Ahead of his light heavyweight titles challenge against Artur Beterbiev, Anthony Yarde has found some elite-level support in the form of Errol Spence Jr.
Yarde will enter the ring in Wembley Arena against the Russian Canadian champion as a massive underdog. With 19 knockout wins from 19 fights after a wildly successful amateur career, Beterbiev is as formidable a belt holder as they come.
Despite having the home crowd behind him, it’s the Brit’s toughest test to date, many argue by some distance, with a loss so Sergey Kovalev in his first title attempt being number two.
Spence, though, is backing Yarde to pull it off. Why? Because of Beterbiev’s age.
“I’m rocking with Yarde.”
“Father Time is undefeated. I don’t care, only [a] matter [of] time he looks his age in the ring.”
I’m rocking with Yarde
— Errol Spence (@ErrolSpenceJr) January 26, 2023
Father Time is undefeated idc only matter time he looks his age in the ring ..
— Errol Spence (@ErrolSpenceJr) January 26, 2023
The unified welterweight world champ may have a point. Beterbiev is 38-years-old, and don’t let the perfect record fool you – he’s been hit over the years.
He has been dropped by Callum Johnson and Jeff Page Jr, although both were flash knockdowns that he, of course, survived to win. There’s also the possibility of a cut opening if Yarde can connect correctly – the champion’s gash against Marcus Browne being particularly nasty.
Yarde’s team won’t be banking on Beterbiev showing his age, but they’ll certainly be hoping that this is the fight he does so. If Spence if correct, it may just be the deciding factor.
With 40 knockouts between them, very few punters will be picking this one to go the distance. UK fans can tune into the action on BT Sport, whilst those in the States can access it via ESPN+.
You can read Boxing Social’s full breakdown of the undercard here.