Despite his status as the WBO’s number one light heavyweight contender Lyndon Arthur will face Anthony Yarde once again in his next fight.
The two Brits fought in December with Arthur emerging victorious following a split decision verdict after 12 rounds. Arthur defended his Commonwealth title and picked up the WBO Inter-Continental strap on the night. Yarde, who was furious with the decision, was due to fight at the weekend against unbeaten Emin Atra but the German pulled out with an injury. Arthur kept up his unbeaten record with a 9th round stoppage win over Italian Davide Faraci.
With WBO world champion Joe Smith seemingly heading towards a unification fight against WBC and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev it leaves Lyndon Arthur with a gap to fill until a possible world title opportunity.
Their promoter Frank Warren told BT Sport on Saturday night that Arthur and Yarde will renew their rivalry once again.
“As we all know Anthony Yarde should have been on the card tonight and unfortunately for him his opponent pulled out and we struggled to find an opponent suitable for all of us. That [Arthur] will be his next fight. They are contracted to fight and will fight each other.”
Yarde has not fought since losing to Arthur. A win against the Mancunian would bring the Londoner back in the frame for another world title opportunity having lost to Sergey Kovalev in the penultimate round of their battle two years ago.
Main image: Queensberry Promotions