Lyndon Arthur vs Anthony Yarde 2 provides an interesting scrap for U.S. boxing fans from across the pond on Saturday night (December 4) and of course we have betting predictions for you.
These two British light-heavies met for the first time almost exactly a year ago, with Arthur taking what many saw as a clear decision victory behind some terrific slick boxing. Yarde – of course – disputed that version of events.
So to the inevitable rematch we go and here are the latest odds and predictions ahead of Saturday night in London.
Arthur vs Yarde Predictions
Revenge or repeat? That’s the narrative ahead of Saturday’s second course between Arthur and Yarde. While Arthur will be plotting a repeat performance, Yarde will have revenge in mind when he goes in again with the Commonwealth light-heavyweight boss.
The 19-0 (13) Arthur essentially won their first fight with his jab after boxing with what looked like an injury to his right hand – which he barely threw – for the full 12 rounds. Yarde was the fancied fighter going in, the flashier operator and former world title challenger. However, in the early going Arthur stepped off his man and thumped home long, fast jabs which kept his London opponent at bay.
Yarde struggled with Arthur’s movement and skills but did nearly turn the fight on its head in round 12 when he shook Lyndon up with a right hand and swarmed over his opponent. Arthur weathered that particular storm though to emerge as a split decision winner (Ian John Lewis carding a frankly unfathomable 117-111 for Yarde while the other two judges agreed on a 115-114 result for Arthur).
Since that first fight Yarde has had just 2:32 seconds of action. That was all it took for him to blow away Alex Theran in August. Arthur meanwhile was taken nine rounds by Davide Faraci before stopping a brave but ultimately overmatched Italian.
Much of the blame for Yarde’s 2020 was placed at the feet of Tunde Ajayi, Anthony’s long-time trainer and manager. Tunde is still training the Londoner, who has beefed up his team by bringing in the knowledgeable James Cook.
It would be a shock for that duo to change Yarde’s style and you have to wonder if he has the skillset to turn the tables on ‘King’ Arthur. You might even see a better Lyndon Arthur this weekend with the confidence from beating Yarde first time round.
It’s surprising then to see Arthur as a slight betting underdog this time round with Yarde the -130 favorite (bet $130 to win $100). Lyndon is available at +120 (bet $100 to win $120) right now and that looks a great price based on their first fight. If Arthur won their first fight with his jab, then logic dictates he can get the ‘W’ again with a fully functioning right hand.
OddsCritic Prediction
Lyndon Arthur to beat Anthony Yarde at +120 (BetMGM, Borgata)
NB: Odds correct at 0900 ET on Thursday December 2
What time does Arthur vs Yarde 2 start?
The fight, which takes place at London’s Copper Box Arena, will have ring walks between 1700 and 1800 Eastern Time on Saturday (1400-1500 Pacific).
How to watch the fight on TV or live stream
As yet there is no U.S. broadcaster announced but the bout is being aired on BT Sport in the UK – so right now finding that channel Stateside is your only apparent option.