the highest level. When I start pressing I can press but, again, it is about learning – I’m sure he is still learning as well – and about putting on the best performances. I am definitely looking forward to the future.

I just feel like it is another one of those things [the Kovalev fight], challenging myself mentally. I never envisioned anything like that happening because I was extremely confident and what I have been through this year is conditioning of the mind. To be mentally and physically focused and as strong as possible.

A lot of people couldn’t be here with what I have been through this year. Again, I didn’t make any excuses and just got back in the ring. It is ‘Lions in the Camp’.

I am one of these people who takes nothing for granted. Each time I can get in a boxing ring and do this as a professional I just thank God. It is about making the most of it, having fun and, as I said before, it is about being explosive, being entertaining and being smart.

I am supremely confident in my abilities. He has said it about me over who I have fought and, again, styles make fights and I am not going to be there to be eating jabs or anything like that. I fought someone with one of the best jabs in the business and it was only later on in the fight when I needed to win by knockout that it told. With that experience my focus is to be even smarter, even better and you learn from your mistakes.

Anthony Yarde (19-1, 18KOs) vs Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) for the Commonwealth light heavyweight title headlines a night of boxing live on BT Sport 1 on Saturday, which also features a super bantamweight battle with the WBC International title at stake between Michael Ramabeletsa (18-17, 8KOs) and the unbeaten Southern Area champion Chris Bourke (8-0, 5KOs).

Bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (7-0, 5KOs) takes on Pedro Matos (7-3) over eight rounds. 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali has his second fight in the pro ranks and there is a debut for Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma

Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren will celebrate forty years in professional boxing by bringing the two biggest domestic battles of the year right into the heart of Central London.

Dubois vs Joyce (28^th Nov) and Yarde vs Arthur (5^th Dec) will take place at the majestic Church House, in view of the world famous Westminster Abbey.

Church House was founded in 1887 and was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The current building was designed by the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker and the foundation stone was laid by Her Majesty, Queen Mary on 26 June 1937. It took until 1940 to complete and was officially opened by His Majesty, King George VI on 10^th June 1940.

The building suffered a direct hit in the early part of WWII but due to its exceptional construction only minimal damage was done. The Prime Minister of the day, Winston Churchill, was so impressed by this that the building was refurbished for use by the two Houses of Parliament for the remainder of the war.

Many historic speeches and events took place within the building during this time, in particular the announcement by Churchill from the stage of the Hoare Memorial Hall of the sinking of the battleship Bismarck.

In 1945, the first meetings of the United Nations Preparatory Commission and Security Council were held in the Hoare Memorial Hall.

Frank Warren said: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm such a spectacular venue to host two weeks of fantastic big time boxing. It’ll be a more than fitting way to celebrate my forty years in professional boxing.

“Both these bouts are going to be battles for the history books, so it makes sense they’d take place in a venue so rich in history.

“Winston Churchill announced the sinking of the Bismarck inside this venue, and soon we’ll know who out of Dubois, Joyce, Yarde and Arthur will sink or swim.”

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About Church House Westminster

Church House Westminster is a Grade-II listed multi-purpose event and conference venue uniquely located in tranquil Dean’s Yard. Most of its 19 flexible event spaces offer stunning views of Westminster Abbey. The dedicated team are consistently recognised by the BDRC Gold Standard for their commitment to service excellence throughout all areas. The conference and event spaces are equipped with the latest technology, supported by the venue’s own in-house, award-winning Audio-Visual team.

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LYNDON ARTHUR will make the second defence of his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight championship against Anthony Yarde on Saturday December 5 in another huge night of boxing on BT Sport.
 
The sizzling showdown between the world ranked pair will be promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions and will mark the end of a huge two-week celebration of his 40 year anniversary in professional boxing, which also takes in Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce on November 28th.
 
Arthur (17-0, 12 KOs) won his title in October 2019 outpointing tough Ghanaian Emmanuel Anim, and in his first defence a little under four months ago won clearly on points against Dec Spelman.
 
‘King Arthur’ said: “What a great fight it is to be involved in.
 
“Being behind closed doors means there would have been a few stare downs at press conferences by now, but it takes nothing away when we fight.
 
“A lot of boxing fans are in lockdown, they all have an opinion and they will all tune in to BT Sport. I’m excited knowing that.”
 
Yarde (20-1, 19 KOs) went one better than his rival against Spelman in September and stopped him the sixth rounder of their non-title contest.
 
“I could have stopped Spelman if I upped the pressure. I was in first gear and not even blowing,” insisted Manchester man Arthur who is ranked at seven by the WBO and nine by the IBF.
 
The 29-year-old added: “Yarde has power, but to nullify it I will make sure I am not there to be hit. Everyone can hit hard if you stand in front of them.
 
“I have power as well and he needs to nullify mine. I’m not worried about his power.
 
“The two 12 rounders against Anim and Spelman have brought me on leaps and bounds. It’s 24 rounds experience in two 12 rounds fights. You cannot buy that.
 
“I’ve watched Yarde’s two fights since Kovalev and he hasn’t shown anything different. You get what you see.”
 
Like the defending champion, Yarde’s world rankings are soaring. The Ilford KO machine is ranked nine by the WBC, at twelve by the IBF and is fifth in the ratings for the vacant WBO championship.
 
Yarde went to Sergey Kovalev’s Russian back yard in August 2019 and came so close to beating the then WBO World Champion before running out of steam in round 11.
 
He returned in February and hammered Diego Jair Ramirez inside two rounds before his impressive showing against Spelman.
 
Yarde, 29, said: “I hope and believe this will deliver a thrilling end to what has been a difficult year for everybody.
 
“Top domestic fights like this are what boxing fans tell us they want and I am happy to be part of what will be a special night in London – a special place for a special fight.
 
“From my side, I will be about bringing entertainment for the viewers, spectacular action and a devastating finish. I want to make it a memorable fight that will be remembered for a long time.
 
“I am totally focused only on this fight and I am treating it just as seriously as I would for a world title. I take every fight seriously and right now I am just working towards getting the job done in the best fashion.”
 
It will also be a night to remember for Warren, as it concludes the two-week celebration of his 40th anniversary of promoting his first ever British Boxing Board of Control show.
 
The Hall-of-Fame promoter said: “It will be a memorable occasion for me personally, but to promote two world class boxers in the Queensberry stable going against each other is the icing on the cake.
 
“Anthony and Lyndon agreeing to fight tells you about their confidence levels and how they feel their place is in the pecking order.
 
“I believe the winner will become the mandatory for the WBO title.
 
“There are two guarantees. Anthony and Lyndon will deliver excitement and the winner will be in the world title picture in 2021.
 
“The fight was first scheduled for April. Sadly the pandemic has kept delaying it. Of course I would have loved a packed house, but we couldn’t delay it any further.”

Now that all the participants are weighed-in, and confirmed covid-free, Hall-of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren’s incredible run of shows can continue live, tomorrow night on BT Sport 1 from 7.30pm.

In the main event of the evening, ‘The Beast from the East’ Anthony Yarde will meet one of Britain’s hardest men Dec Spelman, before hopefully moving on to a domestic dust-up with Commonwealth Champion Lyndon Arthur later in the year.

Elsewhere on the card, Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley will do battle in a British eliminator for the Middleweight crown currently worn by Welshman Liam Williams.

The vacant IBF European title will also be on the line at welterweight when Cedrick Peynaud meets English champion Ekow Essuman. Lightweight Bilal Ali, featherweight Amin Jahanzeb and debut making super-welterweight Josh Frankham round out the card.

Official photos from todays weigh-in can be found here

Official weights below:

Anthony Yarde 12st 11lb 12oz
Dec Spelman 12st 12lb

Mark Heffron 11st 5lb 9oz
Denzel Bentley 11st 5lb 4oz

Ekow Essuman 10st 6lb 11oz
Cedrick Peynaud 10st 6lb 5oz

Mohammed Bilal Ali 9st 8lb 4oz
Ed Harrison 9st 5lb 9oz

Josh Frankham 11st 8oz
Kev McAuley 11st 2lb

Anthony Yarde vs Dec Spelman, Nathan Gorman vs Richard Lartey, Mark Heffron vs Denzel Bentley and Ekow Essuman vs Cedrick Peynaud have today all been announced for a bumper Queensberry Promotions card on September 12.

Anthony Yarde will take on Dec Spelman, in what will prove an ideal chance to directly compare himself against potential future foe Lyndon Arthur – who last month edged Spelman on points behind-closed-doors.

Yarde challenged for a World Title against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and has been absent since his Russian mission – where he came within seconds of toppling the legendary champion.

The light heavyweight Beast from the East is now back in business against an opponent who extended Manchester’s Arthur to 12 rounds of work in July. Commenting on the fight on behalf of BT Sport on the night, Yarde complained over a lack of entertainment from the pair and that he needed paying to stay awake.

Yarde will be looking to provide more entertainment on September 12.

Also featuring on what will be a huge night of action is the heavyweight return of Nathan Gorman, 16-1, who will fight Richard Lartey from Ghana (subject to visa approval) in an eliminator for the Commonwealth title. Both have a shared experience of taking on Daniel Dubois, with the 14-2 Lartey engaging in an explosive shootout with the young Londoner before being stopped in four rounds at Wembley Arena in April of last year.

Gorman, just 24, will be seeking to put the domestic heavyweight division on notice that he is back in the fold and in the bidding for major titles once again.

The vacant IBF European welterweight championship will be on the line for English champion Ekow Essuman when he goes in with the Frenchman Cedrick Peynaud. The Paris-based Peynaud took part in two epic struggles against Connor Benn across 2017-18 where both men were put to the canvas and it represents an ideal test for Essuman, who is in the British title mix along with Benn and the champion Chris Jenkins.

In what is a huge fight for the middleweight division in this country, a battle of the big punchers is confirmed between Battersea’s Denzel Bentley (13-0) and Oldham’s Mark Heffron (25-1).

For a fight that surely cannot fail to deliver fireworks, the IBF European title is the prize for the winner between two men who have not been shy in calling each other out across social media. 

Promoter Frank Warren – who will also showcase the talents of lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali on the night, along with new signings Amin Jahanzeb (7-0, featherweight) and Joshua Frankham (debut, super welterweight) – said: 

“This is a card with the potential to deliver for the fans watching on BT Sport in a big way.

“Boxing is a game of ego’s and Anthony is keen to show the world that he can go one better than Lyndon and blast Spelman out early.

“Spelman is not an easy fight for anyone, but if Anthony comes through we’ll be on course for Yarde vs Arthur later this year hopefully.”

“I am delighted to be bringing Anthony back because he needs a competitive fight before his big domestic showdown against Lyndon Arthur and he will be determined to do a better job on Dec Spelman than his rival. He has put the onus on himself to find an explosive performance after complaining about Lyndon’s fight with Dec being boring!

“I still firmly believe Anthony is a world-level elite operator and he will prove as much given time but, for now, he needs to keep busy and remind the public of what he is all about.”

Anthony Yarde said:

“The people want explosive action and knockouts so I will not be hiding behind my jab and sending everyone to sleep,” stated the 19-1 man from Ilford. 

“This will be all about me reminding people that I am the force of the division and I am heading right back to the top where I intend to dominate and reign for a long time to come.

“I respect Dec Spelman as a fighter but this is the chance for me to show everyone what they can expect when I get to share a ring with Lyndon Arthur.”

Dec Spelman said:

“If Yarde comes to fight then so much the better for me. Lyndon made our fight a technical affair that I was disappointed I couldn’t really get to grips with, so if Yarde wants some action then bring it on.

“I will actually be his first test at domestic level so we will see how he looks on the night.”

FULL DETAILS FOR FURTHER SHOWS ON SEPT 26 (Headlined by Josh Taylor vs Apinun Khongsong) and OCT 10 COMING VERY SOON

With just two days until his BT Sport 1 main event against Dec Spelman, ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur has declared himself ready to conquer the United Kingdom’s Light Heavyweight landscape.

“Forget Yarde and Buatsi,” said Lyndon of his two most high-profile rivals. “By the end of the year, i’ll be the guy you’re all talking about.”

Prior to Lockdown, Arthur had been scheduled for a blockbuster bust-up with ‘The Beast’ Anthony Yarde but those plans were scuppered by the Lockdown and subsequent postponement of a planned April 11th card at the O2 Arena.

That fight remains part of Frank Warren’s plans for later this year, but first Lyndon must overcome a tricky defence of his Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title against a tough opponent in Dec Spelman.

Spelman is confident of victory himself and in his first interview since arriving in London for fight week, the Scunthorpe scrapper vowed to take Lyndon’s “head off”.

The ‘King’ isn’t worried about the threat to his crown… or his head.

“Friday it’ll be the same old story. I’ll beat him down and I’ll knock him out. Easy work.

“I keep hearing people say this is my hardest fight but I’m going to make it look like my easiest. Dec Spelman has never been hit as hard as he will be on Friday night.”

Spelman enters the ring boasting an impressive record of 16-3, but the undefeated Mancunian thinks he’ll be able to prove he’s a level above his opponent.

Lyndon is 16-0 with 12KO’s to his name and believes he’ll soon prove himself worthy of his royal nickname.

The ‘King’ said: “Dec’s a good fighter but he doesn’t belong in the ring with me.”

Arthur vs Spelman is live on BT Sport 1 at 7pm, this Friday night.

LYNDON ARTHUR is focused on knocking out Dec Spelman before getting to grips with Anthony Yarde.

The Mancunian makes the first defence of his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight championship against Spelman (16-3, 8KOs) on Friday July 31 In the third instalment of Frank Warren’s summer series.

Scunthorpe’s Spelman is one of the toughest 12st 7lb men in Britain and it will be a big ask for Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) to end his challenge inside 12 rounds.

Arthur, 29, hasn’t boxed since last October when he claimed his title by outpointing Ghana’s Emmanuel Anim, who he floored in round four.

Lyndon said: “Dec might have lost a couple of fights, but he leaves it in there and is a tough, come forward fighter, can take a shot and could be in there for the long haul.

“He is rock solid, but he hasn’t been hit off me. He hasn’t been in with anyone who hits as hard as I do. I am looking to knock him out.

“The Anim fight ticked so many boxes for me. I know I am fit and can do 12 rounds without a problem.

“Anyone I had hit before that fight hadn’t got up, but him getting up and pushing me for 12 rounds was a good experience.

“It was nice to get in there with someone who can give me a good fight after being hurt. I adapted well to that situation.

“If I drop Dec and he gets up and pushes me 12 rounds there won’t be any shock on my part this time.

“Boxing behind closed doors will be like an intense spar with little gloves on, trying to knock each other out.”

Arthur had been due to face Yarde this month in a mouthwatering clash, but the coronavirus crisis has forced a delay.

“Not to fight Yarde in July was initially a blow.” said Arthur.

“I have not fought since October last year so it will be good to get out before the Yarde fight.”

Spelman, 28, won the English title last May when he defeated Kirk Garvey, but Shakan Pitters snatched the crown from him back in September.

He knows this a chance to wreck Arthur’s date with Yarde and book himself that fight later this year.

“The chance of fighting Yarde is driving me on massively,” roared Spelman who combines boxing with his day job as a scaffolder.

“Lyndon has the Yarde fight hanging over him, but if I win then I could get that fight and make life-changing money.

“Lyndon has power, but he is also elusive. I am not stupid enough to think I can outbox him.

“I have got to get in his face, rough him up, use my strength. I can whack a bit as well.

“He knows what I am going to do. I am going to meet him in the middle and we will see who comes on top. This fight is a potential banana skin for him.”

On the same bill at BT Sports studio Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko (6-0, 3KOs) will get the chance to show his talents as chief support in his first ten-rounder.

Liverpool trio Nick Ball (12-0, 6KOs), Andrew Cain (5-0, 5KOs) and Brad Strand (3-0, 1KO) are all in action, as Ball takes on Jerome Cambell (6-0, 1KO) in a Super-Featherweight clash and Strand tackles Brett Fidoe (13-62-5, 6KO’s) in super-bantam action. Andrew Cain’s opponent will be confirmed shortly.

‘LION IN THE CAMP’ Anthony Yarde has revealed how the boxing world played an important part in helping him recover from the tragic personal losses he has suffered at the hands of the coronavirus pandemic.

After losing both his Father and Grandmother in recent months Yarde has received private messages of support from the boxing fraternity.

Speaking to Queensberry Promotions’ ‘Lockdown Lowdown’, Anthony said: “I got messages from a lot of people in my weight class… some that people want me to fight.”

Challenging any assumption boxing might not be the natural breeding ground for compassion, ‘The Beast from the East’ added: “nine times out of ten, boxers are nice people.”

One of those nice people is ‘King Arthur’ Lyndon Arthur, the 28-year-old Manchester Light-Heavyweight that was scheduled to be Anthony’s next opponent.

The pair were originally slated to clash in the co-main event of the Dubois vs Joyce pay-per-view that has been postponed due to the current situation.

Despite their upcoming scrap, Arthur was quick to offer his personal condolences to his rival.

“Lyndon, someone i’m meant to be fighting very soon, sent me condolences and told me to stay strong and all that kind of stuff.”

Reflecting on the nature of rivalries in boxing, Yarde added: “even though we’re getting ready to fight each other there’s no bad blood really. 

“There might be a bit of bad blood thrown around when we get in the ring, or the build up, but none of us wish anything traumatic like that to happen to each other.”

Interviewer Dev Sahni was quick to express his admiration that the pair could show such respect despite expecting to be soon “punching each other’s heads in”, but confident Yarde was quick to pour cold water on the idea that it would be so mutual.

“We’re not about to punch each other’s heads in” he laughed, adding: “I’m not one of those people that brags and boasts but I’m a very confident individual and it ain’t me getting my head punched in. I’ll tell you that.”

That positive mindset, whether in life or in boxing, is what Yarde believes gives him his ability to ride out personal tragedy.

“Life can make you or break you, but what life will do to me is motivate me and help me along. 

“I’m a very strong believer in God so I believe… the bad things we go through are lessons, you have to go through things that teach you and prepare you for the real world.”

————

Anthony Yarde’s ‘Lockdown Lowdown’ interview can be seen in full on YouTube – here

THE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED ‘Seek and Destroy’ showdown between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce at the o2 Arena on April 11 now has a blockbuster chief support in place with Anthony Yarde set to take on the unbeaten Lyndon Arthur.

In what is another huge domestic duel, Yarde – who lost out in a world title challenge to Sergey Kovalev on away soil in August of last year – goes in with Manchester’s former Team GB product and Commonwealth champion Arthur in what is certain to be a pulsating collision of big-punching light heavyweights.

Prior to his venture to Chelyabinsk – Kovalev’s home town – Yarde had stopped all but one of his previous opponents and worked his way to the No.1 position with the WBO, winning the Southern Area, WBO European and WBO Intercontinental titles along the way.

Before this, the explosive 28-year-old known as ‘The Beast’ had not been taken beyond seven rounds and he currently holds a 90 per cent KO-ratio. Yarde’s ring record stands at 19-1 (18 KOs).

Decorated amateur Arthur, also 28, has registered 12 KOs from his 16 professional fights and won his Commonwealth crown last time out against Emmanuel Anim in December.

Trained by Pat Barrett at the Collyhurst and Moston Gym, ‘King Arthur’ has long considered himself the dark horse of the currently hot division and was patiently awaiting a breakthrough opportunity against one of the marquee domestic light heavyweights.

His wait is nearly over and we can expect a fascinating clash between a vastly experienced former amateur star and one who exploded onto the scene and thrived despite a limited amateur background.

Further title action comes in the form of a British welterweight championship rematch between Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) from Garnant in Wales and ‘The Pexican’, Peckham’s Johnny Garton (21-2-1, 10 KOs).

The pair met in March 2019 when Garton was champion – having won the belt in a thriller against Gary Corcoran – at the Royal Albert Hall. Jenkins prevailed via the scorecards after an enthralling encounter and now he makes his third defence, having clocked up a victory over Paddy Gallagher and a technical draw last time out with Liam Taylor, where the fight was stopped due to a severe cut.

WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp (18-0, 9 KOs) will be in title action at the o2, along with the WBO European super welterweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0, 6 KOs).

‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp clinched his champion status in October 2018 with the defeat of the then unbeaten Lyon Woodstock in Leicester. He has since made three successful defences of his title and has broken into the top-five of the WBO world rankings.

Sheeraz, just 20, won his belt with an impressive stoppage of Birmingham’s experienced campaigner Ryan Kelly in November.

Also featuring on the stacked Dubois-Joyce undercard is big-hitting middleweight Denzel Bentley (12-0, 10 KOS), top heavyweight prospect and Tyson Fury sparring partner David Adeleye (1-0, 1 KO) and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (6-0, 4 KOs).

McCann’s Queensberry iBox Gym teammates Sam Noakes (3-0, 3 KOs), Henry Turner (2-0) and Micky Burke jr (3-0) join him on the big show.

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Tickets are now on sale via AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket Prices:

£400 Ringside – Hospitality
£300 Floor
£200 Floor
£150 Floor/Tier
£100 Tier
£80 Tier
£55 Upper Tier
£40 Upper Tier

Sergey Kovalev retained the WBO Light Heavyweight title with a thrilling 11th round stoppage over previously undefeated mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde at Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Kovalev boxed well over the 1st half of the fight, and got out to an early lead.

In round seven, Yarde started working the body. The very next round, Yarde had Kovalev in serious trouble as he rocked the champion with several hard shots. Kovalev was lucky to not have been put down. Kovalev got back to boxing and started to break Yarde down.

In round 10, Kovalev began to hurt Yarde. In the next frame, Yarde looked exhausted, and Kovalev landed some more thudding blows, and finally put Yarde down with a thumping jab that ended the fight at 2:04.

Kovalev is now 34-3-1 with 29 knockouts. Yarde of England is 18-1.

Former cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu won a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated undefeated Alexander Papin in a action-filled fight

Both guys landed big shots, with Makabu hurting Papin in round 11. In round 12, Makabu dropped Papin with a straight left hand. Papin wobbled Makabu in the closing seconds of the bout, but it was too little-too late as Makabu won by scores of 115-113 twice and 113-113.

Makabu, 198 3/4 lbs of Congo is 26-2. Papin, 199 1/2 lbs of Russia is 11-1.

Papin outlanded Makabu 212-209.

Chelyabinsk, Russia: The much-anticipated match-up between three-time light heavyweight champion and current WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) and mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (18-0, 17 KOs) is a modern-day “Clash of the Titans.” Both fighters have reputations as hard-hitting punchers. Kovalev brings to the table his extensive resume which includes his 15 consecutive world title fights, his ability box as well as punch and his devastating jab. Yarde has an impressive 94% knockout-to-win ratio, a nine-year age advantage and the hubris that accompanies a nearly perfect professional record. These two warriors will square off in Kovalev’s home town of Chelyabinsk, Russia tonight at the Traktor Arena. Below is the scouting report for this exciting match-up:

Category
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Anthony Yarde
Age
36
27
Record
33-3-1 (28 KOs)
18-0-0 (17 KOs)
Strength
Experience and power are the two biggest assets for the champion coming into this bout. He also has arguably one of the most effective jabs in boxing when he commits to using it.
The challenger is young, athletic, and just hitting his prime. He has ferocious power in both hands and fights with extreme confidence.
Weakness
Kovalev needs to tidy up his defense for this bout, Yarde is very heavy-handed and can end the fight with one shot if landed clean.
Yarde is very inexperienced. This will be his toughest fight to date and he has yet see the championship rounds.
Experience
Krusher has been competing exclusively in title fights since 2013. This will be his 16th consecutive title fight.
This will be Yarde’s first shot at a world title and by-far the biggest fight of his career. This is just his second time fighting outside of the UK; he will be in legitimate hostile territory for the first time in his young career.
Power
Kovalev has always been known as one of the biggest punchers in the sport. He has knocked down and stopped fighters that have never been stopped; including current Interim WBA titleholder Jean Pascal on two separate occasions.
Anthony has made a name for himself as a power-puncher. He has stopped his last 16 opponents and has quickly established himself as major threat in the light heavyweight division because of it.
Speed
Sergey has a quick jab and throws rigorous combinations behind it.
Yarde has good speed and likes to fight at close-range, unleashing vicious shots to both the head and the body.
Endurance
Although Krusher is known for knocking out his opposition, he has proven numerous times that he has the gas tank to go the distance, including his last fight where he earned a unanimous decision win over Eleider Alvarez to recapture his title.
Anthony’s endurance is still to be determined, he has knocked out 17 of his 18 opponents and has yet to see the eighth round.

Accuracy
Kovalev has a pin-point accurate jab which allows him to deliver thunderous shots behind it.

The challenger does not waste shots; he likes to fight at close-range and deliver as much punishment as his opponents can withstand.
Defense
Sergey is an offensive-minded fighter who stays in attack mode from start-to-finish. When he commits to his jab it is very difficult for his opposition to get going offensively.
Up to this point in his career, Yarde has been all power and offense. He has not had to utilize any real defensive tactics other than the shoulder-roll which he has shown in some recent fights.
Chin
Kovalev has been stopped twice in his career, most-recently in his first bout with Eleider Alvarez in August of last year.
We are going to find out on August 24th just how durable the challenger’s chin is; he has yet to be in any real danger with any of his previous opposition.
Style
Krusher is not a fighter who is looking for a decision win, he likes to use a sharp jab to create openings and opportunities to break his opponents down both physically and mentally.
Anthony is a strong and heavy-handed fighter who wastes very little time once the first bell rings. He fights with utter confidence and lets his power do the talking.

Crowd Support
Chelyabinsk, Russia is where the champion grew up, the crowd will be overwhelmingly pro-Kovalev.
UK fans are loyal so it would be no surprise if some Yarde fans make the trip. However, he should still have a significant disadvantage coming into hostile enemy territory.
Intangibles
Considering Yarde’s power, this may be the closest thing Sergey has seen in his career to fighting a duplicate of himself. That is why this fight is extremely risky by the champion. However, Sergey has taken risks his entire career. He understands that as long as he has the man to beat in the light heavyweight division, he will have a target on his back. He wants to continue to fight the best in the world.
Anthony Yarde has a rare opportunity to prove to the world that he can handle the pressure of fighting the best light heavyweight in his own backyard. He has spent almost his entire career fighting in the UK, so to embrace this fight in the champion’s hometown speaks volumes regarding his confidence and just how badly he wants the title.
The Match-Up
Will Yarde be able to handle the presser of fighting outside his comfort zone in the UK?
Will Kovalev be able to handle and stay away from Yarde’s power?
Will Yarde be able to handle going around with Kovalev’s jab, combinations, and power?
Will Kovalav be able to handle the presser of fighting in his hometown for the first time in his career?

According to Main Events matchmaker, Jolene Mizzone, “This is a great match-up, there is so much to say about both guys and their willingness to move forward with this fight. We all know it was a mandatory, but we have seen guys duck these mandatory fights before. The fact that Kovalev was willing to give a young up-and-coming Yarde the opportunity to fight for his WBO Light Heavyweight Title and Yarde was willing to go into Kovalev’s backyard to fight him, to me that says a lot about the mentality of both fighters. I think this fight will be nothing less than fireworks!”

ANTHONY YARDE will take on WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev on Saturday night in Chelyabinsk, Russa live on BT Sport 2 from 5pm.

The fighters are expected to begin their ring walks at 7.30pm just after the Premier League football game between Liverpool and Arsenal on the same day.

Yarde (18-0, 17KOs) and Kovalev (33-3-1, 28KOs) weighed in today.

**Media are welcome to download a video of today’s weigh in and face off here, with credit to BT Sport.**

**Media can download photographs from today’s weigh in here, with credit to RCC Boxing**

Here are the official weights from today’s weigh in.

Sergey Kovalev (Champion) – 174.6lbs

Anthony Yarde (Challenger) – 173.9lb

Sergey Kovalev v Anthony Yarde for the WBO world light heavyweight title is live and exclusive on BT Sport 2 from 5pm on Saturday with ringwalks expected at 7.30pm.

ANTHONY YARDE will take on WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev on Saturday night in Chelyabinsk, Russia live on BT Sport 2.

Yarde (18-0, 17KOs) met Kovalev (33-3-1, 28KOs) for the first time today at their fight week press conference.

**Media are welcome to use the photographs on this link via RCC Boxing**

Here are a selection of quotes from the media event ahead of Saturday night’s show.

Anthony Yarde

“I’m just here to do a job… and enjoy myself.”

“I haven’t done no trash talking. I don’t do trash talking. I posted pictures, to me they are good pictures. I am a fighter, that’s what I’m meant to visualise. I’m meant to see these things in my mind, the same way Kovalev probably sees things in his mind. As fighters we want to do the best we can so we visualise what we want to happen. I posted a picture that a fan made, when I saw this picture I reposted it as that’s what’s going to happen.” (In reference to a journalist’s question on an Anthony Yarde social media post)

“I believe that right now I’m mentally very strong and I believe what happens on the night is what matters.”

“I’m just going to literally go in the ring and be myself. I’m going to focus on myself, be the best that I can be and get the knockout victory because that’s what I feel like I need to do to win the fight.”

“I don’t know which round. I’m not a psychic… but that’s my plan. In boxing you can’t predict rounds. I’ve just got to go in there with a goal in my head and produce.”

“This is my first time in Russia. I’m enjoying myself, I’ve been treated well and I’m enjoying the country but I’m not nervous. This is why I’m smiling so much. Because where I’ve come from, I’ve rose very quickly to be here, so I’m happy to be at this level and I’m going to make the most of it.”

“No disrespect to Kovalev, he’s been a champ for a long time, he’s unified, he’s been there and done it. I’m very ambitious and I’m literally just hungry and I want to get to that stage and change my life. I’m sure he wanted to change his life when he started so I’m at that stage now and I’m just aggressive with my approach and how hungry I am.”

“Life is about challenges and you don’t know if you can do something until you try. I’m here to do a job. It don’t matter who the crowd is rooting for, Kovalev would probably say the same… once you get in the ring, it’s you and your opponent and that’s all that matters.”

Sergey Kovalev

“I am indeed very pleased to be home. We have a big fight ahead of us. We’ll try to do our best to come out happy and very pleased after the fight.”

“My career and my schedule doesn’t really let me live here. I try to be as far as possible from home so I can work harder and not lose energy.”

“We did have an offer (from Canelo Alvarez) but we can talk about that after Saturday night. Official agreements were already made with Antony Yarde. My primary task is to defend the title. If the fight is still interesting for Canelo afterwards then OK.”

“I understand Anthony Yarde’s ambitions. He calls himself a lion but to me he is a cub. He is so young. I will have to get rid of all that baby fur off his skin so he will run away back home. It is clear he comes here and he wants to be like that. I have this experience. Now is my time.”

“The plans are to have all the belts and become an absolute champion. I think there should be only one champion. We have four in our weight division, it’s not quite clear who is strongest. It would be great to decide amongst us who is strongest.”

“He thinks that he will knock me out but Saturday will show to everybody what will be exactly. He has had a lot of fights and he’s won them by KO but Saturday will show.”

George Warren (Queensberry Promotions)

“Thanks again to Main Events, Egis Klimas, Top Rank, RCC Boxing Promotions and Krusher Promotions in helping us to get the deal done and over the line. It wasn’t the easiest deal, it took some time but we’re here and we’re here to win.”

“Credit to Anthony, he’s stepping up to the challenge. It’s been mentioned already Anthony has had 18 fights, 12 amateur fights, which I believe is 6 or 7 less than Sergey has had professionally… it’s a testament to his character and the belief that Tunde has in him.”

“We are fully aware and know about Kovalev and what he’s capable of. He’s a fantastic boxer and will go down as a potential future Hall of Famer.”

“It was actually on our promotion in the UK back in 2013 when he knocked out Nathan Cleverly to win the title.

“Anthony is here for Queensberry Promotions and for the UK to get the title back.”

Tunde Ajayi (Anthony Yarde’s trainer and manager)

“I’m his sparring partner, Tunde Ajayi. I’m Anthony’s best sparring partner. Because I believe just like in the old martial arts movies that the teacher is the trainer of the student.”

“I have developed a system which I know is capable of bringing a fighter from an embryonic stage to the stage where we are now.

“That belief in myself and the belief Anthony has in himself and the belief he had in me and my system is why we’re here today.”

Vadim Evdokimov (Deputy Governor of Chelyabinsk)

“The Chelyabinsk region and the South Urals are the center of energy power. Here are the Ural Mountains and the country of the cities of Arkaim. And only in such a place can integral and purposeful people, such as Sergey, be born. Of course, we are all very proud of him. When Sergey enters the ring, he always remembers his home region. And his every victory is a victory of all residents of the Chelyabinsk region. ”

Egis Klimas (Sergey Kovalev’s manager)

“We started working with Sergey in 2009, and in 2012 a contract was signed with a promotion company. Ten years ago, we believed in each other and started working. And today we have created each other. Today I have 17 people from the countries of the former USSR, the guys are good and can become champions. ”

Sergey Kovalev v Anthony Yarde for the WBO world light heavyweight title is live and exclusive on BT Sport 2 from 5pm on Saturday

ANTHONY YARDE WAS quick to dispel the notion that his forthcoming mission into Russia to face Sergey Kovalev bears some sort of comparison to the storyline behind Rocky IV.

The unbeaten light heavyweight KO-artist this week travels to the outpost of Chelyabinsk, the home town of the man known as Krusher, in a bid to prize the WBO world title from the formidable foe.

Of course, in the fourth instalment of the Rocky series, Ivan Drago – played by Dolph Lundgren – was exported to America and slayed former world champion Apollo Creed in an exhibition contest, prompting Rocky to brave a brutal winter and go into full log-chopping mode to exact his Russian revenge.

“I don’t know about all that,” said the 18-0 challenger. “I like to keep movies as movies and reality as reality.

“I ain’t going out there and doing no Rocky IV because I’m sure the punches Rocky Balboa was taking were very unrealistic and I am not looking to leave there with a face looking like that!

“I am not looking to take as much punishment as Rocky did and I am not even putting that kind of thing into my brain. That was a movie and I would like to keep it as a movie.

“I might watch Rocky IV after the fight.”

Indeed, Yarde won’t be following a film script when he rocks up at the Traktor Sport Palace. In fact, visualising the experience at all – a popular tactic with elite sports people – will prove tricky because Yarde has no idea what to expect from his voyage into the unknown.

“I have no clue and that is the excitement for me,” added the 28-year-old. “I don’t know nothing, literally nothing! I don’t know what the venue is going to look like, what the crowd is going to be like…

“I might go out there and some of the crowd will be cheering for me. We might be fighting in the gym of his old secondary school. I don’t know.

“Again, that is the beauty of it and that is the challenge.”

Sergey Kovalev v Anthony Yarde for the WBO world light heavyweight title is live and exclusive on BT Sport 2 from 5pm on Saturday

THE FURY BROTHERS, Tyson and Tommy, came up with a split decision when asked to assess the prospects of Anthony Yarde dethroning WBO light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev when the pair collide in Krusher’s home town of Chelyabinsk in Russia on August 24.

Heavyweight ruler Tyson, a devout student of the sport, placed himself firmly in the corner of Yarde, the mandatory challenger who has notched up 18 wins, with 17 of them coming via brutal KO.

The lineal champion believes the time is right for a young, hungry lion to overthrow the long-standing leader of the light heavyweight pride.

“I fancy Anthony Yarde,” stated Tyson, who faces Otto Wallin in Las Vegas on September 14. “I really do fancy Yarde. I think Kovalev is on the slide.

“He has been a good world champion in his time and has done very well, but I think the Andre Ward losses have done him really, although he lost that fight to (Eleider) Alvarez and then came back and beat him.

“I think a young man will always beat an older one and that has always been my motto. I fancy Anthony Yarde to knock him out, not just beat him on points, stop him.

“Because that is what he needs to do in Russia anyway. It will only make his career better when he wins away from home. I’ve been all over and kept winning. If you’re any good, you’ll win, and if you’re not, you’ll lose, simple as.

“Home advantage means nothing to me but it does to a lot of people because they are not natural fighting men. Some people can’t fight off their own soil, but I can because it was bred in me.

“So we are going to see what Anthony Yarde is made of and I think he’ll do it. A good young man should beat a good older one. I believe he’ll do it and I believe he’ll be a good world champion.”

Love Island inhabitant and fellow light heavyweight Tommy suspects Yarde might just be biting off more than he can chew in bidding to knock Kovalev off his world championship perch.

“It is a very, very good fight for Yarde and I think he deserves it,” commented the 2-0 20-year-old. “His time has come and I hope to God he can pull it off because he is from here and we’ve got to support our own.

“As far as the actual fight is concerned, it is a huge task. If he is going to beat him at any time it is going to be now because he is on the downfall and has been for quite a long time. So I am pretty sure he is going to be at his most vulnerable.

“But, listen, big props to him if he can pull it off, but my money would be on Kovalev because he has mixed it at a higher level and fought much better fighters.

“Obviously I hope Yarde can pull it off, but I just don’t see it happening.”

Kovalev v Yarde on August 24 can be seen exclusively live on BT Sport

(Aug. 14, 2019) — WBO light heavyweight champion and future Hall of Famer Sergey Kovalev will face off against his hard-hitting mandatory challenger, Anthony Yarde, in a highly anticipated showdown Saturday, Aug. 24 from Traktor Arena in Kovalev’s hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Kovalev-Yarde will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT. The stream will also showcase the co-feature bout between unbeaten cruiserweight contender Aleksei Papin (11-0, 10 KOs) and former world title challenger Ilunga Makabu (25-2, 24 KOs). Fans in the U.S. can sign up at www.ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App.

“I am thrilled to fight for the first time in my hometown of Chelyabinsk,” Kovalev said. “It is a dream to defend my WBO title in front of all my friends and family back home. I am also thankful ESPN+ will show the fight to my fans in the U.S. Thank you to Igor Altushkin, Egis Klimas, Main Events and Top Rank for making this dream a reality, and thank you to Anthony Yarde for agreeing to fight in my home.”

“Sergey has done just about everything a professional fighter can do, other than fight in his own hometown,” said promoter Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “One of the sport’s greatest road warriors, Sergey will finally get the chance to salute his legion of fans in Chelyabinsk, where he grew up. It will be an exciting, long overdue homecoming for Sergey. And I am so happy to confirm that Sergey’s many fans in the U.S. will be able to watch this great event only on ESPN+. I wish to thank Igor Altushkin, German Titov and everyone at RCC for making this all possible. I also wish to thank Bob Arum and Top Rank for their continued support.”

Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) is a veteran of 15 world title bouts and has won the light heavyweight world title on three occasions. A former unified champion, he revived his career in February by scoring a wide points win over Eleider Alvarez, the man who’d knocked him out less than six months prior. One of this generation’s most decorated champions, Kovalev holds victories over Jean Pascal, Nathan Cleverly and living legend Bernard Hopkins. In Yarde (18-0, 17 KOs), he faces a London native with a giant hand who is taking a giant step up in competition. Yarde has won his last 16 bouts by knockout, most recently stopping Travis Reeves in five rounds in a bout that streamed on ESPN+. This will be only his second pro bout outside of England.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #KovalevYarde to join the conversation on social media.

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