Anthony Yarde announces October 19 return to the ring

Anthony Yarde will resume his career on October 19 at London’s Copper Box Arena, on a promotion overseen by Boxxer.

The light heavyweight, 33, has remained inactive since stopping Marko Nikolic in three rounds in February.

He had been expected to next fight Joshua Buatsi but became involved in a dispute with Queensberry Promotions, who had guided him from the start of his career. Queensberry’s Frank Warren also threatened him with legal action, but Yarde’s appearance on a Boxxer promotion will revive hopes for a potential fight with Buatsi, also of Boxxer, should he win on the undercard of Adam Azim-Ohara Davies.

“On October 19, I’m back in my home city and I can’t wait,” he said. An opponent is still to be announced. “Everything about it – the occasion; the journey; the arena; the whole event – I’m very excited. The Copper Box Arena is a special venue for me. It’s near where I grew up and I’ve had some great nights there. I’ve been training hard and waiting to get back in the ring to deliver another explosive knockout performance.”

“We are excited to introduce the electrifying talent of Anthony Yarde to our High Voltage fight night on Saturday, October 19,” said Boxxer’s Ben Shalom. “It’s a huge addition to an already stacked fight card. Fans can look forward to an incredible atmosphere and an action-packed night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena in London.” 

Yarde’s divisional rival Dan Azeez fights Lewis Edmondson on the same undercard that also features Michael McKinson-Tulani Mbenge at welterweight, Jeamie TKV-Franklin Ignatius at heavyweight and Francesca Hennessy’s next bantamweight contest. 

Buatsi defeated Willy Hutchinson via split decision at Wembley Stadium on September 21 to remain on course to fight the winner of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed title on October 12.