Yarde takes on the challenge of trying defeat one of boxing’s biggest punchers when he welcomes Beterbiev on Saturday night with three light-heavyweight titles on the line. 

In 2019, Kovalev rolled back the years as he dominated Yarde for large portions of their world title encounter.  

Yarde had a brief period of success in the fight, but Kovalev remained too good, and he secured victory in the fight’s penultimate round.  

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, the former ruler at light-heavyweight expects Beterbiev to get the job done earlier.  

“I think it’s going to be an interesting fight, but in my opinion, Artur will smash him,” said Kovalev when speaking with Ring IQ.  

“I was in trouble when I fought Anthony Yarde. I was in trouble in round number seven or eight because I was drained of my energy by losing weight. I lost more than 15 pounds for this fight. He couldn’t stop me.  

“What I think so, Artur will finish him in the middle of the fight. It’s boxing. Not later than six. I think so, five, six. They’re both big, strong & smart. Therefore, it’s an interesting fight, but I think so, Beterbiev will smash him before the middle of the fight.”