Boxing Pick: Under 6.5 Rounds (-115) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles will be on the line this weekend when the undefeated, 100% KO record of Artur Beterbiev will be tested by the formidable Anthony Yarde.
Continue reading for our in-depth analysis, taking a first look at the light heavyweight championship bout between Beterbiev and Yarde, including updated boxing odds and our free expert boxing betting picks.
Make sure to check out the best US Betting Sites available in order to make your bets.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Anthony Yarde
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout
Saturday, Jan 28, 2023 – 03:00 PM EST at OVO Arena Wembley
Artur Beterbiev Profile
- Professional Record: 18-0-0 (18 KOs)
- Age: 38
- Born: Dagestan, Russia
- Height: 6'0"
- Reach: 73"
- Stance: Orthodox
They say a fighter's final wilting attribute is his punching power.
If this sentiment holds true for Artur Beterbiev, the light heavyweight division should continue to avoid fighting the most successful KO artist on the roster.
The Light Heavyweight Destroyer
The unified light-heavyweight king Beterbiev just turned 38, and his opponents, upcoming or future, will be preying that Father Time is catching up with the Dagestani ‘Beast from the East.’
Unfortunately, the former Olympian and current IBF/WBC/WBO ruler made quick work of Joe Smith Jr. last summer, showing zero signs of slowing down, a loss of power, timing, or the accuracy, as he stopped the fight within two rounds.
During his pursuit of becoming the greatest ever, Beterbiev has stopped all 18 of his opponents via knockout or technical knockout. He’s not only the most feared power puncher in the light heavyweight division but arguably the heaviest hitter on the planet, alongside the likes of Deontay Wilder.
Artur Beterbiev Boxing Accomplishments
- Unified Light Heavyweight Champion (IBF, WBC, & WBO)
- 2012 Olympic Quarterfinalist
- 2008 Boxing World Cup Gold Medallist
- X2 European Championship Gold Medallist (2006 & 2010)
- The only champion with a 100% KO record
Artur Beterbiev Best Available Odds: (-810) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Anthony Yarde Profile
- Professional Record: 23-2 (22 KOs)
- Age: 31
- Born: London, England
- Height: 6'0"
- Reach: 72"
- Stance: Orthodox
Unknown to some, England’s own, Anthony Yarde, has a victory over Beterbiev, but it wasn’t in the ring.
In late 2022, the two squared up at a carnival punching machine as the Englishman hit 989, and the Russian’s score read 805. However, it was smiles all around, and it likely indicated that we shouldn’t take these machines too seriously.
Two Heavy Hitters
That said, Yarde is also known for his heavy hands, as this Saturday will be a clash of power punchers. However, Yarde himself believes he’s the owner of faster, smoother hand work, and his speed will assist him to victory.
Yarde will have the advantage of fighting in his own backyard when London meets Dagestan on Saturday.
Despite his decorated career, the English-born underdog has two losses on his record and hasn’t faced anybody with the lights-out power of Beterbiev.
Anthony Yarde Best Available Odds: (+550) at BetOnline
Beterbiev vs. Yarde Analysis & Betting Prediction
How can Beterbiev defeat Yarde?
As the winner is expected to face Dimitry Bivol and unify all the light heavyweight titles, Saturday’s contest could be Beterbiev’s final chance to prove he’s the No.1 in this weight class. With that in mind, we should expect the best version of him.
Beterbiev doesn’t waste time and has rarely gone past the middle rounds versus any of his opponents, and those unfortunate to exceed the sixth round have just received a more suffering time in the ring.
Throughout 100 amateur bouts, it’s evident that Beterbiev has mastered the technical approach of delivering his power behind a level of coordination that even the most skilled defensive fighters couldn’t hide from.
Yarde will need to dance outside of range all night long consistently, and I can’t envision him playing chase in front of the London crowd.
Yarde’s confidence will likely be his downfall, as a mid or short-range punch from Beterbiev will end the night how most critics expect.
How can Yarde defeat Beterbiev?
Yarde will need to play the long game and avoid brawling with the Russian, but this will be easier said than done with thousands of English supporters cheering him on.
Speed and accuracy are no issue for the Londoner, who undoubtedly owns the power to cause problems.
Still, he’ll need to step inside or time the perfect counter to make the Russian respect him, and as mentioned, entering the pocket could result in a short night for the Brit.
Point-fighting his way to victory is possible and the best chance of success for Yarde. Popping the jab, frustrating Beterbiev while causing him to lose gas, could be a path to victory for the significant underdog.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Antony Yarde Betting Pick
The current available odds at BMR are highly juiced in favor of the Russian, but this is expected.
I don’t expect this fight to exceed 6.5 rounds, and with a price of (-115), I appreciate the value. Beterbiev by KO isn’t available at the time of writing, but this is another betting market I’d be willing to wager on.
The brute force of the Russian fighter hasn’t been solved or even maintained for an opponent of Beterbiev’s to reach the judges' scorecards.
Yarde is a world-class boxer, but we can’t ignore the chaos Beterbiev has caused thus far, and all it takes is one.
Boxing Pick: Under 6.5 Rounds (-115) [1.15u returns 1u profit] at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
