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It’s main event time with Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) defending his WBO, IBF and WBC titles against top contender Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs). Expect the crowd at the OVO Arena Wembley to be behind the London-born Yarde. It will be a tough challenge, however, against Beterbiev, who is widely considered the king of the light-heavyweight division. With 40 knockouts in the 43 fights between the two pugilists don’t expect this one to last the full 12 rounds.
Beterbiev comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -900 favorite while Yarde is a +500 underdog.
In his last fight Beterbiev knocked out Joe Smith Jr. in the second round on June 18, 2022 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden to collect Smith’s WBO belt. Yarde comes into the fight on a three-fight win streak and stopped Stefani Koylov in the third-round on November 19, 2022.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Anthony Yarde round-by-round results
Round 1: Yarde 10-9
Yarde comes out aggressive and matching Beterbiev’s jab. Some early nerves from both, but Yarde responding as the round progresses. The challenger’s demonstrating his speed and quickness early in the fight.
Round 2: Beterbiev 10-9
The champion is cutting off the ring and regaining control of this fight. Nice shot from Beterbiev connects and Yarde seems to be in a bit of trouble in the corner. The two are trading shots, pace is picking up.
Round 3: Beterbiev 10-9
Champion asserting his dominance and his shots starting to land more clean. Body shot from Beterbiev has Yarde hurt. Beterbiev turning it up a notch and Yarde may need to get on his bike soon.
Round 4: Beterbiev 10-9
Yarde defending himself this round and suddenly lands a shot that stuns the champion momentarily, what a change of events! Beterbiev regains momentum with a body shot, but Yarde is certainly not done.
Round 5: Yarde 10-9
This is the point where the tide may turn for Artur Beterbiev, Yarde continues to land timely power shots and its becoming a real fight here. The challenger is giving the champ all he can handle and its been entertaining.
Round 6: Yarde 10-9
Beterbiev starts the round with a big right hand and blood now pouring from Yarde’s right eye. Body shots from Yarde. Yarde has rarely been cut as a fighter, interesting to see how he reacts, even if it’s not affecting his vision. Yarde ends the round strong, taking back some blows and packing punches of his own.
Round 7: Yarde 10-9
Coming in we knew this would a slugfest, but man both fighters look spent. Beterbiev strikes with a nice crack at Yarde, but the challenger fires back. Here we go, both men going back and forth, the crowd is growing electric, this one will go down as an early fight of the year candidate.
Round 8: Beterbiev TKO
Strong right hand from Yarde and Beterbiev’s head tilts back. They’re both still landing good shots, unloading. Beterbiev back on that hard jab. Beterbiev strikes with a huge right hand and Yarde now on the canvas. He gets back up at eight, now being checked on in his corner slowly. The fight goes on and wham, another shot from Beterbiev! Yarde’s has seen enought and Beterbiev defends his title successfully!