Former contender for the world light heavyweight title (up to 79.4 kg) Briton Anthony Yarde (22-2, 21 KOs) will fight on November 19 in England against the Bulgarian
Stephanie Koikova (14-1, 12 KOs).
The British puncher spoke about this, as well as about the upcoming fight against the unified champion from Canada Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) in
interview for local media.
Recall that Beterbiev’s defense against Yarde can be officially announced immediately after the Saturday fight of the British. The fight, which was canceled in October due to an injury to the champion, is scheduled to take place on January 28 in London.
– How difficult is it to deal with this situation when you know that you had a big fight in October, and then it is postponed? You could sit idle or you could fight – how difficult is that?
– Just a trick. Focus. Everyone says it, but one fight at a time. If I win, the next fight will be for the title. It’s all the same. Step by step. The first fight of my career was just as important as the title fight, so it’s all part of my journey. So it’s all my psychology.
Let’s talk about Koikov. He looks pretty small for a light heavyweight. Does it present a challenge in itself?
“Honestly, I saw him, and he didn’t seem small to me at all. That’s why I don’t listen to what people say. He looks pretty big to me, looks fit and that’s good for him.
“A question that has been asked you a million times today. Apparently, your fight with Beterbiev will be announced immediately after this fight. January 28 Wembley – that’s the plan, as far as you know?
– As far as I know, – such, but this is not my focus right now.
- One step away from Beterbiev. Yard and Koikov were weighed before the fight: video
I know you want to focus on this fight, but the fact that it’s going to be a title fight and you’re flying far from home shows that Frank (Warren) and the team have confidence in you?
“I think it just makes sense in terms of business. That’s the way it should be. You know, sometimes you wonder why it happens this way, what is the situation and so on. It’s just the way it should be. This is exactly how it should be now.
– Your boxing career has changed a lot, as well as your personal life after the fight with Kovalev. You have improved as a person and as a fighter. How different would you say today’s Anthony Yarde is from the one that fought Sergey Kovalev?
— Another time, another year [смеётся]. Everything is just different. I went to Russia. It just showed me something inside of me. I really thank God for my courage because I am a person. When I came into boxing, I said that I am here, whatever comes with boxing. And this is criticism, this is a big risk, this is doing everything that is necessary. When I see a big opportunity, like going to Russia at that point in my career, I’m literally like a lion. I’m going after it. I’m going after this opportunity.
— I know that right now you don’t want to talk much about Beterbiev, but just to complete this topic. He is a great fighter, but any man can be defeated. Your plan is to knock him out?
– Let’s see. My plan… Once again, I said that not everyone has such a goal. My plan, my career path – when I enter the boxing ring, then my psychology is to win the fight by knockout. I am a spectacular fighter. Especially at light heavyweight. As for me, this is my style. Go out there and win, take the victory by knockout. I think that’s what the fans want to see.