Anthony Yarde is sure he hurt
Artur Beterbiev and
Sergey Kovalev in his first two light heavyweight title fights.
If the heavy-handed London native connects correctly when he encounters
David Benavidez next month, he is convinced he’ll finish off the unbeaten WBC light heavyweight champion. Yarde understands that there won’t be anything easy about battling Benavidez, but he is very confident he’ll leave the ring November 22 as a world champion.
Yarde offered his perspective during the newest episode of
“Inside The Ring,” which premiered on DAZN on Monday.
“These kinda things excite me for some reason,” Yarde told co-hosts Max Kellerman and Mike Coppinger. “I don’t know why. Don’t ask me why, but this is why I got into the sport, to be in big fights, be in fights that, you know, people are talking about, entertaining fights. And for me it’s like, you know, we can both hit, and I just feel like if I land on Benavidez the fight is done.
“Especially with the way I’ve been training – I’m sure he’s been training ferociously as well because he’s gonna wanna make a statement. But I just know if I land against any light heavyweight on the planet, I’m gonna win the fight. So, that’s what’s so exciting for me.”
Phoenix’s Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) is a 10-1 favorite over Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs). The English challenger, who was stopped by Beterbiev and Kovalev, hasn’t taken offense to odds DraftKings and other sportsbooks list on
the main event of “The Ring IV: Night of Champions” card at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“One thing about me as well,” Yarde added, “I’m like I know some people try to sell themselves or say, ‘I’m the best,’ or whatever. And I feel like in boxing you’ve just gotta prove it. You know, I’m a underdog for a reason in this fight. That’s what is gonna make me thrive in this fight.
“I feel like in boxing you’ve gotta earn your place as well. So, if I’m gonna be world champion I want it to be fights like this, you know, against a real solid champion. … There’s something within me that feels this was the fight that was put on my plate for a reason.”
Keith Idec is a senior writer and columnist for The Ring. He can be reached on X @idecboxing.