British promoter Frank Warren today at a press conference in London will announce officially the fight of the mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (18-0, 17 KOs) against WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) on August 24 in his hometown of Chelyabinsk in Russia.
Talks about the fight between Kovalev and Yarde were going on since March. Kovalev team also tried to negotiate with Saul Alvarez team, but the representatives of "Crusher" were not able to negotiate with the Mexicans about finances, and they have returned to negotiations with Frank Warren. As Tunde Ajayi the coach of Yarde said, "I do not remember a fight in which the boxer with so little experience was going to fight against such a strong champion in his hometown."
Kovalev regained his title in February by winning a unanimous decision over Eleider Álvarez, whom he lost last August. Yarde in turn, knocked out Travis Reeves in the fifth round in his last fight in March.
Fight with Kovalev will be a huge leap forward in the level of opposition for the Brit, one of the best prospects in the light heavyweight division in recent years. Yarde has not yet had occasion to meet with the opponent of such a high class, and his amateur experience is also extremely low. At the same time one can not deny Yarde in charismatic style and a real talent, as well as an impressive physical strength.
