Anthony Yarde’s promoter Frank Warren believes Artur Beterbiev’s willingness to fight in his opponent’s back yard demonstrates his confidence.
Fighters tend to prefer to fight in their own countries to ensure that they get home support in the hope of edging any potential judges’ decisions.
However, Beterbiev will compete at Wembley Stadium this Saturday (live on ESPN+ - US only), as he puts his IBF, WBC and WBO championships at light heavyweight.
Yarde has fought abroad before, such as when he went to Russia for a title challenge against Sergey Kovalev in 2019.
“It was important to get home advantage,” Warren explained, reported BoxingScene.com.
“I managed to get a deal done with Bob Arum. But they are happy to be here, they fancy their guy big time – they think it will be a formality.
“But I look back at some of the formalities there have been over the years. Jeff Lacy was supposed to be a formality to beat Joe Calzaghe, it was a formality for Kostya Tszyu to beat Ricky Hatton. I can mention loads over the years. I just hope I have picked the right moment for this fight. If anyone can do it, I think he can.”
Warren hopes that Beterbiev’s age will count against him
“If Anthony lands, I think he takes him out,” Warren said.
“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.”
The promoter also believes Yarde has the physical abilities to pose a problem,
“He is a natural athlete – he’s a tough, tough guy and super fit,” Warren continued.
“He is also a quick learner. He impresses me with what he has been able to do. I’ve got a lot of time for him. From the start, nobody knew who he was and he has done a good job. He has got a winning mentality.
“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.”