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Beterbiev vs Yarde LIVE!
Artur Beterbiev defended his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles in a thrilling bout with Anthony Yarde.
The British fighter produced a career-best performance for the first seven rounds, causing Beterbiev huge problems and he went into the eighth ahead on two of the judges’ cards. But the Russian showed that trademark power to drop Yarde. He got to his feet, but his corner had seen enough and the fight was waved off. It was the 19th win of Beterbiev’s professional career, and the 19th by stoppage.
Tonight’s undercard in the capital saw Karol Itauma stopped in a huge upset, as he suffered the first defeat of his professional career. Artem Dalakian defended his WBA flyweight title with a points victory over David Jimenez, with Moses Itauma’s professional debut then lasting just 14 seconds as he stopped his opponent in the blink of an eye. Follow Beterbiev vs Yarde live below!
Beterbiev vs Yarde latest news
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Beterbiev stops Yarde in thrilling bout
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Moses Itauma with rapid knockout
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Karol Itauma stopped in huge upset
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Dalakian defends world title against Jimenez
23:52 , Matt Verri
Who knows what’s next for Yarde, he’ll need some time off after that fight.
But his stock has risen massively, that was a sensational performance against one of the most feared fighters in the sport.
Went toe-to-toe with Beterbiev, caused him problems throughout before ultimately getting caught. Should be incredibly proud.
Mission accomplished….
23:48 , Matt Verri
23:41 , Matt Verri
What next for Beterbiev?
Got to be an undisputed light-heavyweight bout with Bivol, who holds the WBA belt. All the titles would be on the line between the two Russians.
There’s been talk of Beterbiev moving up and facing Usyk, but that doesn’t feel realistic for now.
23:36 , Matt Verri
One right hand to stagger Yarde, another to send him tumbling to the canvas.
Yarde did well to beat the count, but he was done by that point. Feels like a good stoppage from his corner.
23:31 , Matt Verri
“He went in there, he displayed qualities and showed a heart you can’t question. No questions about his heart or chin.”
Joshua Buatsi full of praise for Yarde, a man who will surely fight in the future.
Beterbiev’s reaction
23:25 , Matt Verri
“Every fight is different. If I did it again I would want to do better.
“Everyone in this category can punch hard. Anthony did too. He’s young.. he has time. I hope he does well in the future.
“To be honest, every punch we prepared for. That’s why I came back. We expect that, that’s why I won.”
Respect between the fighters!
23:23 , Matt Verri
23:19 , Matt Verri
Yarde was ahead on two of the scorecards going into that round.
He boxed absolutely brilliant, can be so proud of his efforts. One of the great fights and he more than played his part.
Beterbiev stops Yarde in the eighth round!
23:15 , Matt Verri
This is as good a fight as you’ll ever see. Incredible pace, both landing huge shots and neither giving a single inch.
Yarde lands a right hand, backs it up with a nice jab. Beterbiev looks to be feeling the pace, but out of nowhere he’ll find a massive shot that slows Yarde right down.
AND THERE’S ONE! YARDE IS DOWN! Staggered with a massive shot, sent to the canvas with a swinging right!
HE’S ALL OVER THE PLACE! AND IT’S BEEN WAVED OFF! YARDE’S CORNER HAVE SEEN ENOUGH.
Beterbiev vs Yarde
23:12 , Matt Verri
Round 7
Beterbiev’s corner a bit animated between rounds, they know their man is in a real fight here. Is he feeling the pace? Looks to have slowed down a bit.
Still blood coming from his left eye and now he loses his balance, trips over himself as he lunges in. Yarde quickly there to try and land the left hook, can’t do so this time.
Uppercut from Yarde, and a straight left! Beterbiev backed into the corner, but he lands a huge uppercut of his own! Out of nowhere Yarde is hanging on, he’s got his hands high. Has to find a way out of that corner.
Decides to just keep swinging instead, another Yarde uppercut! It’s another sensational round!
Got to feel that Yarde is ahead here. 4-3.
Beterbiev vs Yarde
23:08 , Matt Verri
Round 6
Yarde looks a bit stunned as he comes out for the sixth, that was a really tough final 20 seconds. He’s cut under his eye too, Beterbiev will keep aiming at that.
Pace has slowed a bit after that brilliant round, they’re both feeling it. Yarde stepping it up again, the left hook is bringing him so much success.
And now Beterbiev is cut too, blood coming from his left eye. Beterbiev with another big shot right on the ball, might be enough to take it again.
I’ve got it 3-3 at the halfway stage.
Beterbiev vs Yarde
23:05 , Matt Verri
Round 5
This is being fought at a crazy pace, both of their faces have been marked up. Again Yarde’s gumshield comes out, gives the pair an extra 15 seconds of rest.
Yarde is pawing at his right eye, it’s swelling up. Beterbiev pushed back though, Yarde caught him there and the Russian felt it.
And there’s another great left hook.. here he goes! Beterbiev staggered back, the crowd respond as the champion is backed right up. Yarde forcing the pace now, he’s marching after Beterbiev.
MASSIVE SHOT! Beterbiev briefly in the corner, swivels out of it though and Yarde is in big trouble himself! Uppercut is absolutely huge, Yarde desperately hanging on for the bell and it comes. Sensational round.
Beterbiev vs Yarde
23:00 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Beterbiev has come flying out of his corner!
He’s hurt Yarde, the legs have stiffened. Beterbiev putting the combinations together, catching Yarde with a number of huge shots. Brutal power.
Legs look to be back under him, but those were worrying moments for the Brit. Left hook from Yarde, he looks to briefly have Beterbiev in trouble but the Russian then lets his hands go in response!
That was a brilliant round. Beterbiev takes it for sure, probably makes it 2-2.
Beterbiev vs Yarde
22:56 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Beterbiev is leaving himself vulnerable as he charges in, doesn’t seem to care though. Brief pause as Yarde’s gumshield comes out.
Sharp jab from the Russian, he’s always one punch away from flipping any fight on its head.
Jab in response from Yarde, followed by a couple of nice body shots. He lunges in there though, Beterbiev very close to pinging him with a right hand as the British man loses his balance.
Big left hand! Right on the bell from Beterbiev, that could be enough to give him the round.
Beterbiev vs Yarde
22:52 , Matt Verri
Round 2
No surprise that Yarde’s corner are thrilled with that first three minutes. Their man certainly took the round.
Looks to be a bit of marking under Beterbiev’s left eye already, Yarde cannot miss with the left hook. Backs it up with a jab that snaps Beterbiev’s head back.
Here comes the Russian though, he’s starting to load up on his shots Yarde fights fire with fire, brilliant uppercut lands. This is a great round.
Yarde’s left hand continues to have success, but he cannot get caught in the corner. Beterbiev has already threatened to show how dangerous that would be.
2-0 Yarde!
Beterbiev vs Yarde
22:47 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Crowd right behind Yarde, and he lands decent left hook in the first minute. Beterbiev marching forward but he’s already been caught a couple of times.
Walks onto another one! Yarde landing with the left early on, Beterbiev getting caught as he moves forward.
That’s more like it from the Russian, good right hand. Follows it with a wild one that misses by a mile.
Yarde can be happy with that first round, taking advantage when Beterbiev lunges in.
Let’s go!
22:44 , Matt Verri
Up and running in the first round!
22:42 , Matt Verri
We’ve read out the sponsors, listed the judges, fighters about to be given their instructions.
Yarde has looked incredibly relaxed from the moment he emerged from his ring walk. Certain doesn’t appear to be fazed.
22:39 , Matt Verri
Boos for Beterbiev as he strolls out – don’t think he’ll be too bothered by that.
His three belts being carried to the ring behind him, that’s what’s on offer tonight for Yarde.
Would be one of the great wins for a British fighter if he can pull it off.
Here we go!
22:37 , Matt Verri
Told you.
Yarde is on his way to the ring, Wembley Arena right behind him.
A lot of talk about the fitness work he’s been doing in camp, doesn’t want to fall short in the late rounds (if it goes that far) like he did against Kovalev.
22:34 , Matt Verri
BT Sport have prepared their montages and they’re going to use them!
Nearly 40 minutes since Itauma’s win in the final bout on the undercard – rings walks hopefully are imminent.
And they are coming up in the next couple of minutes, it actually is almost time. Promise.
22:31 , Matt Verri
Yarde knows he’s not the favourite… Yarde doesn’t care that he’s not the favourite!
“Being the underdog, overdog, middle dog, it don’t matter to me, I’m a dog,” he said this week.
“When I get into that ring and start throwing my hands, everyone knows what I can be. All that underdog stuff doesn’t matter to me. It gives me that little push, that little urge.”
Prediction from Tyson Fury!
22:27 , Matt Verri
22:24 , Matt Verri
18 fights, 18 wins, 18 knockouts for Beterbiev.
Yarde has two defeats to his name, though he avenged the one to Lyndon Arthur.
Just the 40 wins by stoppage between them – we’re surely not hearing the final bell!
22:18 , Matt Verri
We made it everyone. They’ve gone. “The fans seemed to love it,” says the presenting team. Interesting way to describe boos.
Anyway, Paul and Fury are out of the ring. Sweet Caroline is playing. The main event is coming up!
22:16 , Matt Verri
Tyson Fury cracking up at ringside, fair to say he’s not taking this very seriously. Rightly so.
“This has been going on for too long, far too long,” says Tommy. Agreed.
22:14 , Matt Verri
Paul has brought some clothes. Very predictably they both lunge at each other and security have to separate them. Both following the script perfectly.
Fury says: “He will never box again. I’m not 50, I’m not 40, I’m not an MMA guys. I swear to God, you’re finished come February 26.”
Paul responds, says Fury has only fought “taxi drivers” and that’s he has nothing but “fake confidence”.
22:12 , Matt Verri
Well, we’ve got a bit of a sideshow first. Chisora among those in the ring for some reason.
Anyway, it’s Tommy Fury and Jake Paul into the ring. We’re going to have these two slagging each other off for a few minutes, ahead of their fight next month.
Fury prancing around topless – not sure why.
Itauma’s post-fight reaction…
22:08 , Matt Verri
22:06 , Matt Verri
Not even a smile from Itauma as he’s interviewed after the bout.
He’s clearly really down after his brother’s defeat earlier tonight, his focus seemed to be fully on that.
Can’t have been easy Moses dealing with that in the changing rooms before his debut.
Easy night…
22:03 , Matt Verri
21:59 , Matt Verri
The left hand did the damage. The first staggered Bode, and the second one hit the gloves but it was still powerful enough to knock him down.
We’ve learned absolutely nothing from that – Bode wasn’t fancying it at all. 14 seconds the official time.
Bode still sat in his corner and he’s getting some oxygen. This fight probably should have taken place about two hours ago.
Itauma wins by first-round stoppage!
21:57 , Matt Verri
BODE DOWN AFTER 12 SECONDS!
Dear me. Wobbled with one shot, knocked down with a second… AND IT’S WAVED OFF!
Wasn’t worth warming up really.
21:55 , Matt Verri
Here we go!
Itauma up for his pro debut, four rounds of heavyweight action to come. Or at least that’s scheduled, Itauma will be planning on finishing his work much quicker than that.
They’re in the ring, about to get underway in this final fight on the undercard.
21:51 , Matt Verri
Moses Itauma vs Marcel Bode is next up, the final fight before we get to the main event.
Reminder that Itauma’s brother Karol was stunned earlier on tonight, losing for the first time in his professional career.
Itauma, who believes he will become the youngest ever heavyweight world champion, makes his debut very shortly.
Fletcher gets the decision
21:48 , Matt Verri
Obviously.
He wins every round, 60-54 on the referee’s card. First time he hasn’t got the stoppage, but he came against a man who is very, very well-equipped when it comes to making it through a fight.
Fletcher vs Sharp
21:45 , Matt Verri
Round 6
Final round of this one, Sharp a few minutes away from the outcome he wants.
Fletcher lands a clean uppercut, found its way through the defences. Haven’t been many of those at all. Looks for it again, Sharp saw it coming though and moved well away.
No tempo at all to this fight, they’re both cruising towards the final bell. And there it is.
Fletcher gets the full six rounds, good experience for him.
Fletcher vs Sharp
21:41 , Matt Verri
Round 5
Quick hands from Fletcher, Sharp smiling a less now. There’s a good shot from Sharp though, he certainly enjoyed that!
Crowd very quiet, they haven’t had much to get involved with at all. Fletcher controlling the fight, landing his jab but that’s about it. No desire from either of them to force the pace.
Sounds like a few boos from the Wembley Arena crowd. Not impressed.
Fletcher vs Sharp
21:38 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Mark Tibbs very happy between rounds in the corner, telling Fletcher he’s following the plan well.
More good work with the jab from Fletcher, throws it from miles away as he makes full use of height. Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora sat together at ringside, not too much for them to get excited about.
Sharp doing a very decent job of making sure he doesn’t get caught with anything serious. Makes it through another round.
Fletcher vs Sharp
21:33 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Fletcher starting to let his hands go, puts together a nice combination as Sharp gets pushes into the corner. The standard smile and wave of the hand is the response.
He’s having a full-on conversation with Fletcher, who is staying very composed and letting his punches do the talking. Sharp enjoying himself at Wembley Arena.
Left hook to the body from Fletcher, who still isn’t really forcing the pace. He’s won all three rounds very comfortably.
Fletcher vs Sharp
21:29 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Sharp spending most of his time smiling at Fletcher and beckoning him forward, clearly not feeling too concerned about the shots coming his way.
Straight left from Fletcher, before a swinging right hand misses.
All very controlled from Fletcher, he’s taking no risks really. Happy to keep landing the jab and the occasional spiteful shot.
Fletcher vs Sharp
21:25 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Fletcher is 6ft 7, massive advantage over Sharp. This is just Fletcher’s seventh professional round… Sharp has had a few more than that.
Sharp has only been stopped three times in all his fights, so it would be a statement from Fletcher if the stoppage comes.
No real sign of it in the opening three minutes. Couple of decent shots from Fletcher, met with a smile from Sharp who keeps urging his opponent to come forward.
Relatively uneventful first round.
21:22 , Matt Verri
Fletcher and Sharp are in the ring – six rounds of cruiserweight action scheduled.
104 professional fights for Sharp, just the 96 defeats. Going to need a fair old run to get himself towards a winning record.
21:19 , Matt Verri
This is Fletcher’s fourth professional fight – three wins by knockout to his name so far.
“I did well as an amateur for how many fights I had,” Fletcher said.
“I only had 21 fights, but they were of a good quality and I’ve boxed European gold medallists. So I have definitely mixed it with the best.
“I have been sparring with grown men from the age of 15 and when you are putting them to sleep, it says something.”
21:15 , Matt Verri
Two more fights to go until tonight’s much-anticipated main event.
Moses Itauma to come, but first Tommy Fletcher faces Darryl Sharp. That one is coming up very shortly.
21:12 , Matt Verri
Wow.
Karol’s brother Moses is in action later tonight, making his professional debut.
He’s got to put that shock defeat to Karol to one side and focus on himself, but that will surely have shaken him a bit.
Massive upset!
21:10 , Matt Verri
Buatsi reacts to Itauma defeat
21:08 , Matt Verri
“He never got started tonight. I feel for him. In my opinion, [Maderna] has had a lot of fights. The experience he has, compared to Karol, it’s a lot. He was the more experienced man.
“The other guy has done it so many times. That’s what told for me tonight.”
Itauma stopped in the fifth!
21:04 , Matt Verri
ITAUMA DOWN! Right hand from Maderna and Itauma is in huge trouble, he looks absolutely stunned.
AND HE DOESN’T GET UP! It’s waved off and Maderna has a stunning upset win.
Itauma beaten for the first time in his short professional career.
Itauma vs Maderna
21:01 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Itauma caught again, Maderna’s best shot of the bout, but he follows it with a wild right hand that catches nothing but air.
And Itauma is wobbled! His legs are very shaky as he’s caught, just trying to hold now as Maderna pushes forward. Blood coming from his noise, Itauma trying to wipe it away.
Body shot from Maderna, brilliant minute or so from him. Legs look to be back under Itauma now, but that was really worrying for him.
Itauma vs Maderna
20:58 , Matt Verri
Round 3
This is not comfortable for Itauma at all, he’s being really tested in there.
Good work on the inside though, landing a couple of shots on the inside as he backs Maderna up into the corner.
And a couple of uppercuts again from Itauma up close, he’s enjoying far more success when he closes the distance.
His best round of the fight, though that’s not a very high bar.
Itauma vs Maderna
20:54 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Maderna continues to land, finding a way through Itauma’s defences. Waiting on the back foot and picking his shots.
Frank Warren’s son is on his feet and screaming at the refree, as Maderna’s glove touches the canvas after he got caught. Not deemed a knockdown.
Maderna then lands a straight right, he’s enjoying success despite that brief scare.
Itauma vs Maderna
20:50 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Itauma looks huge in the ring compared to Maderna, definite size advantage.
Composed start from Itauma, but there’s some good shots coming back at him. And another right hand from Maderna, has marked up Itauma’s nose a bit.
That’s a much more even first round than we might have expected, Maderna very confident.
20:46 , Matt Verri
Ten round of light-heavyweight action scheduled. Itauma will not intend for it to go that long.
Fighters standing in the ring, slight delay as the 400 sponsors are all read out. No messing around from Frank Warren…
Ten defeats for Maderna in his pro career so far, would be a huge surprise if that number is not 11 very soon.
Here we go!
20:40 , Matt Verri
First Itauma brother is up next – Karol Itauma vs Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna.
The 22-year-old is 9-0, seven of those wins coming by knockout. The vacant WBC International light-heavyweight title is on the line tonight.
20:36 , Matt Verri
Karol and Moses Itauma both still to come tonight, plenty of excitement surrounding the brothers.
Only a couple of hours away now from the main event, Beterbiev vs Yarde. Don’t want to miss the start of that one, it’s unlikely to go the distance!
Unanimous decision for the Ukrainian
20:33 , Matt Verri
Dalakian wins
20:30 , Matt Verri
115-113. 115-113. 116-112.
All in favour of… Dalakian! And still. He defends his WBA title, thoroughly deserved too.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:28 , Matt Verri
Round 12
Here we go, three minutes left of this world title bout.
Jimenez’s corner are screaming at him to push the pace, they know he needs a big finish. They both land good shots, Dalakian stands there and trades briefly.
The Ukrainian now looks happy enough to just stifle Jimenez, who is giving it everything. He nods at Dalakian as he wears an uppercut.
And that’s the final bell, enjoyable fight. Dalakian has surely done enough to defend his title. We’re going to the cards!
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:24 , Matt Verri
Round 11
Has Jimenez got another six minutes at this tempo in him? He’s going to need it.
They’re both slowing down a bit and that suits Dalakian, he’s having a good round as they enter the final 60 seconds.
Jimenez getting tied up pretty much every time he closes the distance now, Dalakian seeing this out very confidently.
Got to feel Jimenez probably needs a knockdown in the final round.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:19 , Matt Verri
Round 10
This is such impressive work-rate from Jimenez, he’s been relentless in pushing the pace. Dalakian will be the happier of the two as the referee pauses the round, the Ukrainian’s shoelace has come undone.
And Dalakian has returned with a purpose, great body shot and that really slows Jimenez. His smile is fooling nobody!
Looks to have recovered though as he lands a left hook, final 30 seconds could decide this round…. although it’s very tight.
That body shot maybe just enough for Dalakian, although the replays show it was very low.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:15 , Matt Verri
Round 9
Right hand lands from Jimenez, backs it up with a left hook. Good start to this round from the challenger.
There’s the response though from Dalakian, slows Jimenez down with the jab and is then able to take control again. Crowd getting involved, and they’re right behind Dalakian.
He’s boxing on the back foot and gets backed up there, Jimenez swinging beyond the bell as the referee quickly breaks them up.
I’ve got it 5-4 to Dalakian – still there for either of them.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:11 , Matt Verri
Round 8
Jimenez charging forward at the start of the eighth, looks like his corner as told him he needs to start forcing it.
Good shots on the inside from Jimenez, but again Dalakian is able to swivel his way out of trouble. He’s briefly on the canvas, definitely not a knock down though.
They’re starting to trade a bit more now, which Jimenez is clearly enjoying. Dances back to his corner with a huge smile on his face.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:07 , Matt Verri
Round 7
Dalakian doing a pretty good job of stopping Jimenez working on the inside. The champion is being backed into the corner a fair bit, but he’s not taking any shots.
Jimenez with a couple more unsuccessful attempts at landing a big right hand, Dalakian still looking very relaxed as he picks his shots nicely.
That was a bit of a ragged three minutes from Jimenez.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
20:03 , Matt Verri
Round 6
Jimenez’s corner have patched up that cut, blood no longer coming down the side of his head.
Not a huge amount in the way of clean shots from either of them, Dalakian having a slightly better round but it’s still Jimenez forcing the pace.
Dalakian the more composed of the two, even if Jimenez’s work-rate is eye-catching. Fight still in the balance at the halfway point.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
19:59 , Matt Verri
Round 5
There’s blood coming from Jimenez’s head, looks to have come from a clash of heads. It’s on the side of his head so not causing any problems with his vision.
He’s looking better now after that decent finish to the last round, Dalakian nowhere near as comfortable now with the quicker pace.
It’s Jimenez who is the one marching forward from centre ring, setting the pace. Dalakian throws a big right hand… at thin air. Jimenez’s round.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
19:55 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Jimenez is trying to close the distance and fight on the inside, but it’s quite messy when he does.
Then almost does a full 360 as he swings for the hills with a left hook that misses by a long way, might be starting to get frustrated in there.
It’s another uneventuful round on the whole, Jimenez has to do a lot more if he’s to take this belt off Dalakian. A good body shot towards the end of the three minutes but that’s about it.
Potentially 39-37 to Dalakian on the cards after four rounds.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
19:51 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Big right hand from Dalakian, who is taking real control of this fight now. Jimenez unable to cause him any problems at all.
Wild there from the champion though, missed that by about six feet. Jimenez not ready to take advantage as his opponent staggered around.
Referee has been pretty busy in there, plenty of holding from the two of them.
Predictions for the big fight from the big man…
19:48 , Matt Verri
Dalakian vs Jimenez
19:47 , Matt Verri
Round 2
That’s nice from Jimenez, good uppercut lands and briefly pushes Dalakian back.
Both look really comfortable in the ring, moving well and looking very solid. Dalakian with a decent shot there, catches Jimenez with a left hook.
The Costa Rican tries to land a left hook of his own, Dalakian saw that coming though. Another round for the Ukrainian.
Dalakian vs Jimenez
19:43 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Both pack decent power but not much of that on show in the early stages. They’re showing each other plenty of respect.
Lots of holding, Dalakian with pretty much the only clean shot in the opening couple of minutes.
The champion probably just about edges a very cagey first round.
19:36 , Matt Verri
There’s never been a professional male world champion from Costa Rica… Jimenez looking to make history here.
Dalakian also now in the ring – we’re pretty much ready to get this one up and running. 12 rounds of flyweight action scheduled.
19:31 , Matt Verri
Next up Ukraine’s Artem Dalakian defend his WBA flyweight title against undefeated challenger David Jimenez of Costa Rica.
This could prove to be a really tight bout, not much to split them when it comes to the latest odds. Dalakian a slight favourite to keep hold of his belt.
They’ll be on their way to the ring shortly!
Ali’s post-fight thoughts
19:27 , Matt Verri
“It’s just about getting the job done. That performance was down to my dedication and hard work. Eight weeks, a very tough camp.
“I’m very skilful, I knew he wasn’t on my level. It’s simple as that. Eight weeks, hard, hard work. It gives you confidence.
“He dropped twice, he was gone. I knew when he sat down he wasn’t coming back. There’s levels to this game. This is a stepping stone, I want to become world champion. A small stepping stone.
“I want to take my time in this game, don’t want to get too ahead of myself. I performed very well, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”
Just in time!
19:24 , Matt Verri
Fight waved off!
19:22 , Matt Verri
Trainer calls the referee over, Gogosevic will not be appearing for the second round!
Ali on another level, that was a complete stroll for him. He moves to 5-0 with his third win by stoppage.
Perfect night for Ali.
Ali vs Gogosevic
19:20 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Six rounds scheduled for this one. Ali looking to move to 5-0, the 22-year-old a strong favourite.
He takes centre ring from the first bell, already landed a couple of decent left hooks in the opening minute. Ali’s jab making its way through the defences too.
And Gogosevic is down! Wow. Legs deserted him, eyes all over the place too but he’s back up. Not for long at this rate.
He’s swinging for the hills but Ali is tagging him at will – Gogosevic down again but not a knock down. His balance is all over the shop, having a miserable time in there.
Down again right on the bell! He’s made it to his corner, two knock downs in the opening round.
19:15 , Matt Verri
And here we go, Ali and Gogosevic are in the ring and about to get underway.
Not many in the arena yet, but that will change before too long. Let the games begin!
Plenty of action ahead!
19:11 , Matt Verri
Five fights to come on the undercard, before the main event. Those are:
Moses Itauma vs Marcel Bode
Tommy Fletcher vs Darryl Sharp
Karol Itauma vs Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna
Artem Dalakian vs David Jimenez
Khalid Ali vs Ivica Gogosevic
19:06 , Matt Verri
Joshua Buatsi is part of BT Sport’s coverage tonight.
He says he’ll be straight in that ring tonight calling Yarde out if he can pull off an upset. That would be a massive all-British clash.
Got to think it will happen at some point, regardless of the result later on.
Here we go!
19:01 , Matt Verri
It’s time for the main undercard from Wembley Arena.
Full coverage of that right here, building up to Beterbiev vs Yarde. Ring walks for the main event expected at some time around 10/10:30pm GMT.
All depends on what happens before then.
More undercard action…
18:57 , Matt Verri
Warren: Big moment in Yarde’s life
18:54 , Matt Verri
Promoter Frank Warren believes Yarde is a bigger puncher than Beterbiev, and he’s backing his man to pull off the upset tonight.
“If Anthony lands, I think he takes him out,” Warren told BT Sport..
“I’m sure everyone has a plan. The important thing for fighters is to have a plan A and a plan B and sometimes a plan C. I’m hoping at the age of 38, age will be against Beterbiev – that is the chance we are taking.
“This is a big, big night for him, it is a big moment in his life and I think he has the temperament to get through it.
“But he wanted Beterbiev. There was no thought of him going for an easier opponent. He studied him and his mantra is that he can beat him.
“Timing is key. I like to think in important fights I have got it right. But there are times when you need to roll the dice if you believe in your guy.”
“Whoever loses is f****d”
18:46 , Matt Verri
Tyson Fury typically blunt as he meets Jake Paul.
The YouTuber will be facing off with Tommy Fury at some point this evening, ahead of their fight in Saudi Arabia next month.
Yarde ready to face ‘that Beterbiev guy’
18:39 , Matt Verri
A photograph recently resurfaced of Anthony Yarde in a boxing gym in Camden just a few months after taking up boxing.
Also using the facility at the time were Russia’s Olympic boxing team on the eve of the 2012 Olympics in the capital. Among that group was Artur Beterbiev.
Looking over it, Yarde remembers thinking: “That’s that Beterbiev guy.” Eleven years on, he says: “Life has come full circle.”
Read Matt Majendie’s full fight preview here
So far tonight
18:33 , Matt Verri
There’s already been a few fights at Wembley Arena tonight, before the main undercard and TV coverage gets underway.
Masood Abdulah has moved to 8-0, while Joshua Frankham went the full six rounds and got the decision.
Charles Frankham eased his way to victory, winning every round as he too won by unanimous decision.
Beterbiev as tough a test as you’ll find…
18:26 , Matt Verri
Fair to say Beterbiev’s professional record is not too shabby.
18 fights, 18 wins, 18 knockouts. That last of those came six months ago, when he stopped Joe Smith Jr in the second round.
There has been the occasional sign of vulnerability though. Britain’s Callum Johnson knocked him down when they fought in 2018, and at 38 will Beterbiev start to slow down?
Yarde will be hoping so!
Fury family in the building
18:18 , Matt Verri
Tyson Fury is in attendance in London tonight, and he’ll be joined by his brother later on.
Tommy will be going face-to-face with Jake Paul, after their fight was finally announced for February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
“They are finally getting it on and are going to throw down,” Tyson told talkSPORT. “The two YouTube people get to battle it out for the king of the YouTubers.
“It’s going to be fun, and I expect Tommy to chin him. If he doesn’t he can stay in Saudi Arabia.”
Yarde gets another shot at the big time
18:11 , Matt Verri
This is Yarde’s second shot at a world title, the first coming in 2019 when he travelled to Russia to face Sergey Kovalev.
He suffered the first defeat of his career when he was stopped in the 11th round, but not before he gave the Russian huge problems in the eighth.
Not the result he wanted that night, but Yarde had plenty of reasons to be proud of his performance.
Beterbiev on future plans
18:01 , Matt Verri
Artur Beterbiev is back in London, 11 years after he competed at the 2012 Olympics.
He lost in the quarter-finals to Oleksandr Usyk back then, the Ukrainian who now holds the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight belts.
Beterbiev is open to moving up in weight to face Usyk once again, though a undisputed bout against Dmitry Bivol appears to be more likely.
“No problem,” Beterbiev told Sky Sports. “He’s successful. He’s a good fighter and he did a good job. I’m not really interested [in his career]. I’m not following Usyk or someone else.”
“I could move up, it’s interesting but another champion is good too,” he added when asked about Bivol. “I try to be ready for everything. If it comes, we will try to do it.”
Huge night ahead!
17:53 , Matt Verri
Yarde unfazed by underdog tag
17:47 , Matt Verri
Not many are backing Anthony Yarde to pull off an upset tonight, so great is the task in front of him. The 31-year-old is not paying any attention to that though.
“Being underdog, over-dog, middle-dog, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m a dog,” Yarde said.
“When I get in that ring and start throwing my hands about, everyone knows what I can do. I understand why the bookies have got it (the odds) like they have, and that’s what edges me on.
“He should be respected because of what he’s done, but when you get in the ring you try and take away the respect from your opponent. This fight means three belts, legacy and history.”
Standard Sport prediction
17:38 , Matt Verri
Brave Yarde will not be intimidated or cowed by the significant challenge that awaits this weekend.
He showed against Kovalev that he holds no fear when the odds are firmly stacked against him, and on that occasion he came close to shocking the world with an eighth-round stoppage.
While it’s extremely difficult to see that happening again here, you can be sure that Yarde will give this everything he’s got on home soil.
For all Beterbiev’s fearsome power, his opponent also packs a massive punch and will be only too ready to exploit any mistakes made by the Russian.
Though the champion has many knockouts in the first half of fights on his stellar CV, he was taken nine rounds by Marcus Browne in a bloody affair in Montreal in December 2021 and also went 10 with both Adam Deines and Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Yarde will no doubt make things difficult and Beterbiev will likely need to methodically break down another opponent here rather than scoring a quick highlight-reel KO, before finishing a dominant performance in the latter stages.
Beterbiev to win by knockout in the ninth round.
Card in full
17:30 , Matt Verri
Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde
Artem Dalakian vs David Jimenez
Karol Itauma vs Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna
Willy Hutchinson vs Emil Markic
Charles Frankham vs Joshua Ocampo
Umar Khan vs Sandeep Singh Bhatti
Sean Noakes vs Santiago Garces
Tommy Fletcher vs Darryl Sharp
Joshua Frankham vs Joe Hardy
Khalid Ali vs Ivica Gogosevic
Moses Itauma vs Marcel Bode
Tonight’s undercard
17:21 , Matt Verri
The chief support sees Ukraine’s Artem Dalakian defend his WBA flyweight title against undefeated challenger David Jimenez of Costa Rica.
The Itauma brothers are also in action, with teenage heavyweight prospect Moses making his professional debut and Karol fighting for his first title in the form of the vacant WBC International light-heavyweight belt.
Charles “Boom Boom” Frankham looks to go 7-0 against Colombia’s Joshua Ocampo and Hamzah Sheeraz’s cousin Umar Khan stages his sixth fight against India’s Sandeep Singh Bhatti. The WBO Inter-Continental light-heavyweight title is also on the line as Willy Hutchinson takes on Emil Markic.
Scheduled timings
17:14 , Matt Verri
The main undercard is due to get underway from 7pm GMT, with the ring walks for the main event expected at approximately 10pm.
As ever, exact timings will depend on the length of the undercard fights… and there are a lot! More on that in a moment.
How to watch Beterbiev vs Yarde
17:06 , Matt Verri
TV channel: In the UK, Beterbiev vs Yarde is available to watch live tonight via BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7pm GMT.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the action as it happens live online via the BT Sport website or app.
LIVE coverage: Follow live coverage throughout the card right here with us!
Good evening!
16:59 , Matt Verri
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde!
It is a huge light-heavyweight clash tonight, with the ruthless Beterbiev putting his WBC, IBF and WBO belts on the line against home favourite Yarde, who gets his second shot at a world title.
We’ll have full coverage of the whole card tonight at Wembley Arena, building up to the much-anticipated main event. Stay tuned!
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