Anthony Yarde will challenge Artur Beterbiev for his unified light-heavyweight titles in London tonight.
The British star returned to action with a keep-busy win over Stefani Koykov in November, but will not face arguably the toughest test of his professional career when he challenges for the IBF, WBC and WBO straps against Beterbiev. The Russian has not been defeated in his time in professional boxing, and has a perfect KO record of 18 in 18 wins.
Yarde will know that he will need a career-best performance to topple the Russian who is looking to set up an undisputed clash with his fellow countryman Dmitry Bivol.
Here is all you need to know ahead of the huge light-heavyweight showdown tonight…
When is Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde and what time will it start in the UK?
The fight will take place on Saturday January 28 at the OVO Wembley Arena. Action is expected to get underway at around 7pm with a full undercard of action for viewers to see before the main event action. It is expected that the main event ring walks will begin at around 10:30pm with the fighters set to touch gloves at any time between 10:45pm and 11:00pm.
This will depend on the duration of the previous bouts with the likes of prospect Moses Itauma and his brother Karol also in action.
How to watch via TV and live stream
The fight will be shown exclusively on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate from 7pm with the undercard action set to be be broadcast. Viewers will not be required to pay any additional costs with the fight card included as part of their standard subscription.
Action can also be followed via the BT Sport app and on mobile, tablet and laptop via BTSport.com.
Full fight card
Main Event: Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde – IBF, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight world titles
Artem Dalakian vs David Jimenez
Karol Itauma vs Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna
Willy Hutchinson vs Emil Markic
Charles Frankham vs Joshua Ocampo
Umar Khan vs Sandeep Singh Bhatti
Sean Noakes vs Santiago Garces
Tommy Fletcher vs Darryl Sharp
Joshua Frankham vs Joe Hardy
Khalid Ali vs Ivica Gogosevic
Moses Itauma vs Marcel Bode
Odds
Beterbiev 1/7
Yarde 9/2
Draw 47/1
Who do you think will win – Artur Beterbiev or Anthony Yarde? Let us know in the comments section below
Quotes corner
Beterbiev: “I feel good. I hope on January 28 I will change a little bit (to turn into a monster). I said he looks like a bodybuilder because of his muscles. I don’t have this muscle and I didn’t say it to mean anything bad. I said it because he looks strong!
“In our camp we always try to be ready for different scenarios. If it is a tough fight we are going to be ready, we will be ready for whatever. I just try to do my best.”
Yarde: “I feel like I am always smiling. I am happy to be alive, happy to be at this stage of my life as well. I am a dog. When I get in that ring and start throwing my hands about, everyone knows what I can be like. If being an underdog does anything to me it is to give me that little push, that little urge.
“He has done a lot in the sport and that is why he should be respected. When we get in the ring there is no respect and you try and take the respect away from your opponent. It doesn’t matter now, my preparation is different now and I have learned since then as well. I am a different type of fighter with different life experiences. I am ready for Saturday.”
