TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019

Why Russian hostility holds no

fear for brave Yarde

The Brit is looking to upset the odds on away turf (Getty)

DECLAN TAYLOR

Before Anthony Yarde had ever set foot in a boxing gym, a teenage life of ducking and weaving through the
back streets of east London had already lead him into significant danger.

Guns and knives underpinned much of his adolescence but, now 28, Yarde says those memories will serve
him well this week in Russia.

The undefeated puncher worked his way into the mandatory position for Sergey Kovalev’s WBO light
heavyweight title via a perfect 18-0 record (17 KOs). He gets his shot at the belt on Saturday night but he
has had to trek to Chelyabinsk to do so.

Sport /Boxing