Anthony Yarde has an interesting few weeks ahead.
The light heavyweight will pay close attention to developments in Quebec City this weekend when his former opponent, Artur Beterbiev, defends his WBC, IBF and WBO titles against Callum Smith. Their world-ranked British rivals Dan Azeez and Joshua Buatsi will then meet in a London derby, the outcome of which could have a significant impact on how Yarde develops in 2024.
A week later, Yarde will get the chance to showcase his own talent when he appears on the undercard of the middleweight fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams.
Last January, Yarde (24-3, 23 KO’s) gave Beterbiev a real chance before being stopped in eight exciting rounds. The Londoner still sees himself as the best among the talented British 175lb crop, but he respects Smith and believes that of all his British rivals, the Liverpool native has the next best chance of pulling off the upset that has just eluded him.
“You have to give Callum Smith his respect,” Yarde told Queensberry. “He is in a division, he has fought against top level opponents. Once again, when it comes to skills, I put myself first. As for courage, I will still put myself first.
“I think right now, first and second place is between me and Smith. Everyone knows that I am an honest person and I give my honest opinion. After that there would probably be Joshua Buatsi and [Dan] Azez.”
