Boxing never sleeps, and with Fury-Wilder III in the rearview, attention has turned to exciting fights on the horizon. There were major announcements in the light heavyweight division, a belated return for a superstar middleweight and the targeting of a legendary fighter’s chocolate. All this and more, as we run through the stories you may have missed this week.
Arthur vs Yarde II Is Official
After originally being rumoured to air on 9 October as a UK lead-in to Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III, the anticipated rematch between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde will take place on 4 December.
The first fight featured a stunning upset, as former world title challenger Yarde dropped a split decision to Arthur for the Commonwealth title. Both men have won since, with Arthur scoring a TKO over Davide Faraci, while Yarde knocked out David Theran.
Yarde had Sergey Kovalev on the brink of a stoppage before losing in his world title challenge, but will find a return to that level tough if Arthur wins again. The first fight was tight, with Arthur controlling matters behind the jab and doing enough to win. He can move on to world level if he repeats the trick this winter.
Chris Eubank Mugged
British great Chris Eubank had a Louis Vuitton bag stolen from outside his home on Tuesday. The iconic former two-weight world champion was most concerned with the half-eaten chocolate bar that was inside, telling the Evening Standard: “It's been in there for six days just ready to eat. I like it at that temperature and they took it.”
The mugger in question certainly did not choose his target wisely, a fact acknowledged by the former boxer, who boasts 23 career knockouts. “He couldn't have known who I was because he wouldn't have tried it. He was just looking at the prize.”
Chris Eubank Jr Added To Saturday Card
Completing a Eubank family double-header, Chris Eubank Jr makes his delayed ring return on Saturday. He was supposed to fight Anatoli Muratov two weeks ago, but the German pulled out on medical grounds.
The young Eubank will instead face 28-1 Wanik Awdijan, with the pair already exchanging barbs on social media. The fight takes place on the undercard of Savannah Marshall’s world title defence against Lolita Muzeya in Newcastle.
Wilder Will Fight Again
Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has confirmed his charge will fight again. Asked on social media if ‘The Bronze Bomber’ will return to the ring after his 11th-round stoppage loss to Tyson Fury, Scott replied: “Hell yeah, he’s already talking about the ‘get-back’.”
Wilder has been hit with a six-month medical suspension after suffering a brutal knockout in the already-classic fight, but it is encouraging to hear that he intends to return and join an exciting heavyweight mix.
Beterbiev vs Browne Is On
Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev faces his sternest test yet when he takes on Marcus Browne on 17 December. The Bell Centre in Montreal will host this 175-pound humdinger, as Beterbiev looks to extend his run of 16 knockouts in 16 fights.
Browne will provide tough competition in his first world title challenger. The American has only ever lost to the elite-level Badou Jack, and will look to seize Beterbiev’s IBF and WBC titles. Sky Sports will air the card in the UK.
