The contender for the world title in light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) Briton Anthony Yard (23-2, 22 KOs) in
conversation with a journalist from a local news portal commented on his decision not to change his coach after losing to the champion from the Russian Federation Sergey Kovalev.
In an interview, Anthony mentioned the conversation with the unified heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) from Ukraine Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) at the Fury-Chisora 3 boxing evening. According to Yard, Oleksandr gave little advice on Anthony’s upcoming fight against the unified champion from Canada Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs), which is scheduled for January 28 in London.
– When your defeat to Kovalev happened, a lot of criticism poured out on your coach Tunde. In fact, more than on you. How did you feel at the time and what was the reason you ended up staying with him? Was it just loyalty or a belief on your part that he was the right person for the job?
“I am a very dedicated person. Once again, I have already said that I think for myself. I make my own decisions and do not follow the call of the crowd. When I think about these things… Tunde never said to me, “Anthony, don’t leave me. Don’t listen to them, please. Please.” He never did that. I always said: “Relax, let everyone do their own thing. Nobody is perfect.”
Nobody said anything when I started my career and knocked everyone out in 1-2-3 rounds. I never went four rounds before my fifteenth fight. Nobody said anything. Everyone thought we were great. Regarding the fact that people advised to part with him – in fact, no one said that. I am a person and I am obsessed with progress. When I realized that we have reached the next level … We are fighting for the title, the competition is getting stronger. Yes, we all need to level up: me, Tunda and the rest of the team.
- Beterbiev hasn’t fought anyone of Kovalev’s level – Yard coach
One thing that surprised me about Tunde and I appreciate it is that when it comes to progress, his ego goes out, his ego flies out the window. We sit down as a team and say that someone should come and help us a little.
Tunde made me add skills to my boxing. Reflexes, catch and counterattack. It works in close cooperation. When Tunde has no ego and it’s all about progress – his passion for boxing… he just eats, lives and breathes boxing. Studying fights, watching boxing and just trying to be better. I am the same. Inviting a guy like James Cook, we listened to him. When someone gives me advice… That’s how Usyk is. They were at the Fury-Chisora fight. Usyk told, and I listened. I am very humble when it comes to knowledge.
– What did he tell you?
This will remain between me and him. He told me some things. He fought Beterbiev twice. He just told me some things.
– Advice?
– A little advice. Just little hints. Wonderful person. Do you understand? I am the same. When you see me smiling and laughing, it’s not fake. He is exactly the same. Although he has a fight, he is funny. That’s the problem. It’s just being a student and trying to learn. Everyone will be a critic when things don’t go right. When things don’t go well for me, it’s hard science. There is such a thing as silencing critics. So that’s not my goal. My goal is to become the best person I can be.
- Beterbiev: “No one knows what will happen in the fight with Yard”