Anthony Yarde on fight with Benavidez: I am excited
Anthony Yarde said the fight is a big challenge for him because Benavidez is one of the best in the world and because he will have another chance to be crowned champion
Anthony Yarde expressed that he is very excited to have gotten the opportunity to face David Benavidez, 175-pound champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
In an interview with Boxing Scene, Yarde stated that the fight is a big challenge for him because Benavidez is one of the best fighters in the world and because he'll have another chance to become a world champion.
“I'm excited. The deal was closed very quickly and without problems, thanks to my personality. As soon as they approached me, I said, 'Of course,' and now we're fighting. My personality has been proven time and time again; I don't care who the name is. That it's him makes it even better, because he's one of the best in the world, and I see it as another opportunity to face a big challenge; another opportunity to win a world title. Beterbiev's record is still probably the most dangerous,” he said.
“Benavidez is highly rated, he's highly avoided, he's very, very avoided. In fact, I'm excited again. It's a big challenge for me. I'm going to fight him; I'm someone who accepts every challenge. I'll see on the night (how good he really is). He hasn't fought anyone like me yet. I've never been one to look at against anyone or how he's done. For example, when the fight between Beterbiev and me was scheduled, everyone said I was crazy; that he was out of my league. 'This guy is a killer.' I feel like you go in there, you have a fight, and if it's your turn, you'll win it. Play your best; if it's my turn, I'll win the fight. We'll see," he added.
Callum Smith - interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) 175-pound champion - was expected to be David Benavidez's next opponent after his promoters and the British fighter himself had confirmed negotiations between both teams, but this changed.
Let's remember that after Dmitry Bivol decided to vacate his WBC belt, the Mexican-American became absolute champion and expressed that he was interested in fighting Smith or Anthony Yarde.
In the end, it was Yarde who won the challenger spot, and this will be his third opportunity to try to become a world champion. The Mexican Monster, on the other hand, will be making his first title defense after dominating David Morrell Jr. in his last appearance in the ring last February.
Anthony Yarde, 33, is fresh off a victory over Lyndor Arthur last April and could now become the WBC light heavyweight champion. The English fighter has 27 wins (24 by knockout) and three losses.
Meanwhile, David Benavidez, 29, won the WBA regular 175-pound belt from David Morrell after defeating him on the judges' scorecards. The Mexican Monster has a record of 30 wins, 24 of them by knockout, and no losses in his professional career.

