BT Sport

Richie Woodhall on BT Sport: "Bravery being shown here by Yarde but he can't afford to make mistakes.

"His toughness and resilience are being tested here. You get the sense that Beterbiev is starting to rise to the task."

Image source, PA

Really strong start by Beterbiev and a couple of excellent shots get through and Yarde's legs are wobbling.

Beterbiev senses an opportunity to end this and has Yarde up against the ropes, a double jab pushes Beterbiev back and the crowd roar in encouragement for Yarde.

The two then exchange some powerful punches as they battle for control. A pulsating round of what has been an excellent fight so far.

The flow of the start of the third round is disrupted slightly as Yarde loses his gumshield.

Beterbiev shakes it off to get a jab through to Yarde's body. There's signs the champion is finding his rhythm a bit now after his opponent's energetic start but Yarde gets a fine body shot through to remind Beterbiev he can't let his concentration slip.

Beterbiev, however, lands a big shot right before the bell just as Yarde looked to try and finish the round strongly.

BT Sport

Steve Bunce on BT Sport: "I think that may have been the best two rounds of Yarde's career, great timing and determination.

"Yarde is going toe-to-toe with Beterbiev."

Yarde continues to look to try and do some early damage and a sweeping left hook just fails to find its target. He's successful with another soon after and that long left hook will be of some concern for Beterbiev.

Yarde is then stuck in the corner and Beterbiev throws a few before Yarde gets out of trouble.

A superb uppercut from Yarde lands and gets the crowd going once more and another strong left hand gets through just before the bell.

Great stuff from Yarde, excellent first two rounds.

BT Sport

Richie Woodhall on BT Sport: "Yarde keeps landing with his left over the top and punishing Beterbiev for stepping forward.

"It's a fascinating fight."

Tyson Fury suggested Yarde needed to be aggressive from the off and he certainly makes an energetic start, moving quickly around the ring, inviting Beterbiev onto him.

A strong left hook will give Yarde some encouragement before Beterbiev walks onto another shot that has the crowd going.

Beterbiev lands a body shot just before the bell but a good first round.

Here we go!

The pre-fight formalities are completed, the crowd roar one more time before the bell goes to signal the start of round one.

Huge roar as Yarde's name is announced to the crowd, who then boo Beterbiev, although there is a decent amount of cheers too.

If Yarde is to pull off a shock tonight, the home support could play a big part.

Now here comes the champion Artur Beterbiev. He too is giving little away with the emotion on his face but he is certainly an intimidating sight as he makes his way to the ring.

Richie Woodhall on BT Sport: "I think Yarde has got a great chance, he's at his peak and in his prime.

"I think it could be a long contest."

The Arena lights dim, the strobe lights kick into action as Anthony Yarde makes his way to the ring.

The odds may be stacked against him but Yarde is looking cool and calm as he steps between the ropes.

What we thinking then? Over with early doors? A long fight on the cards?

The ring walks are about to begin.

Hannah Rankin
Former light-middleweight champion

Beterbiev wears down his opponents and eventually the punches take their toll. It's accumulative.

He slowly unravels people. And he's got a great chin. I've seen him take some big punches and walk straight through them and throw back his own.

He's got this steadfast mindset where he's unmovable. That's how he comes across. That's where his monster reputation comes from.

Anthony Yarde is relishing the chance to upset the odds and dethrone light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev tonight.

Yarde, 31, is a big underdog against the WBO, WBC and IBF belt holder, who has 18 knockouts in 18 fights.

"Being underdog, over-dog, middle-dog, it doesn't matter to me. I'm a dog," he said. "I understand why the bookies have got it that way, again that's what edges me on."

BT Sport

Denzel Bentley on BT Sport: "Starting fast and reckless is the wrong move.

"I think Yarde needs to be negative in the sense of making sure Beterbiev can't get his shots off and can't land early.

"He definitely needs to get his jabs off to settle into the fight.

"His conditioning and stamina let him down in his last title fight but he should be all good now."