By Harry Hog: British light-heavyweight sensation Anthony Yarde defends his WBO European and Intercontinental titles against Tony Averlant on Saturday at the York Hall, London.
‘The Beast’ will be hoping to put on another stellar performance as he continues his rapid rise in the light-heavyweight division. The Brit will be looking to make it 13-straight KO’s against the relatively unknown Frenchman Averlant.
Yarde (14-0, 13 KOs), will be making his second defence of both titles and will be headlining a Frank Warren card for the first time. The 26-year-old has made an explosive start to his career with all but one of his victories coming by way of knockout inside 4 rounds.
The Brit fought five times last year. His most recent outing was a fourth-round KO victory over Nikola Sjekloća back in December at the Copper Box arena in London, becoming the first man to stop the Montenegrin fighter.
He goes into Saturday night as the heavy favourite.
Averlant (26-9, 5 KOs), has won his last two fights, but the only opponent of note on his record is former world champion Juergen Braehmer. And he was brutally knocked out inside two rounds against the German.
It should be another straight forward night for the monstrous Yarde, his frightening power should prove far too much for the French journeyman.
Expect another earlier KO victory as Yarde continues his impressive rise to the top. He has all the attributes required to be a future world champion and is without a doubt one of Britain’s brightest young fighters.
A potential domestic showdown with Frank Buglioni for the British title is on the horizon for Yarde.
Prediction: Yarde wins via KO
On the undercard, exciting young heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois will be defending his BBBofC Southern Area title against DL Jones (8-0-1).
Like Yarde, Dubois (6-0, 6 KOs) is seen as one of Britain’s brightest young talents and possess unbelievable power. The 20-year-old has demolished all six of his opponents inside two rounds since turning pro last year.
Dubois was last in action back in December when he dispatched of Dorian Darch in the second round.
In Jones, he faces a fighter unbeaten in nine outings, very much the heavy underdog, Jones should not prove too much trouble for the young hard-hitting Dubois.
Expect another brutal and dominant display from the London man as he continues to make waves in the heavyweight division.
Prediction: Dubois wins via KO
Also on the undercard is rising Super-Featherweight star Zelfa Barrett, as he faces Ronnie Clark for the vacant IBF European Super Featherweight title.
Barrett (19-0, 12 KOs), defeated Chris Conwell back in October in Leeds to win the English title. The Mancunian is hoping a victory will set up a clash with Lyon Woodstock Jr in the near future.
Clark (20-4-2, 10 KOs), represents a stern test for Barrett, the 33-year-old is experienced and defensively sound.
Barrett will need to be patient if he is too break down the dogged southpaw. But with his fluid movement and precise shot selection, Barrett should be able to wear Clark down late on and potentially produce the stoppage.
Prediction: Barrett via late KO
Twitter: @HazHogg