By Frank Warren
ANTHONY YARDE WILL be packing his gloves for Russia soon with the date for his WBO world light heavyweight title challenge against Sergey Kovalev now set for August 24.
The fact that Anthony so quickly and willingly accepted the mission tells you what you need to know about him and there is no doubt over the incredible self-belief he possesses.
Timing is everything in boxing and I believe we are making this move at the right time, although he will still be coming up against a formidable world champion in Krusher Kovalev.
For me the key will be speed and Anthony will really need to set a high tempo from the off to unsettle the champion and take him out of his rhythm.
Whatever happens, it is going to be a fantastic fight and one for the fans to look forward to.
ANTHONY’S MISSION TO Chelyabinsk, the home town of Kovalev, isn’t the only boxing BT Sport viewers can pop in their diaries for the usually dormant month of August.
On August 3 the cameras are heading to Belfast for Michael Conlan’s second homecoming fight – and a step up – against Diego Alberto Ruiz and it probably won’t be too long before the featherweight star is regularly mentioning the name of Josh Warrington while in media company. The show also features the British welterweight title showdown between Chris Jenkins and Paddy Gallagher.
A week later it is off to Philadelphia for the next chapter of Carl Frampton’s storied career, where he takes on Emmanuel Dominguez to ready himself for another world title tilt.
Then we’ve got Anthony in Russia before the fighting on the home front resumes in September.
BoxNation subscription is £12 per month plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV. €15 per month plus €10 registration fee for ROI Sky TV customers. £11 per month with no registration fee for Virgin Media customers. £12 per month and no registration fee for TalkTalk, Freeview, EE, online and app (iOS, Android, Amazon) customers. No minimum term.
