Anthony Yarde versus Joshua Buatsi is one of the best fights that can be made in the UK but it seems it has once again hit another road block after already coming up against many challenges before now.
Number one world-rated contender Buatsi and number three world-rated contender Yarde have long been on a course to fight one another but as of yet it has not been possible due to a number of delays.
Those include personal promotional situations and the fact both men fight with rival broadcasters – Buatsi fights with BOXXER on Sky, and Yarde is contracted to Frank Warren’s Queensberry and TNT Sports.
Earlier in May, this fight looked to be getting closer when the WBO announced that they wanted the two fighters to compete for their interim light heavyweight title while WBC, IBF and WBO champion Artur Beterbiev recovers from the injury he sustained which has kept him out of an undisputed fight this weekend with Dmitry Bivol.
An update on the purse bid to try and lock in that fight has now been given by the WBO, but Yarde’s lawyers claim he is not ready for such negotiations because he has not yet resolved his issues with promoter Frank Warren.
A post by boxing journalist Michael Benson on X has summarised.
“Joshua Buatsi vs Anthony Yarde purse bids are now scheduled for June 7th after the WBO ordered the fight for the WBO ‘interim’ light-heavyweight belt.
“However, Yarde’s lawyers have informed the WBO he is currently in a contractual dispute with Frank Warren and is set to pull out – the WBO have now asked for personal confirmation from Yarde himself of whether or not he will move forwards with the fight.”
The full update from the WBO can be read here with the key details below.
“On May 16, 2024, the WBO confirmed receipt of correspondence by Blue Trinity Solicitors, on behalf of Anthony Yarde advising in summary that (i) Queensberry and Anthony Yarde are currently in a dispute resolution procedure regarding a contractual matter between the parties, and consequently, (ii) Yarde formally withdrawing from the negotiations ordered and any purse bid proceedings and the proposed contest, as he is unavailable.”
This is another thorn in the side of this fight which could see Buatsi decide he needs to be active and move on to other challenges, which would be a great loss to the sport.
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