Anthony Yarde says he’s relishing the chance to upset the odds and dethrone light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on Saturday night in London.
Yarde, 31, is a big underdog against the WBO, WBC and IBF belt holder, who has 18 knockouts in 18 fights.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Yarde said being unappreciated would provide additional motivation.
“Being underdog, over-dog, middle-dog, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m a dog,” he said.
“I understand why the bookmakers have figured it out, again that’s what keeps me going.”
Yarde cut a calm figure alongside Russia’s Beterbiev, a man of few words, as attempts to draw some conflict from rivals failed.
“Why do you want us to be angry with each other?” You think we don’t fight? the champion joked when asked to explain why he called Yarde a “bodybuilder”.
“In our side, we always try to be ready for different scenarios. If it’s a tough fight, we’ll be ready.”
Yard has a previous unsuccessful attempt to win a world title when he was stopped by then-WBA champion Sergey Kovalev in 2019.
Beterbiev added the WBO title to his IBF and WBC belts last June by eliminating fellow champion Joe Smith Jr in two rounds.
The 38-year-old is the only world champion with a 100% knockout rate and Yarde said beating a fighter of Beterbiev’s stature to become unified champion would make his journey to the top even more enjoyable.
“I like it, it gives me goosebumps,” Yarde said.
“I’m as happy as Beterbiev, that ‘scary person’. I’m happy. I’m happy it’s three belts.
“It makes it all so much better. It feels like it’s deserved, no easy way out.”
“He should be respected, I respect him so far,” he added.
“But when it’s in the ring, there’s no respect. You’re trying to take respect away from your opponent.”
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Just a few hundred yards from where the fight will take place at the OVO Arena on Saturday, Yarde came face to face with the “scary” Beterbiev.
The Russian’s reputation is dogging him and it was no shock he wasn’t in the mood for a verbal fight.
Beterbiev is known to do most of his talking in the ring. Did he remember Yarde in a technical fight in 2012? No. Had he worked on increasing his speed in the camps? No. Did he have a message for Yarde? No.
Yarde, the challenger, appeared relaxed and happy.
The east London fighter didn’t accept the suggestion that Beterbiev thought he was more of a ‘bodybuilder’ than a boxer.
“I feel like I’m chiseled,” he replied with a smile. Few people give Yarde any hope against Beterbiev, who boasts a perfect record of 18 knockout wins in 18 fights.
There is no secret to this success, according to his coach Mark Ramsey, but Yarde will know the extent of his task.
He must try to develop a hitherto unknown formula to overthrow the champion. It would be a momentous upset if he did, and Yarde promoter Frank Warren is confident he can pull it off.
“I just feel like we’re going to experience something really special on Saturday night,” he said.
