Light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde would not rule out the scenario of moving up in weight to challenge WBO cruiserweight king Chris Billam-Smith.
The jump in weight would be quite a leap – with a 25-pound move to a division limit of 200-pounds.
At light heavyweight, Yarde has managed to secure two world titles shots.
in 2019, he came close to stopping then WBO champion Sergey Kovalev, but gassed out in the process and suffered a stoppage loss. Last year, he challenged unified champion Artur Beterbiev. He had some exciting moments against the unbeaten puncher, but once again suffered a stoppage defeat.
There are still some big opportunities for Yarde at 175 – like facing the winner of next month’s clash between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez.
Tunde Ajayi, who trains and manages Yarde, says the British fighter would certainly agree to a title fight with Billam-Smith.
“There are some great fights, some great possibilities for Anthony primarily as the fighter and myself as the manager and trainer to explore. We were even talking about big fights up at cruiserweight,” Ajayi told Sky Sports. “I would even go so far, if you put the right proposal to Anthony now, he’ll fight Chris Billam-Smith tomorrow. 100 million percent.
“Anthony has been a cruiserweight from the beginning of his career, it’s discipline and dedication which has allowed him to make the light heavyweight division. It’s not because he’s not willing go and fight bigger guys. It’s no secret, he’s a massive light heavyweight in terms of width. He packs a punch. We know that he’s capable of fighting as a cruiserweight no problem. We just have to wait and see what comes up. That’s the honest truth. We’re ready. We’re always ready. Anthony’s a consummate professional.
“He trains and spars with bigger guys, has performed well against British champions at cruiser and even world champions at cruiser in the gym. So I don’t think there’d be any problem with Anthony moving up to that weight and fighting Billam-Smith.”