BRITISH light heavyweight boxer Anthony Yarde believes he can defeat Artur Beterbiev, if they meet in the ring.
Joe Smith Jr was defeated by Beterbiev in just two rounds to win the WBO title.
In an attempt to add the WBA belt, Yarde, a Canadian-based Russian, is set to face Yarde in October.
Yarde, 37 years old, boasts an 18-0 record with 18 knockouts. But Yarde is certain he can upset the apple tree.
Yarde, 30 years old, was present at the ringside as Beterbiev won his 3rd belt in New York. He told reporters, "Beterbiev will be coming to London. We are going to make that happen."
"It's a lot, but I have the opportunity to make a lasting legacy.
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"Money is finite, but the legacy will last forever. As soon as I return to London, the preparations will intensify. Many people will be shocked by my surprise. I'm quite confident."
"He proved what he was - very strong and a great power puncher. Beterbiev was able to exploit Smith's tactic. He could have gone in more confident, with more jabs, and with more footwork.
Yarde is Beterbiev's mandatory challenger by the WBO. His professional record is 22-2, with his last fight against Lyndon Arthur in the fourth round.
Beterbiev may also be open to a fight against Dmitry Bivol (current WBA champion), but Yarde is unlikely not to let this happen.
SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGSYarde said: "The key is to beat Beterbiev to be sharper and faster, smarter, and more intelligent. We'll see what happens on fight night. He's a big hitter, but he wasn't swinging too hard.
"As you have seen in boxing, the punch that hurts most is the one you don't see." Both looked slow to me.
Yarde would fight Beterbiev in his second attempt at a title. His first was in defeat to Sergey Kovalev, WBO champion in 2019.
