Post-courier Beterbiev retains boxing world belt

Undefeated light heavyweight world boxing champion Artur Beterbiev has stopped Britain’s Anthony Yard in a thriller at London’s Wembley Arena to retain his WBC, IBF and WBO belts.

The Russian-born Canadian sent the Englishman to the canvas at the penalty light, and after the count, the challenger’s corner signaled referee Steve Gray to stop the fight, stopping the fight two minutes and one second into the eighth round. rice field.

The 38-year-old Montreal-based Beterbiev was trailing on two of the three judges’ scorecards at the time, but a win over an underdog that proved to be a real threat put him on the mend. The professional record is now 19-0-0.

The 31-year-old Yard currently has 23 wins, three losses and no ties.

Both men suffered cuts to the face as they exchanged blows at a furious pace from the opening bell. Yade under the right eye, Beterbiev on the left eyelid.

Yard lost Gumshield twice in a pulsating fight that saw both men hit the ropes and deliver stabbing blows.

Beterbiev counted every punch, but Yarde stayed there and landed a crunch in round five before being caught in an uppercut.

Round 7 was another classic, with Yard pushing Beterbiev into a corner, but the champions turned it around and gave the Englishman a shot.

Yarde promoter George Warren said:

“I put him up[on the scorecard]. It was almost a pendulum fight, it swung like a pendulum. Anthony started really well. I have shown that it can be done.”

Beterbiev said he booed when he entered the ring, clapped when he left, and knelt in joy when the referee entered, then said he was ready to take punches and counters.

Asked about a future bout with Russia’s undefeated WBA champion Dmitry Bivol, Beterbiev said he hopes it will happen.

“I want a biborg,” he said. “Now is everything. We have four belts in this fight and I think it’s a really good fight.”