Hackney-born boxer Anthony Yarde came back home to seek revenge on the man he lost to in his last bout, Lyndon Arthur. The winner of this fight would be sure to set up a world title fight in 2022.
The Olympic Park’s Copper Box played host to the rematch with the crowd firmly in favour of the local boxer. Yarde channelled this support from the offset.
The Beast from the East came out flying and if there were any signs of nervousness after losing the previous fight, Yarde did his best not to show it. It was an onslaught from round one and Arthur was struggling to keep up with Yarde’s high-tempo boxing.
In round four the decisive blows were dealt, and Lyndon Arthur couldn’t carry on. Yarde had his opponent on the ropes, landing a succession of powerful blows before a right hook sent Arthur crashing to the canvas.
Yarde fulfilled his promise of getting revenge over King Arthur and did so in spectacular style on home soil. The Hackney Wick crowd was electric throughout the fight, and even more so when the Hackney man sent his opponent tumbling down.
After a traumatic year, following the death of three of his grandparents and his father due to Covid-19, this was the biggest win of the 30-year-old’s career for reasons both in and out of the ring.
Oscar Bevis of IFL TV, YouTube’s biggest boxing channel, spoke highly of Yarde’s personality and immense character.
Bevis said: “Anthony epitomises the ‘Americanisation’ of many modern-day boxers”, adding that this can be seen in the way he carries himself. His personality is shown through his entourage, his turn of phrase and the way he boxes.
“But behind all that is a fighter who in just 24 fights has had to climb off the canvas, face extreme scrutiny in defeat, yet still stands as a number one challenger to a world title.”
Yarde’s victory means that he will now have the chance to fight for the world title, taking on either Joe Smith and Callum Johnson who are set to fight on the 15th January 2021.
Bevis said: “do not be surprised if 2022 is the year we see Yarde crowned as king.”
