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Anthony Yarde announces shock career development as Joshua Buatsi talks stall

Written by Tom Eaton on 12th April 2024.

yarde buatsi

Anthony Yarde releases statement about his current contract

It seemed that a domestic dust-up between Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi was poised to be announced imminently, yet fans and Buatsi are still sat waiting. Today, Yarde has offered his explanation behind the delay, revealing a monumental shift in direction for his career.

Yarde has twice challenged for world honours but came up short against both Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev when bidding for 175lb gold, although many still believe him to be the top dog in the light-heavyweight division, as far as British fighters are concerned.

Meanwhile, Joshua Buatsi maintained his undefeated record and looked back to his best in a solid victory over Dan Azeez in February, leading to demands for a fight between both men that they both appeared to agree to.

Yet, Joshua Buatsi shared his bemusement on Sky Sports, with all details finalised for a clash at Selhurst Park alongside an all-British world title fight confirmed, but missing Yardeโ€™s signature.

“Yarde โ€“ what is going on man? We have got a sick venue โ€“ a stadium, weโ€™ve got a date, what is the delay? What is happening? Iโ€™m out here working man, letโ€™s go, letโ€™s make it happen.”

In response, the Hackney hitter announced that he still intends to face Buatsi, but explained that his contract with Queensberry Promotions is up and that he looking for a new deal either with them or elsewhere.

“Right now, my previous promotional contract has expired. My team are doing their job to negotiate the best deal for me going forwards. Once that is all sorted, me and you [Buatsi] can start negotiations for the fight, to put on the fight for the fans and for ourselves because I know that we want to fight each other. It is exciting times.”

Buatsi-Yarde is expected to take place on June 15th, live on Sky Sports, although Buatsi may be forced to look for an alternate opponent if Yarde continues to delay negotiations.