Sergey Kovalev vs Anthony Yarde is a hard one to score
Experience vs Youth will take place at the Traktor Sport Palace in Russia
'The Beast from the East' Anthony Yarde has been expertly managed in building up an 18-0 record and he confidently believes the time is right to challenge WBO light-heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1).
The 36-year-old Russian has a wealth of experience at the top level, but three defeats in his last six bouts does have critics questioning if he has seen better days.
Odds amongst boxing scores of 7/4 for the belt to change hands is an attractive boxing scoreboard bet to place.
With such confusion over the way the fight will play out, with Kovalev a formidable force at 175lbs but waning on the world scene, and Yarde as a fresh, confident challenger that has never appeared at this level before, most fight fans having a flutter will likely wait until the beginning of the bout before taking advantage of the boxing live scores.
Boxing odds of 7/4 for the belt to change hands in Chelyabinsk is a value bet for a Kovalev vs Yarde prediction.
The Briton will be fighting away from home in a meaningful contest for the first time, but is showing few signs of nerves. He and manager/trainer Tunde Ajayi breed confidence in bundles and you assume they have taken this fight for a reason. For an unbeaten fighter to agree to travel to the champion's back yard in a place notoriously difficult to get the decision in, you can be forgiven for getting wrapped up in the hype and placing your bets on a Yarde KO victory.
The 28-year-old from East London stated: “I am more than happy to achieve my goal in Russia and I think it is only right that a great world champion such as Kovalev is given the opportunity to defend in his home country. He has earned that right.
“Everything has fallen perfectly into place for me, this will be my coronation as world champion and I am going to realise my dream by beating the most decorated of the current world title holders.”
There are few significant names on Yarde’s CV, but he has looked visually impressive in winning all bar one of his fights inside the distance. His punch power is evident for all to see and his self-assurance sky high. Combined with his youth, zero miles on the clock, this could be the making of a new world champion and superstar at light-heavyweight.
Despite having just 12 amateur fights before turning professional, the Londoner has displayed sound technical ability to go with his punishing raw power.
As long as his temperament holds up under pressure, the feeling is that Yarde has the physical tools to send Kovalev into retirement. Master tactician Tunde in the corner will be equipped with more than one game plan should they need it.
Obviously, Kovalev has the upper hand when it comes to experience, having finished his time as an amateur with a record of 195-18 before enjoying a stellar career in the paid ranks.
Krusher built up his reputation in the US prior to claiming a first world title triumph by beating Nathan Cleverly of Wales in Cardiff over six years ago.
He added the WBA and IBF belts to that WBO crown when outpointing Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins in Atlantic City four fights later and made four successful defences of that collection.
Back-to-back losses against the excellent Andre Ward left him empty-handed, desoite the first fight still disputed to this day, but Kovalev again tasted defeat versus Eleider Alvarez 12 months ago in a shock upset.
On that occasion, he was floored three times in round seven before being counted out and many sceptics suggested it would be hard to come back from that loss.
However, in February’s rematch, Kovalev changed his tactics to put on a more disciplined display and picked up a convincing points victory to right the wrong in style.
Colombian Alvarez was also a veteran at the age of 35, however, and a peak-condition Yarde will present a very different challenge.
In our opinion, the challenger has the hunger, athleticism and ability to force a stoppage in the second half of the contest. His plan surely must be to outwork the older foe by constantly force him backwards to evetually drain his energy. Keeping close and in range at all times will also be a major advantage for Yarde to land one of his big bombs. If he catches 'Krusher' on the ropes then a flurry of punches must be unleashed every time to take full advantage of the trapped opponent.
Ultimately, the confidence of the travelling challenger is enough to believe the hype that he will rob the Russian inside the distance in the Motherland.
