Anthony Yarde, born on August 13, 1991, is a British professional boxer who has made a significant impact in the light-heavyweight division. Known for his powerful style and determination, Yarde has competed for world titles and faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Yarde quickly made a name for himself with a series of impressive victories, showcasing his knockout power and aggressive fighting style. His early career highlights include:
- Signing with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions on March 26, 2015.
- Winning the Southern Area light heavyweight title against Chris Hobbs.
- Securing the WBO regional title with a victory over Norbert Nemesapati.
These early wins helped establish Yarde as a rising star in the light-heavyweight division.
First World Title Challenge: Yarde vs. Kovalev
Yarde's first opportunity to fight for a world title came on August 24, 2019, when he challenged Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light-heavyweight title at the Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia.
Sergey Kovalev v Anthony Yarde (Full Fight) | WBO World Light Heavyweight Title | August 2019
In the early rounds, Yarde appeared comfortable, using his speed and movement to keep Kovalev at bay. He began landing accurate hooks to Kovalev's body in the seventh and eighth rounds, seemingly hurting the champion. In the last minute of the eighth round, Yarde landed a straight right to Kovalev's head, putting the veteran in trouble. However, Yarde was unable to capitalize, allowing Kovalev to recover.
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After his success in the seventh and eighth rounds, Yarde appeared to tire and lose momentum in the ninth, allowing Kovalev to take control of the fight. In round eleven, Kovalev increased the pressure and dropped Yarde with a left jab, winning the fight by TKO.
Comeback and Subsequent Fights
Following his defeat to Kovalev, Yarde returned to the ring with a series of fights aimed at rebuilding his momentum:
- He faced Diego Jair Ramirez on February 8, 2020, in a six-rounder.
- On December 5, 2020, Yarde fought Lyndon Arthur for the Commonwealth light-heavyweight title. Arthur injured his right hand during the warm-up and utilized his jab for most of the fight.
- On August 28, 2021, Yarde faced Alex Theran, winning by knockout in the first round.
Yarde vs. Arthur Rematch
Yarde defeated Lyndon Arthur in a rematch, showcasing a spectacular performance. This victory helped solidify his position as a top contender and set the stage for future title opportunities.
Second World Title Challenge: Yarde vs. Beterbiev
Yarde's second world title opportunity came against Artur Beterbiev, the unified WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight champion. The fight was highly anticipated, with many expecting a thrilling contest between two powerful punchers.
The fight was expected to take place on October 29 at The O2 Arena in London, England, but Beterbiev withdrew from the bout on August 19 due to an undisclosed injury.
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The fight was rescheduled to take place on January 28, 2023. In November, Yarde knocked out Stefani Koykov in 3 rounds and a press release was issued announcing Beterbiev vs. Yarde.
Beterbiev won the fight by an eighth-round stoppage. After hurting Yarde in the seventh round, Beterbiev came out the next round looking for a stoppage. He knocked Yarde down with a counter right hook to an attempted uppercut, which dropped Yarde to his hand and knees at the midway point of the round. Although referee Steve Gray allowed the bout to continue, the corner of Yarde threw in the towel a few seconds later.
Speaking after the fight, Beterbiev said, “I want Bivol. Right now, it’s everything. “In that fight, we’ll have four belts. It’s really good fight, I think.”
Trilogy Fight Against Lyndon Arthur
Yarde engaged in a trilogy fight against Lyndon Arthur, winning the final encounter by unanimous decision. This victory allowed Yarde to settle the score in their series of bouts and reaffirmed his status in the division.
Third World Title Challenge: Yarde vs. Benavidez
Yarde challenged WBC and WBA (regular) light heavyweight champion David Benavidez at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 22, 2025. He lost by technical knockout in the 7th round.
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Anthony Yarde's record currently stands at 27 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws. Of those 27 wins, he has stopped 24 of his opponents, so his current knock-out ratio is 89%. Of his 4 losses, he's been stopped 3 times.
Boxer Profile
Here's a summary of Anthony Yarde's physical attributes and fighting style:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 34 years old |
| Height | 6' 0" (183cm) |
| Reach | 72 inches (183 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Yarde fights from a traditional orthodox stance, which means he favours his right hand as his power hand when fighting.