Beterbiev hasn’t fought anyone of Kovalev’s level – Yard coach

Mentor of the contender for the world light heavyweight title (up to 79.4 kg) British Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs) Tunde Ajayi gave
interview for local media.

The colorful coach spoke about the upcoming fight of the ward against the unified IBF / WBC / WBO champion Canadian Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs), which is scheduled for January 28 in London. Tunde also answered a question about Beterbiev’s comparison with WBA Super title holder Russian Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs).

You have a big, big fight ahead of you. Describe to me this moment, this fight for three belts against, according to people, the best light heavyweight in the world. Tell me your thoughts.

– Also as a manager.

– Also as a manager.

“You mustn’t forget that. This is a journey. It’s just to dream, believe and become. I’m very happy for Anthony. This is part of the dream. The reason I always use this word is because most people have dreams. You have to believe in dreams, even if some say you shouldn’t. You finally got the opportunity if you followed your dream long enough. And this is where we are now. It will be January 28th. Yes, it’s just wonderful. Thank God.

– The whole world and fans look at Mr. Beterbiev and see a very intimidating person with only knockouts. What do you see?

“Once again, that’s what I’m trying to say to these words that people use. I have to say this because the idea of ​​a fearsome man is being promoted – 18 fights, 18 knockouts. Let’s remember Anthony Yarde’s record before he fought Kovalev. Let’s remember that Anthony has 23 wins and 22 knockouts. Why are you trying to make me think about his eighteen? 22 is more than 18. So I don’t believe in these monster stories. Yes, you can say that there are different levels of opponents. But right now you can’t tell me 7 people he knocked out. Call me.

• I cried. And Gvozdyk explained that Beterbiev is not who they think he is – Yard coach

— OK, Johnson, Brown, Joe Smith, Carnation. While everything.

– Thanks a lot. Thanks a lot. You can’t tell me 7 people he knocked out. You can not. It’s not that I’m arrogant. This is just my research on the opponent we will be facing. Yes, he proved that he is a huge puncher, a solid athlete, but he did not fight anyone of the level of Sergey Kovalev. Anthony Yarde fought Kovalev in 18 fights as a rookie with 12 fights as an amateur. Let’s talk about Anthony Yarde. You lie to me. No one will make me believe in this awesome thing. Whom I see in front of me is a fighter, a great amateur, a man with a 100% knockout rate, but a man. He was knocked down by Callum Johnson and Jeff Page. He is a human. They are fighters. And the fighters focus on themselves. I just respect him, as it should be, as he deserves. He deserves all the respect in the world, but I have a phenomenal puncher, Anthony Yarde. The two of them together is the wildest fire. 18 + 22 is 40 knockouts for two. So chances are this fight won’t go all the way.

– Do you see that this will be a quick fight, up to six rounds? Or how will it go?

– I dont think about it. We will do our best and see what the stars have in store for us and the boxing public. We will do everything in our power.

— How do you compare Beterbiev with Dmitry Bivol as two champions? In comparison, do you find yourself fighting the best in the division?

– One has one belt, the second has three [смеётся].

– What about stylistically?

“You don’t know until you’re in the ring because every style has to adapt. Bivol is not my focus. My focus is Anthony Yarde. It seems to me that no one at this level focuses on that fighter who has not yet agreed to fight. It’s just how these top athletes behave. They focus on getting better every day. I haven’t seen Bivol enough to compare who will win between the two if they fight. Let’s get things right. But they are all great champions and they are top fighters. And I look forward to making our names in history on January 28th.