Anthony Yarde faces Ricky Summers in his ring return
Anthony Yarde (23-3, 22KO) hits the comeback trail towards his next world title challenge on September 23 with an all-British clash against Ricky Summers (19-3-1, 6KO) at the OVO Arena, Wembley on the Zhilei Zhang-Joe Joyce rematch card, live on TNT Sports.
The Beast from the East returns to the ring after his brave challenge to unified world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in front of a packed, enthralled crowd at the same Wembley venue.
Now Yarde is looking for more big nights and it starts with a return against Ricky Summers, but who is his 27th opponent? Find out below…
Ricky Summers
Now 36, Ricky was born in Wolverhampton, West Midlands on July 27, 1987, but now resides in Wombourne, Staffordshire.
He attended The Willingsworth High School in Tipton, which was later destroyed in an arson attack in 2010.
In 2011, he reached the English National Championships Quarter-Finals (Merseyside/Cheshire v Midland Counties), then one month later, in May, he was an English National ABA 81kg semi-final (North) runner-up.
The 6′ 1" 175-pounder is nicknamed "Digger".
He is signed to promoter Errol Johnson's Black Country Boxing.
His pro debut was against Jody Miekle in June 2012, which he won on points at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton.
He reached 13-0 when he stepped up to fight Frank Buglioni for the British light-heavyweight title in 2017. He did extremely well for himself, with one judge scoring it just one round the other way at 114-115.
He defeated Joel McIntyre in March this year to win the English light heavyweight title, with scores of 98-93, 96-94, 97-93.
It was his second tilt at the English belt, having dropped a split decision against the current British and European champion Dan Azeez in April 2021, which is one of the best results anyone has acheived against the "Super" man from south London.
He also owns an International Masters title.
He counts Midlands Area title contender Tom Stokes as his training partner. He has also trained with former European champion, Kirstie Bavington
Ricky's long-term strength and conditioning coach is Tom Rogers.
He is married to Jodie Summers and they have two young children together, plus a French Bulldog, Luna. He has a younger brother, Leon, and a sister called Bethany.
Outside of the ring, he loves to go clay shooting.
What's been said?
Ricky Summers: “Big thanks to my team, BCB Boxing, for getting me this opportunity. I know I'm stepping up a few levels but these fights and these big nights are what it's all about. Also, thank you to Queensberry Promotions for a big opportunity, let's see what the beast is all about… ready to rock and roll!"
Frank Warren: “I am delighted to be getting Anthony Yarde back in business following his January exploits against Artur Beterbiev. He wants to be and we want him to be in a major fight again before the end of the year so a tough domestic opponent like Ricky Summers is the perfect test in order to bring Anthony back to his best. While Ricky will be an obvious outsider, we all know he will give his absolute all and make it as uncomfortable as possible for the favourite.”
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