Anthony Yarde has an interesting few weeks ahead of him. 

The light heavyweight will pay close attention to events in Quebec City this weekend when his former opponent, Artur Beterbiev, defends his WBC, IBF and WBO titles against Callum Smith. His world ranked British rivals, Dan Azeez and Joshua Buatsi, will then meet in a London derby, the result of which could have a significant impact on how Yarde’s 2024 plays out.

A week after that, Yarde will get the opportunity to display his own talents when he appears on the undercard of the Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Liam Williams middleweight fight.

Last January, Yarde (24-3, 23 KO’s) gave Beterbiev a real run for his money before being stopped in eight exciting rounds. The Londoner still sees himself as the top dog amongst Britain’s talented crop of 175lbers but respects Smith and believes that of all his British rivals, the Liverpudlian has the next best chance of pulling off the upset that just eluded him.

“You’ve gotta give Callum Smith his respect,” Yarde told Queensberry. “He’s in a division, he’s fought top tier opponents. Again, ability wise I put myself first. Courage wise, I’ll still put myself first. 

“I think right now, top one and two is between me and Smith. Everyone knows I’m an honest person and I give my honest opinion. After that would be probably Joshua Buatsi and [Dan] Azeez.”