Lyndon Arthur vs Anthony Yarde 2 – Who wins and why?
Who wins – 'King Arthur' or 'The Beast from the East'?
Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13KOs) rematches with Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20KOs) in an event presented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions on December 4 at the Copper Box Arena in London.
It's been an entire year since their first fight, which undefeated 'King Arthur' edged on points – just a single point on two of the three judges cards.
Each of the light-heavyweight rivals have scored a stoppage win inbetween this return fixture, just so it's all to play for in an even fixture where the WBO No.1 spot is up for grabs for the winner… but just who will that be? BBN have asked their panel of experts right here:
Hannah Rankin
Two-time world champion
"I personally only see this going the same way as before with Arthur using that beautiful jab to keep Yarde at range and this time I think we’ll definitely have that right hand coming more into play as it was injured last time.
Yarde will need to pressure right from the beginning of the fight to get in close and start quicker to have more success like he did nearer the end of the last fight.
I’m going with Arthur for a points win."
Dec Spelman
Former light-heavyweight champion
“I think the second fight is going to be a lot different from the first. Yarde will need to put pressure on Lyndon right from the start, he can’t afford to sit back. If Arthur is fully fit with no injuries, he could outbox him again.
“Yarde is a muscle-man and that uses up a lot of oxygen. Yarde may come out fast to try to take him out early, so if Arthur could stay away from him and survive the early rounds then he could possibly take him out later on.
“If Arthur is injury-free, sustains the early onslaught, I think he beats Yarde late on, but I'm sitting on the fence for this one.”
Peter Sims
Boxing Trainer
"From the first fight, although I think Arthur is still in with a great chance to win this double derby, I’m going Yarde with a win and possible late stoppage."
Aqib Tahlat
BBN Writer
"A very intriguing fight. First fight was a great boxing display from Arthur as he imposed his strong jab all fight and won a very one-sided fight, in my opinion.
Yarde has a lot of power in his arsenal and it only takes a few combinations to change the whole fight. However, I’m going to have to go with Arthur again, as he is the more superior and smarter boxer.
Arthur – Unanimous decision."
Matt Marsh
Former British champion
"I think Lyndon Arthur will beat Anthony Yarde late stoppage or points."
Tim Rickson
BBN Editor
"I had Anthony Yarde winning the first fight, when watching it live, believing that his aggression would sway the close rounds in his favour, but I was obviously wrong about that. Watching it back, I can see Arthur's accuracy and intelligence were, in fact, nicking the rounds for him instead.
Regardless of getting it wrong, the fight was incredibly close still and inevitably it will be again in the return match. It's surely going to be much of the same, but in my view, it's Yarde who has to come into the fight improved, while Arthur will be looking to do the same again. I almost forgot that Lyndon Arthur had an injured right hand, so he could be twice as effective in the rematch!
Because of Yarde's necessity to improve and adapt, possibly even his one last chance at the big time, I expect him to do what he did in the first fight but far better and, this time, I think it could be him just winning another close contest on points. Both guys are tough, so I'll be surprised if there's a stoppage."
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"Yarde has always had his limitations but combined with stagnated momentum and development, he now looks like a fighter who will sadly be seen as one that never fulfilled his potential. There will be some that point the blame in the direction of his much maligned trainer Tunde Ajayi but ultimately Yarde has to take responsibility for the performances he puts in the ring, and the people who he chooses to prepare him, out of it.
Lyndon Arthur meanwhile has done things the hard way, working his way up and diligently honing his craft under the stewardship of the highly respected Pat Barrett. By the time his initial contest with Yarde was announced, the Manchester man was primed to steal the spotlight and did so with a fine display of jabbing, moving, defence, and discipline.
What changes in the rematch? Yarde could attack with greater vigour, using his heavy hands to seek the early rounds finish and simply overwhelm 'King's Arthur with brute size and strength.
However, Arthur isn't stupid and should he have a lapse in concentration or a rush of blood to his head, he can rely on his trainer to bring him back in track.
I predict Yarde's gas tank empty in the alarming manner it did against Kovalev, and as soon as he is out of gas, he will soon be out of ideas, swinging and missing, whilst becoming very familiar with his opponents jab, as he was during their first meeting.
Arthur may have to survive an early onslaught but eventually gains control of the battle and win a fairly clear unanimous decision."
Dee the Hat
Boxing Trainer
"I have to back Lyndon and Pat. They are the team with real boxing knowledge and experience behind them. I don’t even think the first fight was close. I think the rematch will be closer though, but I still see Lyndon winning on points."
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