WBO orders purse bid for Sergey Kovalev vs Anthony Yarde world title fight

A purse date of April 8 has been set for a purported world title fight between WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev and challenger Anthony Yarde. Last month, the organization had given promoters for each fighter 30 days to reach an agreement.

When the talks failed, the purse date was ordered. The minimum bid for the bout is 300,000.

Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) who’s career the last few years has resembled a rollercoaster, regained the WBO title by handily defeating Eleider Alvarez, the same fighter who upset him in 2018. The three-time champion boxed intelligently, stinging Alvarez with solid jabs and stinging hooks.

The muscular Yarde is undefeated in 18 fights, scoring 17 knockouts. His competition has hardly been elite. Last month he stopped somebody named Travis Reeves. Questions about his stamina and chin remain unanswered. Kovalev will bring his boxing pedigree and big-time experience into the fight.