Anthony Yarde Prepared to Face ‘One of the Best Fighters on the Planet’

According to Boxxer Promoter Ben Shalom talks regarding an all-British showdown between Anthony Yarde (25-3, 24 KOs) and Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) are progressing, with him revealing “it’s going to get done.” Anthony Yarde’s trainer Tunde Ajayi has also spoken about the magnitude of the Buatsi showdown but also spoken about an intriguing future fight that Yarde would like.

Anthony Yarde Next Fight: Buatsi Deal Close

Anthony Yarde Targets Big Fights

The London duo have often been linked to a potential bout given their high standing as Britain’s’ most established light heavyweights. Yarde has undoubtedly mixed at a higher level, having lost competitive fights to Artur Beterbiev and Sergey Kovalev. Buatsi will be feeling confident after his impressive win against Dan Azzez.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Shalom said: “I had a laugh with him [Yarde] and said ‘hurry up!’.” He continued: “Joshua Buatsi is ready. Hopefully, we’ll be sitting down with George Warren [of Queensberry Promotions] next week. Everybody wants the fight, both promoters want the fight, it’s going to get done.” Shalom added: “It’s going to be the UK, I believe it will be next as well. Fingers crossed we see another phenomenal fight, he’s always in good fights.”

Yarde has made no secret of his desire to make this fight and previously said: “I see myself winning, I don’t like to put any spite on it, I see myself winning and I feel like I’ve been in bigger fights, had tougher competition, for me I’ve been showing I’ve been getting better every fight.”

Ready for the Biggest Fights

Following the comments from Shalom regarding the negotiations for Buatsi-Yarde, Yarde’s trainer, Tunde Ajayi has spoken about the possible fights available to his fighter: “We’re ready. It’s the Anthony Yarde show, all roads lead to Anthony.” “There are so many fights.

“I put it out there in a tweet – Beterviev II, [Dmitry] Bivol, Jai Opetaia at cruiserweight. Anthony said to me today, ‘I’ll fight him! Everybody is ducking this guy, I’m ready!’ Anthony would fight Jai Opetaia. The big punching Australian – has been described by Eddie Hearn as “one of the best fighters on the planet,” making a potential fight with Yarde a fascinating prospect.

Ajayi continued: “Sergey Kovalev II, Anthony would love the rematch. We’ve heard that Kovalev has decided to come back out and fight again.

“There’s Chris Billam-Smith, Anthony would go up tomorrow and fight Chris Billam-Smith.”

Ajayi has also discussed the magnitude of a Yarde-Buatsi bout: “The one I feel the British fans want to see is a fight that has been in the making for over five years and one that would do a stadium,” he added. “I keep hearing O2 talk, but it’s a football stadium.”