Joshua Buatsi vs Anthony Yarde talks are underway but unfavourable
Hopes of Anthony Yarde (25-3, 24KO) facing Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13KO) seem to be diminishing after Yarde has claimed that there are ‘unrealistic’ demands being made.
This all-British light heavyweight clash has been brewing for some time.
‘JB’ is a decorated Olympian who has taken it slowly but surely in the professional ranks, currently unbeaten in 18 bouts.
Last time out, he beat his long-time sparring partner Dan Azeez on points over 12 rounds, in WBA world title final eliminator in February, and many now want him to face Yarde, who has twice challenged for world titles against Sergey Kovalev in Russia, and Artur Beterbiev in London.
Though he lost both fights by knockout, he came away from the with plenty of plaudits.
The 175-pound rivals were expected to come to blows somewhere in London this June, but first everyone involved, including long-term broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports, and promoters BOXXER and Queensberry, must all agree on the finer details.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Yarde has voiced his frustration, “There’s a lot of back and forth in negotiations. A lot of unrealistic wants and things like that from certain people.
“We’ll see what happens. I want the fight. He’s saying he wants the fight. It’s about trying to get a fair deal going, and trying to make the fight happen for ourselves and the fans.
“Nothing’s been agreed yet. With the negotiations there’s so much different things being said – hopefully we can finalise something.”
Buatsi’s duel with Azeez was a fantastic advert for British boxing, not just because of the epic battle the boxers produced in the ring, but also due their mutual respect of each other and professional conduct throughout.
“Both of them [Buatsi and his previous opponent Dan Azeez] relatively impressed me [when they fought in February],” Yarde added.
“They went out there and put on a decent fight for the fans. There was a couple of knockdowns, which was of course entertaining, and two good fighters in the ring. It was a good fight for the fans. If it’s a stadium fight and it sells out – icing on the cake. If not, as long as there’s a fantastic crowd, the atmosphere’s great, and it’s a good fight and I win, it’ll be an amazing night.”