Anthony Yarde cruised to victory over American Travis Reeves after five rounds of one-sided action.
Headlining in front of a home crowd in the resplendent surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall, the Londoner started sharply but was nevertheless patient in picking his shots, before inexorably breaking his opponent down with some powerful punches.
Baltimore-born Reeves was a live opponent, and fired back with bad intentions whenever he was hurt, but Yarde showcased defensive skills and a distinct composure under pressure, and was consistently able to connect with lead right hands that wobbled his opponent on multiple occassions.
Incrementally upping the intensity throughout the early rounds, the end came in the fifth round when a series of devastating unanswered punches prompted the referee’s intervention, saving Reeves from sustaining any unnecessary further punishment.
Fans are now keen for Yarde to challenge former pound-for-pound superstar Sergey Kovalev, a bout that promoter Frank Warren has suggested will take place in the foreseeable future.