British boxer Anthony Yarde is poised to "shock the world" this Saturday night when he challenges the undefeated David Benavidez for the WBC light-heavyweight world title, according to his steadfast trainer, Tunde Ajayi.
Third Time Lucky for the Lion King?
This world-title shot in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a third attempt at glory for Yarde. His brave 2019 effort to dethrone Sergey Kovalev for the WBO belt ended in an 11th-round stoppage. Two years later, his unification bout with the formidable Artur Beterbiev was halted by his own corner, a decision that drew both praise and criticism but which Ajayi insists was made with Yarde's long-term health in mind.
The tight-knit duo have weathered storms together, including a shock 2020 loss to Lyndon Arthur, after which Yarde resisted calls to replace Ajayi. They subsequently gained revenge against Arthur, and now believe their moment has finally arrived against Benavidez.
A Coach's Conviction and Sacrifice
Ajayi's belief in his fighter is unshakable. He reflected on the pivotal decision to stop the Beterbiev fight, telling PA: "Initially Ant was upset because he thought he could have fought and he was ready to dig in. But I said, 'Please trust me. You will be what you’re going to be, but you will be what you’re going to be [while] healthy'. There is life after sport."
He sees their current position, topping a star-studded card in Riyadh featuring names like Devin Haney and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, as a direct result of that protective call. "All of this came from me halting a fight because I was more concerned about Ant’s future than the present," Ajayi stated.
The Lion vs The Monster in the Kingdom
The stage is set for a spectacular clash. Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), known as the "Mexican Monster," stepped up to the 175lb division last year but has appeared less dominant in recent outings. This has given Team Yarde immense confidence.
"It is the third time and really we’ve been here before," Ajayi reflected. "With Benavidez, we’re going into it with so much experience... I feel like the boxing world and public... are talking about the next fight [for Benavidez] – and I’m like hold on! I think it is set up perfectly for Anthony to perform."
Framing the narrative perfectly, Ajayi concluded: "We all know Ant is the Lion King. It’s the Lion against the Monster in the Kingdom. I am so excited, I really am, and I think Ant is going to shock the world." The British fight fans will be hoping his prophecy comes true.
