Two-time world light-heavyweight title challenger Anthony Yarde makes his return this weekend after an eight-month layoff against another unknown opponent in Latvia’s 17-1 pro Ralfs Vilcans, aware that his contractual situation and existing future at world level remain unclear at a time where the divsional landscape is starting to become clearer after last weekend’s undisputed bout.
Yarde back but what’s the plan after Saturday? Who knows
A quick recent Getty Image search and an uneasy trend becomes apparent: Anthony Yarde, sometimes alone and other times with company, posing for pictures or signing autographs at London movie premieres over several months.
Now, that’s not to say he can’t enjoy his off days, but a man in the peak years of a finite boxing career pictured more often indulging in activities outside the ring rather than preparing to box again speaks volumes both for how frustrating this last year has been, as well as why many remain conflicted when describing Yarde’s career.
He somewhat cleared the air on his own YouTube channel during what is his first fight week since blasting out Serbia’s Marko Nikolic in early February, under a new promoter and TV channel in BOXXER chief Ben Shalom and Sky Sports.
It’s a one-fight agreement but the 33-year-old refused to rule out any possibilities after this weekend’s fight, whether that be extending his deal there or reupping with the man who has studiously guided an up-and-down career in the paid ranks.
“I’m not saying I wouldn’t work with Frank Warren again, it’s business – everyone’s trying to do what’s best in their life – it’s a short career and about cementing a legacy, making the most of your career. We’re prizefighters so you wanna make as much money as you can, live the rest of your life in a nice way and take care of your family,” Yarde said in that sitdown interview.
Two world title opportunities, three-and-a-half years apart, did not bare fruit but established a belief within that Yarde belongs on the world stage. Problem? His opposition outside of that, and an unexpected two-fight series with Lyndon Arthur, has either flattered to deceive or been too poor to take much stock into.
An oft-discussed South vs. East London matchup between him and Joshua Buatsi has seemingly been in the pipeline for five years now. They were supposed to meet at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park on June 15, but that matchup didn’t materialise.
Buatsi won the WBO world interim light-heavyweight title last month after a gruelling 12-round split decision win over Queensberry’s gamely Willy Hutchinson, the final result only telling half the story at a soldout Wembley.
As Virgil Hunter, Buatsi’s coach, said in an interview this time last year, the opportunity has to make sense for his fighter. Why would he assume all the risk involved, big fight or not, when the Croydon man holds the leverage?
Frank Warren, who has defended Yarde in the good times and bad, agreed. Crucially though, not all were in agreement and negotiations broke down, much to his public bemusement – thus creating a chain reaction and rumoured legal action stemming from another protracted contract dispute. This doesn’t usually end amicably.
“Buatsi’s name has been linked to my career, it frustrated him… he was the Olympian, I know he’s frustrated by how his career has gone so far, he wants his own light and doesn’t want my name overshadowing his. I want the fight to happem 100%, no terms have been agreed yet because we’ve spoken personally, I’m still confident [it will happen], just want the biggest fights.”
Yarde boxing back at the Copperbox before targeting big fights again in 2025 is an interesting task, given his inability to capture them outside two Russian-born world champions. One retired after a cruiserweight move proved more damaging than delightful while the other was just crowned undisputed in the weight class last week.
Given just how close Saturday night’s Riyadh main event was, former long-reigning WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol and team have already lobbied for an immediate rematch but one that will likely see step-aside fees needed to satisfy mandatory challengers in the interim if they want to go again for undisputed status.
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes hyperlinked
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