The fight between WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg) Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) from Canada and WBO mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (22-2, 21 KOs) from Britain will take place in October, as expected.
At the same time, Yard’s promoter, Frank Warren, in an interview with
iFL TV confirmed the working date and place of the future confrontation.
So, when asked if the information that Beterbiev and Yard will fight on October 22 in London is true, Warren replied:
“Yes, I spoke to Bob Arum about this fight and we’re going to do it.”
According to Frank, he has not yet discussed the named date with his ward and his coach. After this happens, and they give their consent, it will be possible to start preparing the official announcement.
“It’s a tough fight, but it’s also a tough one for Beterbiev because I think Anthony Yarde would have done the same thing to Joe Smith (as Beterbiev did). He’s a big puncher, a phenomenal puncher and a strong guy,” Warren notes. “In general, they are both animals that can hit for real. So it will be those fireworks.”
The functionary also stressed that he understands Beterbiev’s desire to fight for the title of absolute champion against Dmitry Bivol. “However, in that case, he would have to vacate the WBO title,” Frank says.
Meanwhile, Bob Arum called the condition for the Beterbiev-Bivol fight.