Anthony Yarde was AHEAD of Artur Beterbiev on the judges' scorecards before being stopped by the knockout artist to lose his second world title fight in dramatic fashion
- Anthony Yarde was stopped by Artur Beterbiev in the eighth round on Saturday
- The Briton put in a remarkable display against a pound-for-pound contender
- Yarde was ahead of Beterbiev on two of thre scorecards after seven rounds
Anthony Yarde fell to a bitterly disappointing defeat to pound-for-pound contender Artur Beterbiev on Saturday night, though proving he belongs at world level with a stunning disaply.
The Briton, who has now lost both of his world title fights - also falling short against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 - was actually ahead on the judges' scorecards leading up to the stoppage.
Yarde had now 19-0 knockout artist Beterbiev hurt on numerous occasions but was eventually stopped in the eighth round as his corner pulled him out following a heavy knockdown.
![Anthony Yarde (left) was stopped by Artur Beterbiev (right) in an all-time classic on Saturday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/01/29/00/67081813-11688231-image-a-19_1674952043638.jpg)
Anthony Yarde (left) was stopped by Artur Beterbiev (right) in an all-time classic on Saturday
![But Yarde was actually ahead of his opponent heading into what proved to be the final round](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/01/29/00/67081621-11688231-image-a-12_1674951469597.jpg)
But Yarde was actually ahead of his opponent heading into what proved to be the final round
There could be no complaints regarding the stoppage, despite Yarde getting to his feet and signalling his intention to continue, with a knockout-hungry Beterbiev ready and waiting to pounce.
But Yarde in the seven prior rounds proved he was right to have faith in himself before to the bout, with two of the three judges having him ahead going into the eighth round.
Jerome Lades was the only judge who saw it in favour of Beterbiev, having him a round up at 67-66 heading into what proved to be the final exchanges of the fight.
Robin Taylor meanwhile had Yarde a point up, with rounds four, five and seven going to the undefeated Russian.
Jun Bae Lim had Yarde comfortably ahead, giving the Briton five of the opening seven rounds before he was eventually stopped.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/01/29/01/67082333-11688231-image-a-23_1674955216985.jpg)
Yarde showed immense character and heart as he rallied after being hurt by the Russian
![Before he was knocked out, Yarde proved he was right to have faith in himself](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/01/29/01/67082335-11688231-image-a-24_1674955309863.jpg)
Before he was knocked out, Yarde proved he was right to have faith in himself
![But the Briton was eventually floored and Yarde was unable to claim his first world title win](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/01/29/00/67081199-11688231-But_the_Briton_was_eventually_floored_and_Yarde_was_unable_to_cl-a-20_1674952667427.jpg)
But the Briton was eventually floored and Yarde was unable to claim his first world title win
The scorecards will not soften the blow for Yarde, however, who now faces another rebuild job with his record sitting at 23 wins and three defeats.
An enticing showdown against fellow Brit Joshua Buatsi is an option, though.
As for Beterbiev, the 38-year-old - who is no doubt in the twilight years of his career - is hoping to secure an undisputed light-heavyweight showdown against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
In victory, Beterbiev retained his WBC, WBO and IBF titles, with Bivol - who beat Canelo Alvarez last year - also looking to complete the set to sit atop a division thriving with talent.
Beterbiev, speaking to BT Sport after the fight, said: 'He's [Yarde] young and he has time and I hope he does well in the future.
'If I'm honest, I was prepared for all of those punches and that's why I could keep coming back at him. I hope one day I will be a good boxer.
'I think it would be pleasant to face [Dmitry] Bivol. It would be a really good fight.'
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