ANTHONY YARDE took violent revenge on Lyndon Arthur in order to end their grudge over light-heavyweight.
Nearly one year after Arthur's shock points win against Hackney's ace, 30-year-old Yarde was back with a four-round demolition job.
Anthony Yarde can look forward a world title shot following a brutal revenge win over Lyndon Arthur
Joe Smith Jr will defend his WBO light heavyweight title against Brit Callum Johnson. Yarde's win means that he will be facing the winner of that US match.
Yarde's Army booed Arthur on his way to Copper Box ring, but after his Manchester crowd heard it, they cheered for the champion.
Arthur was accompanied by Sunny Edwards, his best friend and IBF flyweight champion. Sunny made a huge impact at the first behind closed doors clash by loudly advising Yarde from the Church House balcony while also slamming Yarde.
Yarde jumped into action, first with a left-handed whipping hook that hit Arthur's head, then with a right into Arthur's ribs.
Yarde was able to surprise Arthur with a three-punch combination, which seemed to stun Arthur. Arthur was trying to hold and jab early on.
Arthur grabbed Yarde and held him while he recovered.
As the high-stakes battle threatened to become a wrestling match, there was plenty of grappling.
Referee Bob Williams could have been more determined to stop the manhandling, but he was unable to get between the two rutting Stags.
Arthur was able to score with just a few straight shots, but not enough to hurt his opponent.
Yarde made another left hook thidding that wobbled Arthur early in the third Yarde, but he blasted his way back into the stanza.
The bell rang and there was a great exchange between the brave men as they traded powerful shots before shrugging them off.
They grinned and nodded to each other at the end of an exciting round.
Yarde then landed a brilliant right to Arthur's body as soon as the fourth began.
The injured animal managed to stay on his feet, but was beaten against the ropes until finally he collapsed.
