Light-heavyweight Artur Beterbiev rated #5 on ESPN2 News pound-for-pound boxing rankings will defend the I.B.F., W.B.O., and W.B.C. titles on January 28th in London against bomber Anthony Yarde. Beterbiev vs Yarde Fight Odds has Beterbiev as a 12/1 with 60% of boxing picks against the 7/1 dog Yarde. Beterbiev, 18-0, 18 KO’s, steamrolled 5th-ranked contender Joe Smith in his last outing via 2nd-round knockout, cashing tickets as the 3 to 1 chalk. Yarde, 23-2, 22 KO’s, took a tune-up bout this past November blasting out fringe contender Stefani Koykov via 3rd round stoppage. Has Yarde improved enough since his 2019 stoppage loss to Sergey Kovalev to beat a top pound-for-pound boxer of Beterbiev’s caliber? Our panel of boxing handicappers previews the undisputed light-heavyweight championship.
Strengths:Massively built 31-year-old puncher/boxer is huge for a light-heavyweight with a ring weight of about 190 lbs. A fast starter that goes for the kill early with speed, pressure, and good two-fisted power. Floyd Mayweather-esque style with lots of shoulder rolls and a jab fired off the hip. Very talented offensively with the ability to switch up punch velocity, volume, and placement. A tricky defender with shifty upper body movement and natural athleticism. Takes a good punch with a tree trunk-sized neck serving as the shock absorber. Believes in his power having wiped out nearly everyone he has faced.
“My destiny is playing out in my home city. I won’t make any big predictions, but I am at my best when I fight fire with fire.” -Anthony Yarde.
Weaknesses: Unlike 99.9% of professional boxers Yarde does zero sparring in preparation for his matches. Questionable stamina with most of his fights ending early. Fights mostly flatfooted just looking to land a bomb. His low left-hand posture leaves him vulnerable to huge shots to the temple. Overall technique becomes sloppy when fatigued. Still learning on the job with a limited 12-fight amateur career. Has faced limited opposition aside from Kovalev.
Artur Beterbiev Tale-Of-The-Tape
Fighting Moniker: Beast
Ht. 5’11 1/2″
Natural Weight Class: Light-Heavyweight
Age: 37
Reach: 73″
Rounds Fought: 83
Fights Out Of: Canada
From: Khasavyurt, Russia
Trainer: Marc Ramsay
Strengths: Perfectly proportioned oversized light-heavyweight that has fought at cruiserweight. Pulverizing hitter that can knock out an opponent with a jab. Can fight in a variety of styles ie; slugger, boxer, counterpuncher, or bodysnatcher. Selective puncher that knows when to throw with timing and pinpoint accuracy. Outstanding overall technique with perfect balance and shot delivery. Despite having logged only professional 83 rounds is a ring general that adjusts quickly to opponents. Wears down opponents with thudding body shots, pressure, and pure power. Well-trained by the highly regarded Marc Ramsay. Has been knocked down but displays lightning-quick recuperative powers and marathon runner endurance.
“Anthony Yarde is a good fighter, he is strong – he is a bodybuilder.” -Artur Beterbiev
Weaknesses: At 37 years old has slowed down a half step in terms of quickness. Has a tight defensive guard but his aggressive style leaves him vulnerable in toe-to-toe exchanges. Is generally a slow starter that likes to dissect foes before dismantling them. Forgets to move his head at times relying on blocking as a primary source of defense. Endured a vicious cut against Marcus Browne that left some scar tissue. Fight with Yarde was postponed due to an undisclosed injury. Has never been past
Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde Pound-for-Pound Boxing Rankings
(5 / 5)
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