Anthony Yarde was AHEAD of Artur Beterbiev on scorecards before KO loss

Anthony Yarde fell to a bitterly disappointing defeat to pound-for-pound star Artur Beterbiev on Saturday night, though proving he belongs at world level with a stunning disaply. 

The Briton, who has now lost both of his world title fights – also falling short against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 – was actually ahead on the judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage. 

Yarde had 19-0 knockout artist Beterbiev hurt on numerous occasions but was eventually stopped in the eighth round as his corner pulled him out following a heavy knockdown. 

But Yarde was actually ahead of his opponent heading into what proved to be the final round

There could be no complaints regarding the stoppage, despite Yarde getting to his feet and signalling his intentions to continue, with a knockout-hungry Beterbiev ready and waiting to pounce. 

But Yarde in the seven prior rounds proved he was right to have faith in himself prior to the bout, with two of the three judges having him ahead going into the eigth round.  

Jerome Lades was the only judge who had it in favour of Beterbiev, having him a round up at 67-66 heading into what proved to be the final chapter of the fight. 

Robin Taylor meanwhile had Yarde a point up, with rounds four, five and seven going to the undefeated Russian. 

Jun Bae Lim had Yarde comfortably ahead, giving the Briton five of the opening seven rounds before he was eventually stopped.  

More to follow…