WBO Orders Highly Anticipated Interim Showdown at Light Heavyweight

Rumours have been swirling for weeks regarding Anthony Yarde (25-3, 24 KOs) vs. Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs), but a deal wasn’t completed, however, the potential fight has received a boost, with the WBO officially ordering the two British fighters to clash for its interim light heavyweight title. The ordering of the fight is due to the postponement of the June 1 undisputed light heavyweight clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, due to Beterbiev rupturing his meniscus in training.

WBO Order Interim Title Bout for Anthony Yarde vs. Joshua Buatsi

WBO Statement

“Because of Beterbiev’s unavailability due to injury and required recovery time, this committee hereby determines that [it] is in the best interests of boxing and the contenders in the WBO Light Heavyweight Division, that an interim championship is justified subject to specific provisions by this committee in order to terminate the interim champion status within a required time in accordance with our policy of only one world champion in each weight class,” said the WBO in a statement.

“Therefore, by virtue of today’s ruling, the activity in the referenced weight category is not interrupted and consequently, safeguards and protects the rights and interests of the remaining contenders.”

What Happens Next?

Buatsi moved to 18-0 following his unanimous decision win over Dan Azeez in their British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight title clash. Yarde has undoubtedly mixed at a higher level, losing to Beterbiev in January 2023 and a defeat against Sergey Kovalev back in 2019.

Both fighters’ teams will have ten days to reach an agreement before they go to purse bids, with a minimum bid of $300,000. The winner would receive a shot at the full WBO light heavyweight crown.

A plan remains for Bivol-Beterbiev to happen towards the end of the year, with the winner of Yarde and Buatsi in line to face the winner for the WBO crown.