FightPost Team Predictions: Kovalev vs Yarde

FightPost Team Predictions: Kovalev vs Yarde 

By Josh Wooler

Anthony Yarde takes the courageous step of facing WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev in Russia tonight, putting his unbeaten record on the line for an opportunity to really announce himself on the world stage.

There has been plenty of intrigue into the battle of youth vs experience and it has split boxing fans and the FightPost team in regards to the outcome of fight.

Kovalev (33-3-1, 28KO) no longer holds the same kind of fearsome reputation he had some years ago, with his three defeats coming in as many years, leading many to write him off as finished.

His last outing saw him avenge his surprise knockout defeat to Eleider Alvarez with an impressive points win back in February and in doing so reclaim his world title, but it’s clear that the Russian has lost his aura of invincibility.

Meanwhile there is no doubt as to which direction Anthony Yarde’s career is heading in. The 28-year-old from London is unbeaten in 18 contests, with only one of those going the distance and has been tipped to reach the pinnacle of the sport, a win over Kovalev would prove that all the hype and potential is legit.

Yarde’s speed and power has really caught the eye, and with age on his side many are picking him to upset the odds and dethrone the champion.

However, this test represents a huge step-up in class for Yarde. His best win remains his 2017 victory over Nikola Sjekloća and he is still yet to dip his toe in to a competitive domestic light heavyweight scene.

His last contest was against the largely unknown Travis Reeves in March who was dispatched inside 5 rounds. Whilst Yarde has looked impressive picking up these wins, the calibre of opposition is far from sufficient preparation for a fighter of Kovalev’s prowess.

In my opinion, I think this will be a case of too much too soon for Yarde, who would ideally have another three or four fights before taking on Kovalev . He will be hoping he can catch the champion early on in the fight but personally I think the Russian’s greater experience will be the deciding factor.

I can see ‘Krusher’ cautiously controlling the fight in the early rounds, remaining wary of Yarde’s power. As the fight progresses I think Yarde will struggle with Kovalev’s power, something he hasn’t had to deal with son far in his boxing career and the champion’s experience will tell, stopping Yarde in the mid-late rounds.

Of course, the Englishman will always have a chance, especially as there remain doubts over how much Kovalev has left to offer, and a good portion of the FightPost team are expecting Yarde to emerge victorious.

Ultimately, I think the fight is Kovalev’s to lose, especially in his home country, but whatever happens, Yarde should be commended for taking on such a challenge.

Team Predictions:

Aidan O’Connor: Kovalev KO 7
Ben Gibson: Yarde KO 6
Dan McConnell: Yarde KO 6
FightPost: Kovalev KO 9
Gary Kittilsen: Kovalev Decision
Henry Walter: Kovalev KO 6
Jack Maher: Kovalev KO 5
Jack Price: Kovalev KO 8
Jordan Victor: Yarde KO 7
Josh Wooler: Kovalev KO 7
Matthew Dean: Yarde KO 10
Nathan Cartwright: Kovalev KO 3
Sina Latif: Yarde KO 9