British light-heavyweight Lyndon "King" Arthur has reflected on the significance of his epic three-fight rivalry with Anthony Yarde, describing the trilogy as a defining part of his legacy in the sport.
Speaking on his career, Arthur emphasized the rarity and historical importance of being involved in such a series, a feat not many boxers get to experience.
"I don't know if in British boxing history... people will be ranting and raving about the fact that we, me and him had a trilogy," Arthur said. "For me, most definitely, you don't get to be involved in trilogies. In fact, you need dance partners. Not a lot of people get dance partners."
The series of bouts saw the two British rivals compete on ever-growing stages. "The first fight was behind closed doors, and the second fight we sold out the Copper Box. And then the third fight was in front of what, maybe 50,000, 45-50,000 people at Tottenham stadium," Arthur recalled. He sees these moments as the pinnacle of a fighter's ambition. "How many boxers will you know that would say they would love to fight at Tottenham stadium? That is dreams of these guys', fighters' dreams. I've done it."
Despite the intense competition inside the ring, which saw Yarde emerge with a 2-1 series victory, Arthur explained that the rivalry is built on a foundation of long-standing respect.
"I've known [him] for years, and we're not strangers. I've sparred him many a times, done many a rounds," he stated. "There's no animosity. We're just... in the same weight division and this is just business."
Arthur added that he and his rival support each other when they aren't facing one another. "Regardless of me, if it wasn't me he was fighting, I'd want him to win," he admitted. "And I'm pretty sure he'd want me to win if it wasn't him I was fighting, or I wasn't fighting one of his friends."
For Arthur, the ability to have been part of such a memorable chapter in British boxing is a source of immense pride.
"That's history for me," he concluded. "I'll always be able to look back on that and say, 'I have had a trilogy in British boxing.'"
